Over the past 6 months, I’ve professed my love of protein in multiple posts including my tips and tricks to losing a size in a month and my roundup of GNC’s protein powders. In fact, when I look at pictures from this time last year, I attribute the fact that Bo and I have lost weight during marathon training to protein. These days when we are starving after a run or during the day we grab nuts, cheese sticks, cottage cheese, Chobani, or whip up a smoothie.
Therefore, when Fitfluential asked if I was interested in reviewing Special K’s protein enhanced line of cereal, bars and shakes I was more than happy to give them a try. Special K’s new campaign, The Protein Effect or #theproteineffect, revolves around the positive effects protein can have when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
- Some research suggests people who get 30% of total calories from protein will feel full longer. Go willpower!
- Higher protein intake may be beneficial for weight management
- Protein helps satisfy hunger and in turn helps you stay on track
I used to eat Special K cereal for breakfast when I first started losing weight six years ago. While I love the flavor of Special K I’ve since realized that a 100 calorie bowl of cereal can’t constitute breakfast for me these days. I need protein, fiber and more nutrients. But, a new enhanced line of Special K products that would be perfect office snack options to battle the afternoon hunger strike? Count me in!
I received an adorable bright Special K red box bursting with assorted products.
I took the box contents to my office last week and enjoyed them throughout the week in place of my normal afternoon snacks. In addition, I enjoyed the shake this weekend after my final double digit long run.
Here’s the low-down on my thoughts regarding each of these different products.
Special K Protein Plus Cereal: I am a huge fan of cereal but rarely eat it anymore since I have oatmeal most mornings for breakfast. I have absolutely LOVED having a serving of this in the afternoon with a few berries and a splash of skim milk. It’s a fun change to my afternoon snacks and I like the flavor and crunch. Yes, definitely!
Special K Protein Shake: Okay I definitely have a love hate relationship with these. I really didn’t care for the strawberry flavor or the vanilla flavor which was surprising as those were the two I thought I’d like best. They both seemed too artificial tasting for my liking. But, the chocolate one came through for me this weekend when I had to dash from my long run to yoga and didn’t have time to make a smoothie. This 10 oz shake clocked at 190 calories, 5 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, and 18 g of sugar. A bit high on the sugar side but the chocolate was mild and the flavor was smooth without any chalky aftertaste. I’d definitely buy this again and keep a few in the pantry for emergency situations. I do have to admit that the plastic wrapper around the top made them a bit annoying to open. Would I use my own money to buy these again? Yup, but only the chocolate!
Special K Protein Meal Bar: I definitely prefer the cranberry walnut bar over the chocolate ones as those were far too sweet for me. This was a perfect snack bar but NOT a meal bar. Sorry Special K, I love you but 170 calories doesn’t equal a meal in my book. However, 170 calories, 10 grams protein and 5 grams of fiber is a great snack! I wish that sugar wasn’t the second ingredient on the list but if I can grab something like this versus the Halloween candy that is taking over my office than I consider it a win. Would I use my own money to buy these again? Nope, sorry!
So there you have it. My take on these products and the ones I’d buy again or pass on if I was spending my own cash.
To find out more about these products and #theproteineffect project you can follow Special K on Twitter and use the hashtag #theproteineffect to see how others feel about the products and share your experience. Special K is on Facebook too!
How do you fight hunger?
FitFluential LLC compensated me for this campaign. All opinions are my own.
I’m thinking that I should try the cereal. I’m an oatmeal girl too, but sometimes get a hankering for something different. Really appreciate cereals that are higher in protein!
Thanks for the review!
I grab nuts after a run, too.
I used to love Special K, too, but have similar problems. The Protein Plus cereal sounds like it’d be great as a snack or to mix into Greek yogurt as a granola alternative!
The best protein sources are there come from meat, poultry and fish. If you’re a vegetarian the best protein sources come from hemp seeds, quinoa, beans, egg whites (if you eat eggs), pea protein and rice bran protein. I am sorry, but I do not find Special K to be the ideal source of protein. They used SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE in all of their “protein” products and it has been documented in numerous publications that this isolate can contribute to cancer and thyroid malfunctioning. :-/ Don’t even get me started on their “protein drinks”… I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news on this. You can still choose to eat whatever you’d like, I just really couldn’t keep my mouth shut on this one.
I appreciate your thoughts and feedback! I never said there were perfect protein sources as I agree that meat and beans are best. But, these are great in a hurry.
I definitely do enjoy the Special K Protein bars and shakes! It’s perfect when I do a workout before I go somewhere because it’s so convenient and great for recovery.
Yup Michelle! They aren’t perfect but great in a hurry!
I tried the Special K diet back in the day! I do enjoy the cereal once in a while and will have to look the protein special k in the grocery store.
I’ve never tried the shakes, but I do like the bars and cereals most of the time. I also love their new crackers! They’ve got several flavors, and a serving is decent enough to count as a real snack for me.
I would like to now where to buy special k protein drinks in Montreal CanaDA