Designer Whey Protein 2Go. $1.79 per pack; available at GNC, Rite Aid, Eckerd, Vitamin Shoppe, Trader Joe's, Kroger and some Whole Foods Markets.
The makers of Protein 2Go claim that you can control hunger while grabbing some energy on the run --- just drop in water, shake and go. The supplements contain whey protein that helps build muscles, joint tissues, hormones and bones. Flavors include orange mango, pomegranate fruit, French vanilla and double chocolate.
Kristine Galinis, 29, Atlanta
I've tried to take protein powders in the past, but I never could stand the taste or they were too thick to swallow or had a horrible aftertaste. I tried the orange mango protein powder first. I emptied the packet into a 9-ounce bottle of water and shook it. My first sip reminded me of orange Creamsicles. The taste was great and while it was a little too sweet for me, I added a little more water. I also tried the pomegranate fruit but it lacked any true flavor. While it was creamy and still enjoyable, I couldn't pick out a true fruit flavor. I used one pack during exercise, and I do feel like it helped me go the extra mile. I would definitely use these protein powders again.
Kristine's rating: ****
Jean A. Hetzel, 49, Atlanta
The package gives you directions if you want your water flavor to be light, mild or intense.
I tried two flavors. The orange mango tasted a lot like an orange Creamsicle. The pomegranate fruit tasted more like medicine. Neither had the bitter aftertaste that some diet drinks have, and neither dissolved all the way. There is an enormous amount of information on the back of the package which runs from extolling the anti-oxidant powers of the product to how the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements. I prefer my plain water.
Jean's rating: ***
Jenny Rindt, 35, Roswell
This protein-whey supplement packet is whey cool. You mix the powder (I liked the pomegranate fruit the best) with water and slurp 50 calories down. According to the package, it enhances immunity, improves stamina, helps exercise recovery and controls hunger. Although I am not sure what whey is, I liked the taste, and it did control my afternoon cookie craving. I think this stuff is the whey to go.
Jenny's rating: *****
WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?
We put together a team of readers to try out items related to health and fitness, such as the latest exercise gear, workout DVDs or nutrition bars. Then they tell us what they think, and we print a few of their comments here each week.
STARS GUIDE
* Waste of time
** Grin and bear it
*** Not bad
**** Worth a try
***** You gotta get it
Copyright 2008 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution