| 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful |
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| Energy | Average overall rating: 4.1 |
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| Overall rating | 4.1 | |
| Physical energy | 4.5 | |
| Endurance | 4.0 | |
| Pump | 3.5 | |
| Vascularity | 3.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 4.0 | |
| Length of effects | 4.0 | |
| Low development of tolerance | 2.5 | |
| Focus | 4.5 | |
| Alertness | 4.0 | |
| Mental energy | 4.5 | |
| Strength | 4.0 | |
| Taste | 4.0 | |
| Mixes well | 5.0 | |
| Value for money | 4.5 | |
| Ingredient profile | 4.0 | |
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Fruit Punch
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 3.2 |
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| Overall rating | 3.2 | |
| Taste | 3.0 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 3.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 4.0 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 2.5 | |
| Physical energy | 3.0 | |
| Value for money | 3.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 3.5 | |
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 2.4 |
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| Overall rating | 2.4 | |
| Taste | 2.5 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 1.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 2.5 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 3.5 | |
| Value for money | 2.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 2.5 | |
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Coffee Flavor
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 2.9 |
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| Overall rating | 2.9 | |
| Taste | 3.0 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 3.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 3.5 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 3.0 | |
| Endurance | 3.0 | |
| Physical energy | 2.5 | |
| Value for money | 2.5 | |
| Ingredient profile | 2.5 | |
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Double Chocolate
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 3.2 |
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| Overall rating | 3.2 | |
| Taste | 3.5 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 3.0 | |
| Recovery ability | 4.0 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 3.0 | |
| Physical energy | 3.0 | |
| Value for money | 3.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 3.0 | |
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Cookies & Cream
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 2.7 |
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| Overall rating | 2.7 | |
| Taste | 3.5 | |
| Mixes well | 3.5 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 2.0 | |
| Recovery ability | 3.0 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 2.5 | |
| Value for money | 1.5 | |
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Chocolate Swirl
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 3.4 |
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| Overall rating | 3.4 | |
| Taste | 4.0 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 4.0 | |
| Recovery ability | 4.0 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 3.5 | |
| Physical energy | 2.5 | |
| Value for money | 3.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 3.0 | |
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Caramel Pretzel
| 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 2.8 |
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| Overall rating | 2.8 | |
| Taste | 4.0 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 2.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 2.5 | |
| Physical energy | 3.0 | |
| Value for money | 2.5 | |
| Ingredient profile | 2.0 | |
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Double Dark Chocolate
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Muscle & Strength | Average overall rating: 4.2 |
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| Overall rating | 3.1 | |
| Strength | 3.0 | |
| Physical energy | 2.0 | |
| Recovery ability | 3.0 | |
| Pump | 4.0 | |
| Taste | 4.0 | |
| Mixes well | 3.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 3.0 | |
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Dragon Fruit
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 2.7 |
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| Overall rating | 2.7 | |
| Taste | 3.0 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 2.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 2.5 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 2.5 | |
| Physical energy | 2.5 | |
| Value for money | 3.5 | |
| Ingredient profile | 2.5 | |
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Chocolate Mint flavor
| 11 of 14 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 2.5 |
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| Overall rating | 2.1 | |
| Taste | 2.5 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 3.0 | |
| Recovery ability | 2.5 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 1.5 | |
| Immune system enhancer | 0.5 | |
| Physical energy | 2.5 | |
| Value for money | 2.5 | |
| Ingredient profile | 1.5 | |
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I was surprised to see such a protein-focused product from a company like Gatorade, since even most of their efforts at branching out beyond carb-heavy products tend to be geared mostly toward endurance with little muscle gain focus. However, the Recovery series whey protein bar has 20 grams of protein (though not all from high-quality sources - the two main sources are whey protein concentrate and modified corn starch). Of course, to the rest of the mass-gaining world, 20 grams isn't that much, particularly for a bar that weighs in at 340 to 360 calories, depending on the flavor. As a result, this is not really going to be a great option for cutting, but perhaps it was intended as a bulking bar. If so, the people at Gatorade seem to be adhering to the doctrine of dirty bulking, as you'll get up to 31 grams of sugar per bar. Then again, Gatorade is straight sugar, so perhaps we should be thankful.
