Viactiv Bars? Never Again...
Written: May 31 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: high in calcium
Cons: smell horrid, taste like wet cardboard, expensive, side effects
The Bottom Line: Viactiv might be good for someone on the go constantly and with no taste buds, but steer clear otherwise.
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| carneys_ID's Full Review: Viactiv Hearty Energy Bar |
In my quest for better nutrition and higher iron levels during this, my third pregnancy, I used a coupon found in my "gimme" pack from my obstetrician. It allowed me 50 cents off my next purchase of Viactiv Bars. I will never buy them again, coupon or not.
What IS It?
Viactiv is produced by Mead Johnson Nutritionals (yes, the people that make Enfamil baby formula) and is marketed as "Active Nutrition For Women, By Women". It claims to help women bridge the nutrition gap with these Hearty Energy Bars by loading it up with a whole day's worth of vitamins and calcium.
Of all the different options available to me, I picked up the Hearty Energy Bars in the Chocolate Raspberry Crunch flavor. I bypassed several other flavors of Hearty Energy Bars (like Apple Crunch) as this version sounded best. Viactiv also produces Energy Spritzers, Soft Calcium Chews (these really ARE yummy, but pricey), Energy Fruit Crispettes, Energy Fruit Smoothies (see a trend here, energy?)
How Did It Taste?
I knew the minute that I opened the first individually wrapped bar that the Hearty Energy Bars just weren't going to be for me. The smell that came out of that little foil packet nearly dropped me to the ground. Did it smell like raspberry? No. Did it smell like chocolate? Hardly. The smell reminded me (and my husband) of a very strong alcoholic drink. I'm not against alcohol, but remember that at the time I was 26+ weeks pregnant and strong smells aren't my thing.
The taste wasn't much better than the smell. Hearty Energy Bars assert that they are a "delicious blend of real fruit and toasted grains in a moist but surprisingly crunchy bar. I found them to be as crunchy as wet cardboard and too fibrous to eat quickly. The best part was the chocolate coating, and it wasn't that great. The smell seriously put me off eating these, but hey, for the amount I paid for these little nutritional gems, I was darn well going to eat them! Plus, I had an early morning appointment and didn't leave enough time to eat a proper breakfast beforehand. I washed the Hearty Energy Bars down with some warm tea and hurried on my way.
Energy... Or SOMETHING!
I was on my way to church to practice my vocal music before the service the next day. I guess I really had gulped the Hearty Energy Bar down, since it was a mere half hour later that I began to have a rapidly pounding heart, shortness of breath, and an URGENT need to sit down and rest. I decided that since this hadn't happened before, the fault lay with the Hearty Energy Bars. I was careful to steer away from these in the early morning from then on.
Since I really bought these bars with the intent of raising my poor iron levels (due to the pregnancy), I was a bit disappointed that after the initial heart-pounding burst, they provided no sustained energy for me. Was I expecting too much? Perhaps... I believe the intent of these Hearty Energy Bars is to help women sustain their calcium levels, since there is now so much new evidence about the effects of osteoporosis on women.
So, Where Are They Now?
I didn't feed them to the dog, and my hubby was too late to try them out several weeks later when he came across the box sitting on the kitchen counter, waiting for me to write this review (yes, Epinion Addict here). I had two of them on my own and fed the other two to my children. I figured it was an okay mid-morning snack for them, especially since they didn't get more than ˝ the bar each. They reported no ill side-effects and their energy levels really didn't change, either. They were sorely disappointed that we didn't have anymore after those two bars were gone. Too bad, I'm not buying them again.
Sticker Shock!
What did I pay for these dinky 1.6 ounce bars? With the coupon, I think it comes out to roughly $1 per bar. While I don't believe I'll be buying these again any time soon (especially on the "salary" of a full time stay home mommy), they were not out of the price range of a double income family - or someone with less bills. If you are needing these as a boost and can afford it (instead of buying fresh fruits or other pick-me-ups), by all means, enjoy!
Nutritional Info
Serving Size 1 Bar - 4 servings per box
Calories per serving: 180 Calories from Fat: 40
%age of Daily Values:
Total Fat: 7% (4.5g) Saturated Fat: 18% (3.5g) Sodium: 4% (90mg)
Total Carbohydrates: 10% (29g) Sugars (17g) Protein (6g)
Calcium 30% Iron 10% Vitamin D 25% Vitamin K 50%
Vitamin B6 100% Folic Acid 100% Vitamin B12 100%
Phosphorus 15% Zinc 100%
Repeat Buyer? No Way
I won't be buying these Viactiv Hearty Energy Bars again. The smell was far too overwhelming and reminiscent of alcohol for my comfort. The side effects of the pounding heart, dizziness, and need to rest are too overwhelming for me, especially during my pregnancy. The price ($4.00 per box) was higher than I like to pay for something that might either be considered a snack or a meal replacement. I think I'd even give away a freebie sample since I disliked these bars so much. Give it a try, it can't hurt, and you'll get an Epinion out of it - now you're thinking my way!
Technical
Mead Johnson Nutritionals produces the entire Viactiv line. They look forward to your comments and questions. Contact them at 877-VIACTIV, or www.viactiv.com
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
carneys_ID
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Member: Sara Carney
Location: Idaho - A very windy place, indeed.
Reviews written: 131
Trusted by: 55 members
About Me:
We have four beautiful children on earth and now three angels in heaven.
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