A while back, the folks form Vega sent me 5 packets of their new Energizing Smoothie mixes. They come in 5 flavors: Chocolate, Berry, Tropical Tango, Vanilla Almondilla, and Natural. I make smoothies pretty often, but I don't usually add anything like this to my smoothies. Over the years, I have tried a few mixes which usually turned my perfectly nice smoothie full of fruit into something weird-tasting and grainy. So, I wasn't that into them. But, lately I've been realizing that I need to be getting a bit more protein in my diet, and these seemed like a good and easy way to do that.
Good news - this is a really great product! No graininess and no weirdo tastes! Best of all, each packet has 10 g complete protein (pea, saviseed, hemp, & brown rice mixed - no soy!), 5 g of fiber, and 1 g of Omega-3. Each packet is about 90-100 calories, and they even contain the equivalent of 2 servings of veggies. Cool!
My usual smoothie recipe is something like: a handful each of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries (all from the freezer), and then some almond milk or soy yogurt for liquid. I actually went out and bought some bananas for these smoothies, which is a special treat since I only buy bananas once or twice a year. This was the smoothie I made with the Bodacious Berry flavor.
With each of the flavored packets, I had the issue that when I took my first taste of the smoothie, the taste of the flavor packet seemed really strong. But in each instance I felt like I got used to it by the second taste, and it wasn't an issue again. So, the flavor comes on a little strong (maybe that's good if you're not adding as much actual fresh fruit?) - but my palette adapted really quickly and I loved my smoothies. Absolutely no grainyness (yeah!) or weird aftertaste. You pretty much can't tell all that amazing nutritional goodness is in there at all.
I was a bit flummoxed by the Chocolate smoothie mix because I always turn to smoothies when I want to eat something that feels fruity and fresh... not rich and desserty. Plus, I had to make sure to pick fruits to add that would go nicely with chocolate. The chocolate flavor wasn't super strong, but it was pleasantly clear, even with all the fruit I added. I think maybe the chocolate packet would be a good one to try out just mixed with some almond milk - more like chocolate milk - for an easy nutritional boost on the go.
This was the smoothie I made with the "Oh Natural" flavor, and it was definitely my favorite. It had no detectable flavor, and no detectable texture. It was just my usual fruity smoothie with a whole bunch of extra goodness added in. After trying all 5 flavors, I am pretty much a total convert to this stuff, and I intend to buy some to add to all my future smoothies! I think I'll stick to the Oh Natural flavor, but I could definitely be happy with any of them. I'm so grateful to Vega for giving me a chance to check these out!!
oh those look wonderful! i love a good smoothie:)
ReplyDelete. But, lately I've been realizing that I need to be getting a bit more protein in my diet
ReplyDeleteWhy did you think you need more protein in your diet
Linda
Hi LInda,
DeleteWell, I was looking online at the different charts that recommend protein for different body sizes and such, and I needed to be eating a little more - especially since I do yoga every day, workout most days and walk the dogs most days. I eat mostly fruits and veggies, so now I'm making an effort to eat more beans with lunch and dinner, eat more quinoa, nuts, and just generally be more mindful of it. So, there you have it!
The chocolate vega smoothie mix is my all time favorite. Good looking smoothies by the way.
ReplyDeleteThose smoothies look good.
ReplyDeletewow these looks really good and an easy way to get more protein! where do they sell these? i'll have to check them out!
ReplyDeleteI just bought mysel a bunch, and i just bought them online at the Vega webstie. The only problem is that the shipping is $9.95... so maybe go in with a pal, or buy a bunch, so that the shipping fee is worth it. I wonder where else you can buy them?
DeleteI buy them on Amazon. They are about $20/package.
DeleteI love the chocolate Vega Energizing Smoothie. It really keeps my blood sugar even. I just mix it with almond milk and ice in the blender. I'm so excited to learn that Vega will now have a Natural, non-flavored option. I love fruit smoothies but I like the Vega nutrition profile. This will allow the best of both worlds. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous! I really want to try the new Vega but I had some old Vega that was just not good.
ReplyDeleteI had the old ones too - this new formula is really so much better!
DeleteGlad to see a good review since I just picked up a stack of these to take on my trip to the middle of rural nowhere. I plan on using them as an afternoon snack.
ReplyDeletetwo questions: is there a reason you stay away from bananas? And what do you use to make your smoothies: a blender, Cuisninart or one of those Vita-mixers? (I think they're called that.) Definitely sharing this post with some friends who want to go vegan, but worry about the protein issue. Thanks for the great post.
ReplyDeleteHI Mollie,
DeleteYeah, I don't eat bananas very often, because out here in California I can always find delicious organic locally-grown fruit, all year long. So it seems like an unnecessary indulgence to buy tropical fruit that has been shipped in from another country. Plus, there are all the issues around Banana ecology and labor. But, every once in a while I do break down and buy some for a special treat - I always try to get the Fair Trade ones. They sure are great in smoothies. :)
Also, I am so lucky to have a Vitamix, so that's what i use. But I'm sure that these Vega mixes would be fine in any sort of blender. They are very fine and not gritty, so they don't require any extra blending power.
Nice shakes! I've been using Vega One in my green smoothies and love it, but want to try these smoothie blends too just to mix it up.
ReplyDelete