TODAY: A new protein snack – worth the calories?

We tested TODAY's new protein snack to see if it delivers improved protein-to-calorie ratio. How many grams of protein will you get for 200 calories, and is it even tasty?

  (photo credit: PR)
(photo credit: PR)

TODAY, a new protein snack, successfully introduces a first-ever protein-to-calorie ratio. How many grams of protein will you get for 200 calories, and is it even tasty? "Health On The Shelf" - a new section born on Walla! Health.

What We Tried: New protein snacks from the TODAY brand, an Israeli development by Sheshtovitz, come in two series - Layers and Crispy.

Our Impressions: Behind the "protein snack" title hides a real issue, not to mention the marketing of many companies. The health context of protein immediately makes us think it's a healthy product that will inflate our muscles, especially when the package shows a man with ripped abs. The problem is that perhaps the snack contains a fair amount of protein, but it often comes with a huge calorie load that could be equivalent to a whole meal + modest dessert. The taste, of course, is great because what's wrong with chocolate and layers of cream? So, we keep buying and bulking up.

That's why the first thing we did when we got the new TODAY snacks was to check the nutritional values table. Unlike many good snacks of the genre, here the calorie price is relatively low. A snack from the Layers series with 22 grams of protein (mainly sourced from milk proteins and WHEY protein, considered the highest quality protein) contains 200 calories. A smaller snack from the Crispy series with 15 grams of protein contains 150 calories. Quite reasonable.

As for the taste: Layers snacks are recommended for fans of dense cream cakes, and for 200 calories, it's even a decent deal. Personally, I preferred the Crispy series. Slightly less protein and sweetness, but it pops in the mouth with great pleasure.

Bottom Line: Relative to similar protein snacks on the market, the calorie price here is low. That is, the protein-to-calorie ratio is particularly low, and if you don't overdo it, your body might even thank you. An effective solution as a snack between meals or when finishing a workout and there's no time to eat.

Cost: Layers series: NIS 14.90 per unitCrispy series: NIS 12.90 per unitMini snack: NIS 10.90 per unit