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 3.1 |
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| Overall rating | 3.1 | |
| Taste | 3.0 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 2.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 3.5 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 3.5 | |
| Physical energy | 2.5 | |
| Value for money | 3.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 4.0 | |
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I'm not sure why it seems so difficult to find good RTDs, since this is a pretty broad product category and one that seems quite popular, so you'd think companies would have a big incentive to make high-quality products. However, it seems that a fair amount of RTD shakes taste bad or provide a nutritional profile that doesn’t seem ideal for those interested in fitness, typically due to high sugar content. The Premier Protein Vanilla Shake bucks this trend, with a pretty impressive, milkshake-like flavor and a nutritional profile that is appropriate even for those who are dieting. With 160 calories per shake, this isn’t the most filling choice ever, but it is good for a quick snack between meals or for a quick boost before or after a workout. This RTD is perfect for those who don’t want to have to bring along loose protein powder or a blender bottle to the gym, as it provides a nutritional profile similar to the average whey shake, with 30 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fat. This streamlined profile is likely to be popular for those looking to pursue the difficult (or impossible, depending on who you ask) task of gaining muscle while losing fat. Despite being low in carbohydrates, the shack still includes 2 grams of fiber, and the protein blend is preferable to plain whey powder, with milk protein and calcium caseinate for a more filling and extended release effect. Additionally, the shake contains an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, making it a great all-around snack.
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 2.9 |
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| Overall rating | 2.9 | |
| Taste | 4.0 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 3.0 | |
| Recovery ability | 3.0 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 3.0 | |
| Physical energy | 2.5 | |
| Value for money | 2.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 2.5 | |
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Cookies and Cream
| 4 of 5 people found the following review helpful |
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| Energy | Average overall rating: 3.3 |
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| Overall rating | 3.3 | |
| Physical energy | 3.5 | |
| Endurance | 4.0 | |
| Pump | 2.0 | |
| Thermogenic effect | 3.0 | |
| Vascularity | 2.5 | |
| Length of effects | 3.0 | |
| Focus | 3.0 | |
| Alertness | 3.5 | |
| Mental energy | 3.5 | |
| Taste | 4.0 | |
| Mixes well | 4.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 3.0 | |
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Pineapple Mango
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Energy | Average overall rating: 2.5 |
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| Overall rating | 2.5 | |
| Physical energy | 2.0 | |
| Endurance | 2.0 | |
| Thermogenic effect | 3.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 2.5 | |
| Length of effects | 3.0 | |
| Focus | 2.5 | |
| Alertness | 2.5 | |
| Mental energy | 2.5 | |
| Taste | 3.0 | |
| Value for money | 2.5 | |
| Ingredient profile | 2.0 | |
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Spider Energy is not a company with which I was familiar prior to seeing its products on the shelf at the grocery store, but when I saw the 99-cent price tag, I was sold (particularly with Monster moving up to $2.39 around here). Despite the somewhat sketchy, fly-by-night look and feel of the can desin, I got two to try in a fitness and non-fitness (driving) context. Despite having 240 mg of caffeine per can, I found this didn't really offer any noticeable boost of energy beyond what you would get from the typical 160 mg/16 oz. enery drinks, so that was a little surprising and disappointing. However, there was a pronounced thermogenic effect, which I was not expecting. The energy that I did get was pretty long lasting, and it was a decent lift in energy, nothing overwhelming but also not unnoticeable. I found this to be good both for fitness and for driving, particularly thanks to the focus and alertness it provided - time seemed to move quickly because I was in the zone. This sugar-free product had a decent flavor with a prominent taste of orange and maybe some other citrus, so it was pleasant to drink. The ingredient profile is fairly typical but not bad, with taurine, caffeine, ginseng, green tea extract and more. Comparable to other energy drinks but with a lower price, this probably isn't something I'd go out of my way for, but I wouldn't avoid it in the future either.
