This review is long overdue but better late than never, right??
Sequel Naturals sent me some Vega Vibrancy bars and Sport Performance Optimizer drink mix to try out. Vega believes you shouldn't have to compromise between whole food goodness and fast food convenience and was created with the following
principles in mind:
- Plant based whole foods are the true future of optimal health.
- Raw foods are the best defense against illness and disease.
- Nutrient density is more important than calories.
- Food should energize through nourishment, not stimulation.
- Avoid common allergens to reduce food sensitivities.
- It is possible to grow a younger body.
I have to say, I agree with every one of those principles and was excited to try out the samples.
First up, the bars...raw, sprouted, gluten free and filled with a whole bunch of goodness, I was hesitant that the bar would be gritty and dirt-like tasting. I've tried some plant based bars, etc and they actually taste like you are eating dirt. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted the chocolate decadence bar. This bar packed in 210 calories, 10g fat, 5g fiber and 9g protein. The consistency was soft and chewy with a little bit of crunch. Not a ton of flavor, though. A single bar from their website costs $2.95 and a box of 12 bars will run you $33.95.
Next, the sport performance optimizer! Directly from their website, "Formulated by Brendan Brazier, professional Ironman triathlete and bestselling author on performance nutrition, Vega Sport Performance Optimizer provides a complete array of key performance enhancing benefits improving energy, stamina, mental focus, and recovery." I've only tried this once so I can't say that I experienced any of the benefits they claim (and I must note that I am very skeptical when it comes to companies making claims that are not evaluated by a Regulatory agency...hence why I don't take vitamins, supplements, etc). The drink is interesting. It's a strange color, a little thick and there was sediment on the bottom of the glass, but the taste (lemon line) is tolerable. I've actually been looking for something to drink/eat before my early morning workouts and I'm going to try this as part of my pre workout routine this week to see how it works. A single pouch costs $2.25 and a box of 24 pouches costs $49.99. While it sounds expensive, I think you need to consider the ingredients. Would you rather drink something which contains organic sprouted whole grain brown rice syrup, organic palm nectar, acai, pomegrante, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, organic red beet, citric and malic acid over Red Bull or Gatorade?
I like Vega. I like what they are promoting and their principles. Do I believe everything they state, of course not. But I do believe in being as healthy as we can and that's what they are trying to do. Would I spend the money on the bars? I'm not sure. The drink, I'm also not sure. So I'm giving Vega
5 biscuits.
