Pulsin - Vanilla Choc Chip Vegan Protein Bars - 18 x 50g - 13.4g Protein, 5g Fibre, 238 Kcal Per Serving - Gluten Free, Plant Based, Palm Oil Free & Dairy Free Snack Bar

As an ex-bodybuilder, ex-vegan, coeliac (which means I need to eat gluten-free) international traveller and now primarily a busy foodie I've eaten a very wide range of protein and snack bars, never as a staple part of a diet but always for an occasional convenience. These bars are more than an occasional convenience, they are also a delicious treat which I don't think I could ever become sick of, which is something I couldn't say for most other protein or snack bars I've tried. Key nutritional features that I want and which I find present are - ~ Compared to almost all snack-bar and many protein bar alternatives these are *relatively* low on added sugars. I say *low* rather than *no added sugar* like the packaging claims because agave nectar & concentrated fruit juice are absolutely sugars and should be called such ~ The glycaemic index of the product, quoted as 33, is pleasingly low, important for anyone wishing or needing to manage their blood-sugar ~ Combination of protein and welcome sources of fats (almonds, chocolate) provides a nice feeling of satiation ~ Use of the tooth-friendly, negligible calorie xylitol as a sweetener (but I do wish they'd use a bit more of this and a lot less of the agave nectar and fruit juice) By very very happy accident I ate one of these bars soon after it had been partially melted by hot sunlight. The resulting discovery is that these bars are best eaten warm! The choc-chips melt and the whole bar becomes a goey, nutty, chocolatey wonder, not so much that you can't handle them easily but enough that the flavor is really transformed. So nice, I have to keep myself honest and challenge myself on why am I really eating them when I do - for occasional convenience or indulgent pleasure?

I’ve finally found a protein snack that tastes good and doesn’t cost the earth! (Pun intended as these are vegan). I wasn’t holding much hope as this purchase was my first protein snack that wasn’t whey based, which raises the point, why isn’t there more variety with dairy free protein snacks. Anyway, I was expecting an underlying bitterness that I get with my pea or hemp protein powders, which are fine but far from a treat. These snacks however are delicious. No sign of the pea or rice protein taste, and rather than vanilla they taste kinda peaunut buttery to me. Which is a win! Will definitely order again! (Vanilla choc chip flavour)

These bars are not very pleasant. The taste is not good after biting the bar they stick to my teeth.

I personally don't like these bars as much as the Maple and Whey and the Maple and Peanut bars...I think it could be the dark chocolate pieces in this bar. I do however, think that all the Pulsin Protein bars are good because of their clean ingredients, relatively low sugar content and high protein content. I have health issues which result in a very erratic diet, and quite frequent nausea. This was my reason for buying these bars. If you are feeling queezy, it is much easier to eat one of these bars, than a bowl of cereal, and much healthier than crackers and butter, which I am prone to go for if I'm not feeling well. I have included a photo of the ingredients list. When I was first researching protein bars last year, I was shocked when I realised that most contain artificial sweeteners and often flavours too. This is cleverly disguised on the label, so you wouldn't necessarily realise unless you looked up the the specific name on the ingredients list. These Pulsin bars may not taste the best, but they are completely natural, with no nasties. As I am not keen on the Vanilla and Chocolate Chip ones, I tend to take a couple of bites as a snack when needed, and put the rest back in a tuppaware container for another day. I have just about run out of these ones, but will definitely order another box of either the Maple and Whey or the Maple and Peanut bars. Although they are significantly higher in sugar, higher in saturated fats, lower in fibre and a little bit lower in protein, I would also recommend Trek Bars, especially the Cocoa Coconut, Original Oat and Cocoa Oat. They weigh the same as a Pulsin bar, at 50g. This Pulsin bar contains 230kcal, 14.2g fat of which saturates are 3.4g, 4.8g sugar, 5g fibre and 12.8g protein. A Trek Cocoa Coconut bar contains 234cals, 12.6g fat of which saturates are 6.6g, 13.5g sugar, 2.3g fibre and 9g protein. The differences in values, especially sugar are reflected in the taste. The Trek bar taste a lot yummier!!

You can really taste the pea protein and it tastes rank!

The first bite for someone who had never eaten a protein bar like this before was pretty bad. I thought it tasted like cardboard. I could not taste the vanilla as much as I imagined I would. However, I had bought a box of 18 amd therefore decided to give it ankther try and on my third bar I actually liked them a lot. i now look forward to my post-workout protein bar. The chocolate chips are the highlight hah. All in all, I recommend buying these!! I tried maple and peanut too but this is the best vegan protein bar I've tried. I also really like and recommend Trek Cocoa Coconut protein flapjacks but they are very high in sugar wheras the pulsin bar is not. It also has less protein than the pulsin bar.

The cost of these can vary, but I really enjoy them, so worth it. They help to get through afternoon cravings. A small bar, but very satisfying.

If you are looking for something delicious and enticing, this is NOT the product. The flavour is bland, the texture gritty and dense, with bitty nuts here and there, which are impossible to discern (probably almonds). The macros are pretty good and if consumed will fill you up. I just do not see it as something I will repurchase when I am on the go. The mint flavour keto bar is slightly more palatable.