I think we’ve all seen the new trend of high protein and seemingly “healthy” snacks that have hit the grocery store shelves lately. I was curious to see how these foods tasted and how “healthy” they actually were. I came across CraveClean Protein Bakery in Miami, Florida. CraveClean is a bakery that specializes in baked goods that (are you ready for this) are gluten free, low calorie, high protein and handmade. On top of that, these sweet treats have no added sugars or preservatives. Not only do they make cookies, but CraveClean also crafts donuts, brownies and other delectable treats. CraveClean was kind enough to send me two of their packaged protein cookies to try: Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Chip.
I am going to review the cookies based on three categories: taste, texture and nutrition. The package recommended the cookies to be warmed in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Once the cookies were out of the microwave, I was ready to get started.
Taste
As soon as a tasted this cookie, I was taken back to my childhood. I was no longer in my kitchen, but eating lunch outside with my friends, waiting for the signal from our teachers that it was time for recess. This memory was so vivid because CraveClean’s chocolate chip cookie tastes exactly like the TastyKake Cookie Bar I used to eat every day for lunch in elementary school.
I am impressed that CraveClean can pull off this delectable taste with so few ingredients and carbs. For comparison, one TastyKake cookie bar is 250 calories, containing 12 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbs and 2 grams of protein. It is also processed and contains high amounts of sugar and high fructose corn syrup. If you are a fan of TastyKake cookie bars, CraveClean cookies are a healthier alternative to this classic treat.
Both the milk chocolate and white chocolate chip cookies do not have the typical protein powder taste you might expect from protein bars. The cookie has a nice ratio of chocolate chips to dough, so you are able to taste chocolate with each bite. Overall, I’m impressed with the taste of CraveClean’s cookies and I recommend them.
Texture
The texture of CraveClean’s cookies are to die for. They are soft and moist, right out of the package. They get even better when warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds. I am a fan of cookies that are soft and melt in your mouth. However, the cookies were a little drier towards the outside, compared to the inside. The cookies also lack a crunch that some people expect from cookies. I found the texture of both cookies very enjoyable.
Nutrition
In terms of nutritional value, Crave Clean cookies are fantastic. Each cookie is 150 calories, containing 8 grams of fat, 13 grams of carbs, and 11 grams of protein. This cookie is a low carb, high protein snack that can satisfy any sweet craving. The best part is each cookie is made up of only 8 ingredients.
Protein cookies are a relatively new trend in food, so I decided to compare Crave Clean to two other popular brands of chocolate chip protein cookies, Lenny and Larry’s Complete Cookie and Quest Protein Cookie.
I want to preface that there are no “good” or “bad” foods. The food choices that you make are completely dependent on your individual body composition and goals. There are three macronutrients that make up the food we eat and give our bodies energy. These macronutrients are: fat, carbohydrates, and protein. These three protein cookies have varying macronutrient makeups that might affect which cookie you choose to snack on.
The Complete Cookie’s serving size is half the cookie and is 200 calories, containing 8 grams of fat, 33 grams of carbs and 8 grams of protein. This snack is higher in calories and more than double the grams of carbs. The protein is also lacking, causing me to question if the complete cookie can even be considered a protein cookie. Compared to Lenny and Larry’s, Crave Clean cookies are a lower carb, higher protein option.
Quest Protein Cookie’s serving size is the whole cookie for 250 calories, containing 17 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbs and 15 grams of protein. Quest cookies contain more protein and slightly more carbs, but each serving comes with a hefty amount of fat. Fats are essential to your diet, but consuming this seemingly “healthy” cookie unaware of its fat content might delay your progress. Crave Clean cookies have half the fat of Quest cookies and are lower in calories.
Compared to other protein cookies on the market, Crave Clean cookies have a solid amount of protein and are relatively low in carbs and fat.
Final Thoughts
I am always weary of high protein products because they tend to taste artificial. However, CraveClean cookies taste fresh and delicious. The cookies taste similar to other cookie bars on the market, but are much “cleaner” in terms of the nutrition facts. CraveClean cookies are spongy and moist, even though they are pre-packaged. Compared to other protein cookies, CraveClean seems to be superior, offering a good source of protein, while staying relatively low in carbs and fats. I am a fan of Crave Clean cookies and I urge you to add them to your rotation of snacks.