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Run Oregon Test Kitchen: Health Warrior Superfood Protein & Chia Bars

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Run Oregon has reviewed Health Warrior Chia bars in the past and, in addtion to the chia bars, we are now trying out some protein bars that Health Warrior has graciously sent along.

Product:  Health Warrior Superfood Protein Bars
Price: $23.99 for 12-pack (About $25 for 12-pack on Amazon)

Impressions: Chia seeds make most people think of the kitschy clay heads with the catchy jingle that gets stuck in your head, but read Chris McDougall’s book, Born to Run, and you’ll have a whole new respect for chia seeds. There are stories of Aztec warriors eating them for energy during battles as well as the Tarahumara, a Mexican tribe of wicked fast ultra-runners who still use chia as fuel.

I admit after reading the book, I was sprinkling chia seeds on everything from tacos to salad and my family was not impressed.  I reminded them of the health benefits – chia seeds are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, some protein and minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. My daughters are too young to really care about health benefits and my oldest definitely did not approve of my attempt to sneak it into her food.

I discovered a new, much more convenient (and palatable) option – Health Warrior Superfood Protein Bars – which combines the goodness of chia, with other great options – such as quinoa and oats. The bars are only 200 calories each and have 45 grams of dietary fiber and 10 grams of plant-based protein. They come in flavors:

  • Peanut Butter Cacao
  • Dark Chocolate Coconut Sea Salt
  • Honey Almond
  • Lemon Goldenberry

The bars are so much easier.  I can keep a stash in the car and they are made with white seeds, so it’s not quite as obvious if I get them stuck in my teeth (a sad and expected reality for me).  I feel so much better when I pack a bar and a banana and be good before or after a workout.  With flavors that taste natural, they are honestly quite tasty. They are just something that I feel good putting in my body. It’s not your typical candy bar in disguise type of protein bar, loaded with sugar and ingredients I can’t pronounce. I love them and I’m super excited my kids are actually trying and approving.

– Photo courtesy of Health Warrior Facebook

Product:  Health Warrior Chia Bars
Price: $21.99 for 15-pack (About $20 for 15-pack on Amazon)

Impressions: Health Warrior Chia Bars are split into two differnet taste profiles – Chocolate lovers and Tropical:

  • Acai Berry
  • Apple Cinnamon
  • Banana Nut
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • Coconut
  • Coffee
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Dark Chocolate Cherry
  • Mango

I was sent three different varieties to test – Acai Berry, Coconut, and Banana Nut. They are all tasty – a nice snack sized version that weighs in only aroud 100 calories.  They aren’t meant to fill you up, but they are a great, healthy, and portable snack for someone who wants a little flavor without sacrificing the good stuff. Run Oregon has enjoyed Health Warrior Chia Bars for a few years now and we continue to do so.

About Author

Matt Rasmussen lives in Keizer, Ore. with his wife and three daughters. He enjoys watching hockey, going to as many breweries (703) and wineries (239) as he can, and all things Canada (he was born there). Matt was raised as a baseball player and officially transitioned over to running in 2010.

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