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Energy | Average overall rating: 3.5 |
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| Overall rating | 3.5 | |
| Physical energy | 4.0 | |
| Endurance | 4.0 | |
| Pump | 2.0 | |
| Thermogenic effect | 3.5 | |
| Vascularity | 3.0 | |
| Recovery ability | 3.5 | |
| Length of effects | 4.0 | |
| Focus | 4.0 | |
| Alertness | 4.0 | |
| Mental energy | 4.0 | |
| Strength | 3.0 | |
| Taste | 3.5 | |
| Mixes well | 4.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 3.0 | |
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Key Lime Cherry
| 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 2.7 |
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| Overall rating | 2.7 | |
| Taste | 1.0 | |
| Mixes well | 3.0 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 2.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 2.5 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 2.5 | |
| Immune system enhancer | 3.5 | |
| Value for money | 3.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 3.5 | |
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As this is a major concern for most people when considering purchasing a protein powder, I'll get this out of the way right now - this does not taste good, at all. I'm not really sure if it's supposed to be flavored, and if so, what it is supposed to taste like, but I cannot imagine that it is intended to taste like this. Either way, I still think this is a solid product, which says more about the rest of its attributes than the taste. This isn't the highest protein product, with 10 grams per 90-calorie serving, but with the servings so low in calories, you can easily double or triple up. Each serving contains 2 grams of fiber, as this is more of a general health product than a protein supplement. The protein comes from whey and rice, which is an interesting combo but far from the worst I've ever seen. The major draw comes from the extras - flaxseed for omega-3 fats, a large number of antioxidants and ingredients for healthy liver and gastrointestinal system function. Thanks to the vitamin, mineral, and other nutrient content, this is a pretty well-rounded supplement that is fairly filling and offers a solid bang for your buck in terms of overall health.
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Meal Replacement & Protein | Average overall rating: 2.7 |
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| Overall rating | 2.7 | |
| Taste | 2.0 | |
| Mixes well | 3.0 | |
| Suppressed appetite | 2.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 3.5 | |
| Anti-catabolic | 2.0 | |
| Value for money | 3.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 3.0 | |
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Chocolate Fudge
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Energy | Average overall rating: 1.9 |
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| Overall rating | 1.9 | |
| Physical energy | 2.0 | |
| Endurance | 1.5 | |
| Recovery ability | 1.5 | |
| Length of effects | 2.0 | |
| Focus | 2.0 | |
| Alertness | 2.0 | |
| Mental energy | 2.0 | |
| Taste | 3.0 | |
| Value for money | 1.5 | |
| Ingredient profile | 1.5 | |
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Apparently attempting to be the new Red Bull in Red Bull-Vodkas, this energy drink bills itself as an "experience" and alludes to Vegas probably only to call to mind wild all-nighters. With that said, you'll probably need some other fuel as well, since this energy drink doesn't pack much of a punch. That's a bit surprising considering that its ingredient profile is similar to most other energy drinks although perhaps with a touch less caffeine - 142 mg per 16 oz. can compared to about 160 mg in other drinks. However, the drink also contains taurine, ginseng, guarana and high levels of B vitamins, so it shouldn't only be just the caffeine carrying the burden. This provides an uptick in focus, though nothing overly impressive, and the mental energy aspect definitely overshadows any physical energy improvements, of which there seems to be little. Probably the best aspects of this drink are the low price - about half the cost of every other energy drink on the shelf (though perhaps you get what you pay for in this sense), and the flavor, which is a pleasant kind of fruit punch -- not your typical juice box fruit punch but something a little more bold and flavorful, not at all watered down as you might expect from a sugar-free flavor.
| 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful |
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| Energy | Average overall rating: 2.5 |
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| Overall rating | 2.5 | |
| Physical energy | 3.0 | |
| Thermogenic effect | 3.0 | |
| Recovery ability | 2.5 | |
| Length of effects | 2.5 | |
| Focus | 2.5 | |
| Alertness | 3.0 | |
| Mental energy | 2.5 | |
| Strength | 2.0 | |
| Taste | 2.0 | |
| Value for money | 2.0 | |
| Ingredient profile | 2.0 | |
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Rehab Protean is a truly unique offering, and as such it's really difficult to assess its quality, since it seems like it could be different things to different people. The nutritional profile makes it clear that Monster was trying to combine a protein shake with an energy drink, but I'm not sure how necessary this product really is, as the idea of heavy caffeine plus protein was enough to make my stomach turn. However, I decided I had to try it. The result is a strong "meh," as this provides less of what Monster does best along with less protein than you'd get in the average shake. While Rehab Protean does offer 170 mg of caffeine per can, it comes along with 15 grams of protein, which blunts the energizing effect. This is a pretty low-carb offering, with 10 grams in the entire can (8 grams of sugar), and offers other fairly standard Monster fare such as B vitamins, taurine, tea extracts, carnitine, quercetin. This doesn't really feel like a high-performance beverage, although it does provide energy. They don't seem particularly suited for athletics other than the protein, and one scoop of protein powder plus a caffeine pill or coffee would be cheaper. The taste is bland, like an overly watered down protein shake mixed with low-carb Monster (which may be the case), and the result is not unpleasant but also not enjoyable.
