Tasting Protein Snacks and Drinks Reveals Mediocre Results

Ideally, our daily meals and snacks would effortlessly combine convenience, fantastic flavor, and optimal nutrition.

However, compromises are inevitable in reality. We frequently crave items like ice cream, candy bars, and chips, which make it very easy to consume excessive amounts of fat and carbohydrates. Conversely, hitting protein targets takes deliberate effort—especially for individuals, such as this author, who prefer to avoid eating large quantities of meat.

Fortunately, as noted previously, both startup companies and established food manufacturers are making it easier than ever to boost protein consumption. From snack bars and ice cream to sodas, consumers can now obtain this sought-after macronutrient through items typically associated with fat, starch, and sugar.

The burning question remains: Do these products actually taste good? To find out, a local Target was visited to purchase a variety of protein-infused foods created by venture-backed startups. The author and a 10-year-old companion then put them through a formal taste test.

The conclusion? Most of these items are indeed edible and drinkable, though almost never as delicious as their lower-protein alternatives—with just a single exception.

The complete findings are detailed below:

No. 1: David Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert: Anyone who purchases or eats this ice cream alternative will do so strictly for the nutritional benefits rather than the flavor. A single pint delivers an impressive 30 grams of protein alongside just 210 calories. Furthermore, the texture hits the mark, offering a creamy consistency that is easy to scoop, complemented by a distinct vanilla taste.

That said, it is impossible to ignore that this item lacks traditional ice cream ingredients. Shoppers who dislike artificial sweeteners or the specific flavor and mouthfeel of whey protein will want to skip it. For the author and the co-taster, however, it provided a reasonably pleasant eating experience. It falls short of traditional ice cream, but is certainly respectable for a high-protein food.

Made by: Medici Brands (David parent company).

No. 2 SkyPop Protein Soda: SkyPop Protein Soda also boasts remarkable nutritional metrics. A 12-ounce can contains only 45 calories, accompanied by 10 grams of protein and just one gram of carbohydrates. It also features proper carbonation and produces a satisfying pop upon opening.

When it comes to taste, however, the local store stocked only the Ice Pop variety. In the judgment of both tasters, it was neither horrible nor something they would choose to buy on a regular basis. That said, it could be useful during a clear fluids diet—such as the preparation required for certain medical procedures—since it serves as a rare source of protein under those restrictions.

Made by: SkyPop (formerly Don’t Quit)

No. 3: Khloud Protein Popcorn: Unlike many alternative options on this list, Khloud Protein Popcorn is not an intensely protein-dense product. A standard serving offers 7 grams of protein and 160 calories, with the majority derived from fats and carbohydrates. Even so, its protein level outpaces standard packaged popcorn, which typically provides roughly 2 grams of protein per comparable serving.

Ultimately, after testing the White Cheddar version, the tasters concluded that this is a decent snack. The taste of whey protein concentrate and milk protein was noticeable, though not overpowering. While it may not be a snack to savor deeply, it fulfills its purpose for casual munching at a desk or while watching television.

Made by: Khloud

No. 4 Mosh: In season three of “The White Lotus,” co-founder Patrick Schwarzenegger portrays a finance and fitness bro who prepares a daily high-protein shake that disgusts his family members. This may have drawn inspiration from Mosh, the brain-supporting protein bar startup he established alongside his mother, Maria Shriver.

Purchased in the peanut butter cup variety, the Mosh bar packs 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and brain-focused ingredients such as lion’s mane and creatine into a small, shelf-stable format. It is a remarkable technical achievement. Yet while our minds might appreciate the supplemental boost and nutrition provided by the Mosh bar, our taste buds firmly rejected it.

The Mosh bar belongs squarely in the functional food category. It represents something you might consume intentionally for a specific blend of nutrients, rather than eating purely for enjoyment.

Made by: Mosh

No. 5 Cadootz Crackers: Evaluating two flavors of Cadootz Crackers—sea salt and cheddar—the testers walked away feeling neither repulsed nor enthusiastic.

For consumers looking for a small snack cracker that is free of gluten and seed oils while delivering around 5 grams of protein per serving, Cadootz fits the bill. It provides a satisfying crunch and acceptable flavor.

As someone who does not actively avoid gluten and seed oils or require a modest protein boost from crackers, the author will likely skip future purchases. Nevertheless, the product should find a happy home among its intended audience.

Made by: Cadootz!

No. 6 Frozen One: Anyone who viewed the David frozen dessert as a triumph of protein engineering will be surprised by Frozen One, which packs a massive 40 grams of protein into every pint.

The remaining question is how it tastes. According to the two-person testing panel, it is not all that bad. Testing both the apple pie and chocolate varieties, the tasters favored the latter. Much like the David product, Frozen One carries the unmistakable flavor profile of sugar substitutes and milk protein concentrate. It will never be mistaken for Ben & Jerry’s. However, if the objective is to ingest steak-like quantities of protein wrapped in the format of an ice cream pint, it accomplishes the task.

Made by: Frozen One

No. 7 Brami Protein Pasta: The best item was saved for last. Surprisingly, that honor went to Brami Protein Pasta, a noodle crafted from lupini beans and semolina that features over double the fiber and approximately 70% more protein than standard pasta.

Providing roughly 12 grams of protein for a 200-calorie portion, Brami is not an ultra-dense protein source. Still, paired with the right sauce, it easily elevates a traditionally starchy noodle dish into a reasonably protein-dense meal.

Most importantly, Brami tastes genuinely good, completely free of strange textures or noticeable aftertastes. To verify the difference, the author prepared both standard noodles and Brami noodles side-by-side. When going back for seconds, the choice was unambiguously Brami.

Made by: Brami

Related Crunchbase query:

• Protein Snacks And Packaged Foods Startups

Related reading:

• VCs Are Still Chasing Protein, Even As Fake Meat Falls Out Of Favor

Illustration: Dom Guzman

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria were used to evaluate these protein products?

The products were evaluated primarily on their taste and texture through a direct taste test conducted by the author and a 10-year-old co-taster, comparing them against their nutritional claims.

Which startup product tasted the best according to the review?

Brami Protein Pasta emerged as the favorite, noted for tasting quite good with no noticeable weird aftertastes or texture issues.

How much protein is found in David Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert?

A single pint of David Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert contains 30 grams of protein and 210 calories.

Are all the reviewed products made by venture-backed startups?

Yes, the review specifically focused on a selection of protein foods sold by venture-backed startups purchased at a local Target.

Did any of the tested products fail the taste test?

While most products were found to be edible or drinkable, the Mosh bar received negative marks from the tasters’ taste buds despite its impressive nutritional profile.