प्रोटीन स्टार्टअप्स बहुत सारे स्नैक्स और ड्रिंक्स बेच रहे हैं। हमारे सैंपल टेस्ट में अधिकांश न तो बहुत अच्छे लगे और न ही खराब

Ideally, our daily food choices would effortlessly combine convenience, exceptional flavor, and optimal nutritional value.

In practice, however, compromise is inevitable. We gravitate toward items like ice cream, chips, and candy bars, which make it very easy to consume excessive amounts of carbs and fat. Meanwhile, hitting nutritional targets for protein takes deliberate effort—especially for individuals, such as this author, who prefer to limit their meat consumption.

Fortunately, as noted in recent reports, both new startups and established food manufacturers are making it much easier to boost daily protein intake. Consumers can now find this sought-after macronutrient in everything from sodas and snack bars to ice cream, transforming treats typically packed with sugar, starch, and fat into protein sources.

The big question remains: Do these products actually taste good? To find out, we visited a local Target store to purchase a variety of protein items created by venture-backed startups. A taste test was then conducted alongside a 10-year-old co-taster.

The conclusion? Most of these items are entirely edible and drinkable, though almost none match the deliciousness of their traditional, protein-deficient counterparts—with just a single exception.

Our findings are outlined below:

No. 1: David Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert: Anyone who purchases or eats this specific ice cream alternative will do so for its nutritional profile rather than its flavor. An entire pint delivers a remarkable 30 grams of protein while containing only 210 calories. Furthermore, the texture is well-executed, offering a smooth, easily scoopable consistency accompanied by a clear vanilla taste.

That said, it is impossible to ignore that this formulation lacks standard ice cream ingredients. Consumers who dislike artificial sweeteners or the texture and taste of whey protein will likely want to skip it. Nonetheless, for both testers, it provided a fairly pleasant eating experience—inferior to regular ice cream, but impressive for a high-protein item.

Made by: Medici Brands (David parent company).

No. 2 SkyPop Protein Soda: The nutritional metrics for SkyPop Protein Soda are similarly striking. A single 12-ounce can contains just 45 calories, paired with 10 grams of protein and only one gram of carbohydrates. It also maintains a strong fizz and delivers a satisfying pop upon opening.

As for the flavor, the local store carried only the Ice Pop variety. In the opinion of both testers, it was not terrible, though not something either would purchase regularly. It could prove useful during a clear fluids diet, such as the preparation required for certain medical procedures, as it represents a rare source of protein available under those restrictions.

Made by: SkyPop (formerly Don’t Quit)

No. 3: Khloud Protein Popcorn: Unlike several other items on this list, Khloud Protein Popcorn is not an exceptionally high-protein option. One serving supplies 7 grams of protein and 160 calories, with the majority derived from fats and carbohydrates. Even so, its protein content exceeds that of standard packaged popcorn, which typically offers roughly 2 grams of protein per comparable serving.

Following a trial of the White Cheddar variety, the tasters concluded that it functions as a solid snack food. The taste of milk protein and whey protein concentrate was noticeable, though not overpowering. While not a treat to be savored, it works well as a casual snack for the desk or while watching television.

Made by: Khloud

No. 4 Mosh: In the third season of “The White Lotus,” co-founder Patrick Schwarzenegger portrays a fitness and finance enthusiast who prepares a daily high-protein shake that disgusts his family members. This may have drawn inspiration from Mosh, the brain-supporting protein bar venture he established alongside his mother, Maria Shriver.

The peanut butter cup version of the Mosh bar packs 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and brain-focused additives like lion’s mane and creatine into a small, shelf-stable format. It is certainly a technical achievement. However, while our minds may have welcomed the nutritional and supplemental benefits, our taste buds certainly did not.

Mosh firmly belongs in the functional food category. It represents an option to consume when specifically seeking that exact combination of nutrients, rather than something eaten purely for enjoyment.

Made by: Mosh

No. 5 Cadootz Crackers: Evaluating two styles of Cadootz Crackers—cheddar and sea salt—we emerged feeling neither particularly impressed nor disappointed.

For shoppers searching for a small snack cracker free of gluten and seed oils that provides around 5 grams of protein per serving, Cadootz fits the bill. It delivers a satisfying crunch and acceptable flavor.

As someone who does not actively avoid gluten and seed oils or require a minor protein boost from crackers, future purchases are unlikely. Still, it should satisfy its intended consumer base.

Made by: Cadootz!

No. 6 Frozen One: For anyone who considered David’s frozen dessert a triumph of food science, Frozen One aims to raise the bar. Their protein ice cream features an impressive 40 grams of protein per pint.

The crucial question remains its taste, which the two-person testing panel found acceptable. Sampling both the chocolate and apple pie flavors, the team favored the former. Similar to the David product, Frozen One reveals the taste profile of milk protein concentrate and sugar substitutes; it will not be mistaken for Ben & Jerry’s. Yet if the objective is to ingest a steak-like quantity of protein packaged as a pint of ice cream, it accomplishes the task.

Made by: Frozen One

No. 7 Brami Protein Pasta: The most pleasant surprise was saved for last: Brami Protein Pasta, a noodle crafted from lupini beans and semolina that delivers roughly 70% more protein and over twice the fiber of traditional pasta.

Providing about 12 grams of protein per 200-calorie portion, Brami is not an ultra-dense protein source. However, paired with the right sauce or toppings, it easily turns a typically carbohydrate-heavy noodle dish into a moderately protein-rich meal.

Most importantly, Brami tastes genuinely good, lacking any unusual aftertastes or texture issues. After preparing both standard pasta and Brami noodles for a side-by-side comparison, the second helping consisted entirely of the Brami brand.

Made by: Brami

?अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

01Do protein snacks and drinks taste as good as traditional junk food?

Generally, taste testers find that high-protein alternatives are edible and acceptable, but they rarely match the rich flavor and texture of standard sugary or high-fat snacks.

02Are venture-backed protein foods healthy?

While they typically offer high amounts of protein and fewer calories or carbs, many rely on sugar substitutes, whey protein concentrates, or artificial ingredients that may not appeal to everyone.

03Can protein-infused pastas and ice creams replace regular meals?

They can help bridge the gap if you struggle to meet daily macronutrient goals, but dietitians generally recommend getting nutrients from whole foods whenever possible.

Related Crunchbase query:

• Protein Snacks And Packaged Foods Startups

संबंधित पठन:

• नकली मांस के पक्ष से बाहर होने के बावजूद, वीसी अभी भी प्रोटीन के पीछे भाग रहे हैं

चित्रण: डोम गुज़मैन