EatStrong Trail Mix & Energy Bar

The EatStrong Energy Bar and Trail Mix are two snack options offered as part of the EatStrong program advertised on Eatstrong.com. An overall wellness program that includes consultation, nutrition, training and motivation includes these two snacks as wholesome, convenient snacks geared towards helping you reach your “fitness and physique goals.”  Although both snacks boast “high quality, clean ingredients,” the only organic ingredient in either of the snacks are the cacao nibs and the chocolate drops.

The Energy Bar, advertised as an energy fueled mix of finely crushed flax seed, sunflower seed and hemp seed with whey protein isolate, oat bran, organic cacao nibs and organic chocolate drops was one of the least palatable energy bars I’ve had.  Not only was it visually unappealing to eat in part because of its coloring, but it felt like it disintegrated into dust in my mouth when I bit into it.  It wasn’t something I’d want to eat before or after any workout or for any reason at all.

The Trail Mix, a combination of walnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds, sunflower seed, flax, and organic chocolate drops seemed nothing more than your average trail mix found in your local supermarket.  Flax seeds, which are the size of sesame seeds, were difficult to get out of the bag and made for a messy eating experience nor did they offer any flavor.  Perhaps some dried cranberries or raisins would have helped this mix.

As for these products being “green,” I don’t buy it.  No sustainable practices are mentioned in the production of the snack or anywhere on the product website.  It seems more like just another weight management product or gimmick, like the meals you have to buy when you become a member of one of those celebrity endorsed weight management programs you see on TV.