Although they are controversial, I absolutely love artificial protein products. As an active college student who weight trains multiple times a week, it is very difficult to hit the recommended one-gram per pound of bodyweight protein goal that is essential to maintaining and developing muscle mass. Sure, we have access to lots of natural protein in our dining halls – eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt and for the vegans, tofu, but even if one based three of their meals around these protein sources, they would still often fall short of the gram-per-pound golden rule. Although these should be consumed in moderation, due to their sugar alcohol content and artificial sweeteners, here are my 10 favorite protein snacks that have helped me hit my protein goals with greater ease.

1. 1. Barebells Protein Bars – Barebells taste exactly like Nestle Crunch bars, without any nutritional similarities.  With 200 calories, 20 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar, Barebells help satiate one’s sweet tooth while helping to achieve one’s physique goals.
   2. David’s Protein Bars – Albeit more on the expensive side, these protein bars boast the best macros on the market. While the taste is admittedly not as satisfying as Barebells, they have the consistency of cookie dough and do not taste as macro friendly as they are. With 150 calories, a whopping 28 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar, David’s are arguably worth the investment. I purchased the variety pack, and my favorite flavors are Blueberry Pie and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. Grab a pack of six unique flavors on Amazon or David’s website.
   3. Naked Whey Protein Powder – Breaking from the artificial status of the other favorites on the list, Naked Whey thrives on its simplicity and straightforward packaging.  Containing only grass-fed whey, cacao and coconut sugar, the taste of Naked Whey is not chalky and blends well in all liquids. The macros are impressive, with a calorie-to-protein ratio of 120:5. It comes in multiple flavors: chocolate, vanilla, double chocolate, chocolate peanut butter and strawberry.
   4. Fairlife Protein Shakes – Fairlife protein shakes are otherwise commonly regarded as the holy grail of protein products. The taste, macronutrient profile and flavor diversity seem so good as to be illegal. With an “elite” shake containing 42 grams of protein for merely 230 calories, Fairlife negates the excuse that one cannot hit protein goals. I have been drinking Fairlife since my high school track days, and with the availability of Fairlife in Conn, I have not stopped this tradition since. In fact, this is where 99% of my points went toward last semester, towards Fairlife and the #gains.
   5. ONE Bars – I was happily surprised when the last protein bar available at the Villanova Stop-N-Shop was one of the best I have tasted so far. ONE Bars have a similar macronutrient profile to Barebells, but a greater diversity of flavor. The birthday cake bar has actual sprinkles in it, adding to the dessert-feel protein companies so often fail to adequately bring to fruition.
   6. Quest Bars – Quest had to make an honorable mention on this protein-packed list because of its flavor diversity and the fact that they are the starter products of most beginner weightlifters. Freshman Maggie Earle suggested I add the “Crispy Blueberry Cobbler” (specifically) to this list – available at Connvenience.
   7. Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt – A break from the bars and powders on this list, Oikos Greek Yogurt has impressive macro ratios of its own. With 90 calories and 15 grams of protein, this yogurt is both tasty and versatile for blending with granola, fruit and other popular toppings (maybe even some mentioned on this list).
   8. Kodiak Cake Flapjacks – These pancakes have all of the flavor of your classic diner flapjacks, but less of the sugar, calories and more of the protein and whole grain carbohydrates. After merely 90 seconds in the microwave, they are hot-and-ready to become a new favorite breakfast item.
   9. Kodiak Cake Oatmeal-in-a-Cup – It is a miracle I only mentioned Kodiak Cakes twice in this article, as they have a myriad of wonderful products ranging from muffins to graham crackers to waffles. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cup is one that gets me out of bed with a spring in my step. It’s just that good.  I typically add a banana, cinnamon and a spoonful of peanut butter.  Perfect for when one only has a bit of time, this product is available at most grocery stores and Target.
   10. Halo Top Ice Cream – Ice cream? With protein? And a third of the caloric content of most ice creams? Halo Top checks all three of these boxes. Although it is noticeably a *bit* different from the indulgent combinations of Ben and Jerry’s, it satisfies a sugar craving and has a flavor for every ice cream lover. Here is to getting fit with flavor.