Test Kitchen Tuesday

Update, February 11, 2013.

I am eating a little crow…errr…protein here, and wanted to let you know that after consuming the entire 2.2 lb bag of this protein, I actually ended up really liking it. Funny how that goes. Either my palate adjusted to liking it, or, I just figured out what flavors to mix it with to make it taste better, but, I have to take back a lot of what I said!

I’m leaving the review below intact, because this was my true first impression, but, couldn’t live with myself for not coming back and letting you know I changed my mind. I really do like the nutritional profile of this powder, and 2.2 lbs lasts a long time, so I can imagine I will order it again in the future.

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All I can think is, “Meh.‘”

I have been trying to write up a Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Protein Powder review for a couple of weeks now, and I just haven’t been able to bring myself to do it.

I guess that says a lot, huh?

I really want to like this powder. It has a great nutritional profile, it’s low in sugar, and it’s totally raw and plant-based.

I  mean, look at this nutrition panel – it’s totally awesome! Low calories, high protein, and a huge amino acid profile.

And, the ingredients are fairly good: Sunwarrior Proprietary Protein Blend (Raw Organic Cranberry Protein, Raw Pea Protein, Raw Organic Hemp Protein), Natural Fibers (Fenugreek, Konjac, Guar), Organic Vanilla, Organic Stevia, Medium Chain Triglycerides.

I’m not so crazy about the “natural fibers,” but I’m assuming those help with dissolvability.

But, after trying it for a while now in various ways, I just really am kind of “meh” on it. Though it dissolves well, the taste is a little too fake-earthy for my earthy tastes.

Huh? Fake-earthy?

I don’t know what it is, honestly. But there is something weird about the taste that I can’t seem to get past. I generally like “earthy.” I really like the Garden of Life Raw Protein, which is pretty darn earthy, but there is something not right about the “earthiness” of this powder. I don’t think it’s the Stevia, but I can’t be sure.

In general, the powder seems to “work,” in that it helps keep me full and doesn’t cause GI distress. The cost is moderate – about $40 for 47 servings – and while I don’t mind paying for quality, the taste is just off-putting enough to make me try something different.

I had pretty high hopes for this powder, as it is raved about across the foodie blogosphere, but I don’t see myself buying it again. I’m not sure if it’s because I bought the “Warrior Blend,” vs. their traditional protein powders, but I am just not really digging the taste of this one.

What do you think? Have you tried it? Do you  like it? Am I just  missing the boat on this one?!