When it comes to pre-workout snacks, I like to mix things up, so when I spotted a new-to-me brand, Dr. Melina Protein Bars, at my corner store the other day, I snapped one up.
I was excited to learn that the brand was created by a female doctor who resides in Sugar's fair city of San Francisco, an internist and nutritionist named Dr. Melina Jampolis. To find out how they taste, read more.
These protein-packed bars come in four flavors: chocolate peanut, double chocolate acai, lemon raspberry, and cinnamon almond, which I tried. Fans of Luna Bars will love Dr. Melina bars too; they're pretty comparable in terms of flavor, sweetness (note the hint of icing), texture, and nutrition.
The bar I tried had a bit more crunch than Luna, sort of like a Rice Krispie treat, which was a nice touch. The cinnamon and almond flavors tasted very natural and not overly sugary, and with 14 grams of protein, the bar left me feeling very satisfied. Check out the chart below to see how it compares with a similarly flavored Chai Tea Luna Bar.
| Dr. Melina Cinnamon Almond | Luna Bar Chai Tea | |
| Serving Size | One bar (45g) | One bar (48g) |
| Calories | 180 | 190 |
| Total Fat | 6 g | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 80 mg | 95 mg |
| Carbs | 21 g | 26 g |
| Fiber | 5 g | 3 g |
| Sugars | 11 g | 12 g |
| Protein | 14 g | 9 g |
Aside from a few key differences, these bars are pretty comparable. Interested? You can buy Dr. Melina bars by the box here. If you've tried this or any other flavors, let me know what you think.
APC
Woolrich
S***r
I think it's terrible when protein bars have more carbs than protein. I can get that ratio anywhere. In fact, what she's selling is a carb bar. Dr. Melina has a show on Fit TV, where people road test different diets. It's a great principle, but I've noticed she's managed to find flaw in every single one.
1I'd love to see the ingredients... I always think that's the most important thing on the package - more important than the nutritional facts (which you can figure out from the ingredients!)......
2OMG - Emily - I didn't even read your comment. But I second your thoughts (obv.)
3Just read the ingredients...have to say, NOT a big fan.
4That ratio is actually not bad, depending on what you are looking for. That is almost Zone proportion (40-30-30) and of the 21 carbs, it has a decent amount of fiber. Haven't looked at the ingredients, but from a nutritional standpoint, I would use it to supplement my diet when I can't get to a Zone friendly meal (real food).
5also I have come across very few protein bars that actually have more protein than carbs. MOst of those that do achieve that by using sugar alcohols which a lot of people can't handle. Bottom line, eat real food, but if you can't - and you are not on a bodybuilding diet - this bar is not too bad.
6This bar has more sugar than I personally like to eat, but at least it's got 5g of fiber. I'll stick with Kashi granola bars when I want something crunchy. As for protein bars, I'm fortunately ok with the sugar alcohols.
7Wow, it must be hard being a doctor and having the name 'Melina.' At least it isn't spelt with two Es.
8Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.