Rise Bar Foods - The Simplest Protein Box Lemon Cashew 12 163102

I finally have the right protein bar. I am a serious enthusiast in running with fuel and recovery being very high priorities. In many cases, fuel and proper recovery outweigh performance. I have tried countless other protein strands, brands, and flavors. This bar an hour before a marathon helped me to achieve a new VO2 Max, new PR, reduced pain after “the wall,” and I was able to return to the training trail after only two recovery days. These are a staple in my pantry now. Many protein bars taste horrible or have a dry chalky texture if they aren’t loaded with junk food ingredients. This one doesn’t have that problem at all. They are almost chewy, great texture, they don’t have the greasy film common in healthier protein bars, and I enjoy the taste. I would equate these, taste-wise, to European sweets. They taste like a treat but without more grams of sugar than protein.

Because of my migraines, I have a very limited selection of protein bars. Pea protein is the only kind that doesn't trigger headaches, and it mustn't be combined with other triggers. Formerly I ate only Garden of Life bars, but they were discontinued. Despite their high calorie count, I find these bars useful in managing my weight. They're filling and add much needed protein to my diet. The taste is acquired. I like mine with a cup of coffee.

Neither my wife nor I can eat these bars. If you have ever driven past a dog food plant (like Alpo in Allentown, Pa where we used to live), you will recognize the odor as soon as you open the packaging. I managed to get a whole bar down, because of the lemon taste (I love lemon flavored anything), but I will never try another one because of the bad taste and smell. To be sure, I offered one to my wife to see her reaction - her nose wrinkled as soon as the package was torn - she bit off a small bite and said she could not eat it. This woman never throws ANYTHING away, and will eat almost anything, as she said so herself. However, she will NOT touch these bars. The honey / cashew bars are edible. However, carob is NOT chocolate. Though we are able to eat them, they are no substitute for real dark chocolate. I will stick to my Quest Bars - they have more protein, and flavor that I have tried has been very, very good - especially the ones with dark chocolate. If Rise is "real food" - I'd rather go hungry than it them. John in Simpsonville, SC

These bars are fantastic for a snack bar. Great protein, low sugar, and barely any ingredients! I'm a huge fan of the minimalistic ingredients. It makes me wonder why other companies use so many ingredients when you can get a good tasting bar with less! The Lemon Cashew is my favorite flavor by far. It's chewy and tasty. The cinnamon flavor tastes good too, but much drier and more cake like than the others that I've had from Rise. Pros: - Easily packable protein bar - Wholesome ingredients - Very few ingredients - Pretty good macronutrient profile. Can't complain much about that. Cons: - There is very little fiber. I eat a lot of salads, and I still notice a difference after eating one of these. - Oils start leaking out of the packaging after a few weeks of sitting in a bag (or shorter if it's hot out). After a few months of having plant oils leak out into the cloth of my backpack, they start to get a little smelly. I've had to wash my backpack to get rid of the odd semi-rancid smell. As long as you eat them right away, it isn't a big deal. Keep in mind that these aren't the best bar to store in a bag and forget about. Overall, I like these bars and have been buying them for the last year or so. Very low in carbs so I can eat them close to b​edtime and not feel bad. They also help me boost my protein intake when I'm traveling a lot. Just remember to eat them with water and you'll be fine!

While looking for a soy free protein bar (which is extremely difficult), I found this awesome brand. Let me tell you, this bar is delicious, filling, and very healthy. The lemon cashew and the snicker doodle flavors are my favorite. Only 4-5 REAL ingredients. Nothing artificial, preservative free, and high in protein. I also like that these bars have a good calorie, fat, and carbohydrate ratio so they're excellent as a snack or fast lunch. They're so easy to throw in my day pack or hunting pack and I actually look forward to eating one. These are a mainstay in my pantry!