Back in December, we talked about Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah protein bars. Now, it is time to discuss their protein powder. You might not think that protein bars and powders for shakes have a lot in common, but these two are very similar. They both have robust and earthy flavors, but present some challenging textures for many. In short, their chocolate plant protein blend is incredibly thick and with larger serving sizes, it can be messy and hard to blend under normal circumstances.
Overall, it is a high-quality product, with a rich and earthy flavor, that would be ideal for someone who isn’t on a budget and is making their shakes in a larger blender at home.
When you look at the packaging and even feel it, you can tell this isn’t one of those hardcore products that tries to fool excited consumers with powerful graphics. You wouldn’t expect it to sit front and center at GNC. Manitoba Harvest is more likely to be hiding in Whole Foods, and I love that because protein supplements should be about quality. The front of the label tells us it is both USDA Organic and NON GMO Product verified, which are both wins in my book. It costs companies a lot of time and money to earn those labels, which shows that they’re willing to invest in their product and not just maximize margins. You also find out that this is a chocolate flavor, plant protein blend drink mix that has 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 1.9 grams of Omega 3s and 6s in one 43 gram serving. This particular container weights 1 lb, or 454 grams, and contains ten servings.
To be fair and honest, as always, many of our product reviews are often compensated. Therefore, we never know the price of the items. We don’t even know where to find the product. My recommendation is to always go right to the source, which in this case is the Manitoba Harvest website. This will help you often avoid trying to hunt down a product in person and will also often allow you to get fresh product. This product is $26.99 on their website, although they have a subscribe and save option for 5% off each delivery. While it might seem a bit expensive to pay nearly $3 for a serving, especially if you’re having a daily shake, here a few things to consider. First, it is a specialty product. Not only is it organic and GMO free, but it is also vegan and kosher. Plant protein products are much more expensive to make than animal based protein products, so you shouldn’t necessarily compare the cost of the two. You should compare it to other plant protein products, which makes the cost seem much more reasonable.
Also, when you’re thinking about the cost, compare it to what you’d spend on a meal. With 12-16 oz of the liquid base of your choice, this could become a 500 calorie shake, which for many would be a meal replacement. If you went out to eat, you’d be spending much more than $3 for your meal, so it could easily help save money in the long run. Most importantly, it would bring consistency to your nutrition plan.
My biggest issue with this product is the lack of convenience. It doesn’t blend well and often clings to spoons and shaker cups, more so than other protein powders. Therefore, the best way to use it is by mixing it in my Ninja blender, which leads to more dishes and a lessened ability to take this on the go or to just add liquid at the gym. Furthermore, it doesn’t come with any scoop. With a serving size of 6 tablespoons, there is more margin for error than you’d expect from a consumer standpoint. I can’t believe they don’t include a scoop. I was digging for it for minutes before realizing they don’t put them in on purpose. I won’t get too far into it, but be prepared.
Overall, I think this is a product that the industry needs. Smaller specialty brands are often refreshing and having an option that is both Vegan and Kosher is more helpful than you might think. With a rich and earthy flavor, the chocolate is enjoyable to consume, as long as you take the time to make it right. While it might not be the cheapest or most convenient option, I can think of some clients who would prefer this over any other product in the market.
Not bad Manitoba Harvest… not bad at all. Stay hungry and fit!
