A taste test of venture-backed protein snacks and drinks reveals most products deliver nutrition but sacrifice flavor.
The reporter and a 10-year-old tested seven products from protein startups purchased at Target. Brami Protein Pasta emerged as the clear winner, tasting good with no off-flavors while delivering 12 grams of protein per 200-calorie serving from semolina and lupini beans.
David Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert packed 30 grams of protein into 210 calories with decent texture, though the whey protein base made it taste less like traditional ice cream. Frozen One offered 40 grams of protein per pint but similarly relied on milk protein concentrate and sugar substitutes, tasting acceptable but not like premium ice cream.
SkyPop Protein Soda delivered 10 grams of protein in just 45 calories per 12-ounce can with one gram of carbs, yet the Ice Pop flavor tested as merely inoffensive. Khloud Protein Popcorn provided 7 grams of protein per serving with a detectable but not overwhelming milk and whey protein taste, landing it in casual-snack territory.
Mosh, co-founded by Patrick Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, packed 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and brain-support ingredients like creatine and lion's mane into a peanut butter cup bar. The tasters classified it as functional food rather than pleasure food.
Cadootz Crackers offered a gluten- and seed oil-free option with 5 grams of protein per serving and decent crunch, suited mainly for consumers seeking those specific attributes.