PRODUCT REVIEW

Product Name:

Flash 5 Protein/Energy Bar

Manufacturer:

Flash 5 Energy Foods, BC

Category:

Nutritional Supplement Protein/Energy Bar

Available From:

Mountain Equipment Co-op, Save-On-Foods, IGA, as well as many fitness stores (and coming soon to Walmart)

Flavours:

Café Mocha, Wildberry, and Orange Blast

(Trail bars: Coconut Express, Oat Berry, and Carrot Cake)

Ingredients:

FlashPro protein blend (soy protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), dates, dried apples, milk chocolate coating (sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), raisins, rolled oats, soybean oil, dextrose, dextrin, soy rice crisps (rice flour, soy flour, soy protein isolate, sugar, malt extract, cocoa, salt), fructooligosaccharides, (natural extract of chicory root), glycerin, soy lecithin, coffee solids, natural flavour, ginko biloba, Korean ginseng, lycopein, lutein, vitamins and minerals

(Café Mocha flavour)

Nutrient facts:

Also contains

Vitamins: A, D, E, C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, Folacin, B12,

Pantothenate, Biotin

Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodide, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium, molybdenum

Analysis based on Café Mocha Flavour

Comments:

-Lower in calories and carbohydrates than many energy bars

-Bars also come in new ‘Trail’ bar format that don’t have a chocolate coating (so it won’t melt on you in warm weather)

-Low amounts simple carbohydrates, and relatively high levels of fibre will decrease peaks in blood sugar levels

-Best consumed with fluids to assist digestion/absorption

-Overuse may lead to inappropriate replacement of whole foods

Suitable for:

Snack: Suitable as a convenient low calorie snack

Pre-exercise: May need to be eaten with other carb-rich foods or fluids.

During exercise: Compared to many energy bars, higher protein content and lower in carbohydrates. May not be the best option during exercise.

After exercise: Relatively high in protein, consumed with high carbohydrate foods makes it a viable post-workout option.

Performance Rating:

3/4

The rating system is on a scale of 1-4. Below are the classifications for these:

1 = very poor choice

2 = not recommended in most situations

3 = suitable for some individuals/athletes in specific situations

4 = overall a good product, meets majority of requirements and will suit most situations

Taste Analysis:

Chewy; milk chocolate coating makes it similar to a high protein chocolate bar.

Real Food Alternative:

2-3 fruit filled cookies and 1 cup low fat milk.