Skip to main content

Solo GI Energy Bars: Product Review

Chocolate Charger (box of 12)

I was recently sent some Solo GI Energy Bars to try.  The whole family was exited, and when I opened the package, it took mere seconds for the kids to decide they were keeping them all for themselves.  Its not the first time I don't get to sample, but since were 5 bars, one of each flavour, I did insist they let Adam, at least, have one.

The idea behind these gluten-free bars, is that they provide a lower GI response compared to many other snacks and bars because of the protein and added fibres.  So when I read the ingredient list, I was both puzzled and disappointed.  The bars contain quite a bit of added sugar!  In fact, the 50g Dark Chocolate Orange flavour, for example, contains 20 grams of sugar!!

I find it really weird that they would add sugar.  Why not at least coconut sugar, which is lower on the GI than regular sugar?  Or xylitol or erythritol, which unlike the other alcohol sugars, are safe and do not cause stomach upset?  What about stevia?  There are so many better options out there, that I really fail to understand this product.  Oh, and the derived fibres they add are not proven to have the same health benefits as natural sources of fibre. 

So from a health and nutrition perspective, I give these a thumbs down.

What about taste?

Well, that's where these guys get bonus points.  Adam ate the Chocolate Covered Peanut flavour and he thought it was yummy...and he is very picky about bars.  The girls adored all the flavours, but agreed the Dark Chocolate Orange and Chocolate Charger flavours were their favorite.  The lemon one was also a hit as they said it taste like lemon candy.

So are these a better option than a candy bar?  I suppose so, but I would definitely stop short of calling these healthy.

Disclaimer: I was sent these complimentary bars by the company, but all opinions on this blog are my own (and those of my family).

Comments

  1. Bummer about the nutritional aspect of them...have no idea how they can call themselves low GI!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Japanese 7-Spice Kelp Noodles

I love trying new spices and seasonings, so I am very excited that the President's Choice Black Label line now has a bunch of new spice blends available.  My most recent find: Shichimi Togarashi, or Japanese 7-Spice blend. It's a combination of crushed red chili flakes, sea salt, Szechiuan peppercorns, black and white sesame seeds, poppy seeds, orange zest, wasabi powder and nori seaweed flakes. I make Japanese-inspired dishes all the time, but resort to the same old flavours most of the time: miso, soy, sesame, ginger and garlic.  I was so excited to be able to liven things up a bit. This dish is easy and tasty, although be warned that this seasoning packs punch.  I used 1 tsp, which ended up being too spicy for me, and I have a high tolerance for heat!  I recommend 1/4-1/2 tsp, or, if you don't like heat at all, make your own at home and omit the red chili flakes.  You'll get all the flavour without the heat. I served these noodles with a mix of seafood (

Blackfly Coolers: Product Review

Summer is over! Well, at least if you're a student. Officially it doesn't end for a few weeks, and it certainly still feels like summer. Yeah, I hate it. This f*cking hot, humid weather needs to end NOW! We made the most of our last weekend of the summer with our annual trip to the CNE on Friday, with a crowd of friends. It wasn't unbearably lot, thank goodness, and the girls and their friends had a blast on the rides.  Saturday I had to work, and Sunday was errand day. Monday we took the girls berry/apple/pear picking but didn't last long due to the heat. I organized the house to prepare for the construction workers starting back up yesterday, while Adam took the girls for a swim in our neighbourhood pool. Yesterday was the first day of school. Grade 2 and Grade 5. Yep, the girls are growing up.  We are fortunate that the girls don't have much anxiety about school, they are so much more confident than I ever was as a kid! But now, in the midst of our reno ch

How to Look Like a Celebrity

Okay, I know you're going to be interested in this post! I am sure virtually every woman in North America has wondered how Hollywood celebrities achieve such 'perfect' bodies.  Well, at CAN FIT PRO last week, one of Hollywood's top fitness trainers, Eric the Trainer , was there to tell us fitness professionals the secrets! Eric the Trainer, gave several presentations, and I caught the one on Celebrity Secrets, and it was most interesting!!!  I also found some of what he said rather disturbing. First off, he was very upfront about the fact that celebrities come to him for improve their appearance.  Not to improve their health or athletic performance.  To look their best.  He admitted that his approach then, is entirely dedicated to that end. Male and female celebrities are trained in completely different ways because Hollywood wants women to be lithe and thin and in his words, "look like they dropped out of heaven looking this way without every having ste