Next Proteins’ Protein Water
Next Proteins, Inc. is the company behind Designer Whey and related products, such as Aria and Ultimate Orange. Founded by former Olympic athlete (and Dan Duchaine disciple) David Jenkins, the company’s stated goals are to “begin and end with helping people live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
Manufacturer’s Description: The first refreshing protein water. 100 Good-For-You Calories make counting calories easy and weight management a piece of cake. 20g of protein helps burn fat and build lean, strong muscles during exercise. 5g of fiber helps control hunger, while natural fruit flavors bring delicious enjoyment.
Product Label:
Serving Size 1 bottle (591 ml) Servings per container 1 Calories 100 Total Fat 0g Cholesterol 2mg Sodium 30mg |
Potassium 90mg Total Carbohydrate 8g Dietary Fiber 5g Sugars 1g Protein 20g |
Ingredients: Purified Water, Whey Protein Isolate, Isomaltooligosaccharides (Prebiotic Fiber), Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Potassium Benzoate, Annatto (Color), Maltodextrin, Sucralose |
Comments: Protein Water takes advantage of new technologies for creating heat-stable whey protein isolates that are clear in solution: although it contains 20g of protein, it could easily pass for Crystal Light or other water-based, non-juice beverages. There are three flavors: pomegranate, blue raspberry and orange-mango.
I gave the orange-mango a whirl. It was mild-flavored: sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, with a vaguely citrus-y flavor that didn’t really suggest orange or mango per se, but was pleasant enough. Overall, it was a light and modestly filling drink.
I thought it was fairly pricey: a single 20 oz. bottle cost $3.59 at the local drugstore. The best deal I found online was $29.96 for a pack of 12 bottles (approx. $2.50 per bottle). It’s a lot to pay for the equivalent of a Gatorade G2 with a scoop of protein powder.
Here’s how I rate this product (out of 5 stars):
[usrlist “Taste:3.5” “Quality:3.5” “Efficacy:3.0” “Value:2.0″ avg=”true”]