Impact Snacks’ Protein Bars Are Plant-Based, Superfood Packed AND Super Sustainable
Ever since I moved to a county with very strict rules about what can and can't be recycled, I've been hyper aware of my consumption of products and how much garbage I send to a landfill at the end of every week.
It's become slightly frustrating to realize how many products I use every day produce so much waste, which is why I'm constantly on the lookout for more sustainable alternatives. That's precisely why, when I was pitched Impact Snacks for coverage, the brand immediately caught my eye. They make their protein bars a little bit different from their competitors, and after being sent a few of their bars to try, I'm hooked.
The Brand
Single-use snacks are often accessible and tasty, but they tend to result in a lot of waste that winds up in landfills. Impact Snacks is seeking to change that, one snack at a time. Their protein bars are designed with the health of the planet and the consumer in mind.
On the sustainability front, their bars come in totally biodegradable bio-cellulose packaging. You can even eat the wrapper, if you feel like it! For every bar made, 250% of the carbon used in the production of that bar is also reclaimed through the development of green energy infrastructure. They've also partnered with 1% for the Planet, with all donations going to great nonprofits that help the planet.
(via Impact Snacks)
But if you're more concerned about the part of the bar that actually goes in your body, they've got you covered there, too. Their plant-based bars are vegan and free of all dairy, gluten and soy. They pack loads of protein thanks to the inclusion of pea protein, and also include awesome superfood nootropics like lion's mane, which is thought to enhance brain function, and stress-relieving adaptogens in the form of maca root.
Currently, Impact Snacks come in Iced Caramel Latte and Dark Chocolate Brownie flavors. A seven-count box of an individual flavor sells for $21, while a box containing seven of each flavor retails for $42. You can also sign up for a monthly or biweekly subscription to save 25%.
(via Impact Snacks)
The Bars
Iced Caramel Latte
When I unwrapped Impact Snacks' Iced Caramel Latte bar, I could tell I was in for a treat. The whole thing was wrapped in a rich white glaze, and I was delighted after taking my first bite. It was sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, with a strong taste of coffee and vanilla. While I don't think it was leaps and bounds better than your average coffee-flavored protein bar in terms of taste, I couldn't ask for much more from a plant-based, good-for-you bar.
Plus, the bar packed 12 grams of protein, so it left me feeling satisfied, not to mention refreshed and focused thanks to the inclusion of of the nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients.
I also took this opportunity to eat a tiny corner of the biocellulose wrapper around the bar. It was not good and I don't really recommend it, but it was nice to know I could!
(via Impact Snacks)
Dark Chocolate Brownie
I was even more excited upon opening the Dark Chocolate Brownie bar. This one was enrobed in rich chocolate, and when I bit in, I found that a lovely dark chocolate brownie flavor ran all the way through it. I loved the flavor of this bar, enjoying it quite a bit more than the Iced Caramel Latte, though I think different fans of the brand will enjoy the different bars.
This bar didn't have quite as much protein as the other at 10 grams, but that's still substantial. It was just as filling and enjoyable, and also included maca and lion's mane so that it left me feeling ready to take on anything.
(via Impact Snacks)
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a plant-based, superfood-packed protein bar created with sustainability in mind, you can't do much better than Impact Foods. Their bars taste amazing while including great ingredients, and the fact that they're keeping the environment in mind at every step is another huge benefit.
Of course, greatness comes at a cost. Whether you're paying $3 per bar at full price or $2.25 for the subscription, it can be a bit more than the average protein bar, especially when you're buying in bulk. And if you're not a fan of latte or chocolate brownie flavors, you're out of luck—at least for the time being. Even so, if you believe in their mission, I think they're worth a shot.
Would you eat a protein bar made out of insects? Click HERE to read our review of cricket-based Bug Out bars.