Chef Robert Irvine FortiFX Fit Crunch Snack and Meal Replacement Bars

Chef Robert Irvine FortiFX Fit Crunch Bars come in two sizes - Snack Bars and Meal Replacement Bars and several flavors. They are candy like tasty, protein bars, but due to relatively fast protein sources, they are not very suitable as meal replacement bars for keeping one satiated for longer period of time. However, they are excellent for breakfasts and daily snacks.

Chef Robert Irvine FortiFX Fit Crunch Bars come in two sizes - 46g (1.62 oz - 'Snack Bars') and 88g (3.10 oz - 'Meal Replacement Bars'), several packages (single bar, a pack of six bars and a pack of 12 bars) and several flavors: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies and Cream, Peanut Butter and Birthday Cake.

Macronutrient content of some of the bars is given in the following table:

As one can see, macronutrient content of all flavors is practically the same.

Ingredients on the other hand depend on the flavor. For example, ingredients of the Birthday Cake flavor are: proprietary FortiFX protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), soy protein isolate, palm oil, vegetable glycerin, sugar, vegetable oils (palm, palm kernel), maltitol, sorbitol, gelatin, corn syrup and water. Also, there are other ingredients present in very small amounts.

Protein content is very good - around 34g of protein per 100g of bars. However, protein sources are relatively fast - mostly whey protein isolate and concentrate. Also, soy protein isolate is present, which is not the best protein available - however, whey proteins and protein from other ingredients help here. These bars can feed body for maybe hour or two with protein, not much longer.

Fiber content could be better, but these bars are not designed (or at least not made, IMHO) as full meal replacement bars.

These bars don't contain trans fats, and ratio of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats is decent, especially when compared with other similar bars. If one wants better ratio of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - eat fish with some olive oil and vegetables :)

Sugar alcohols are present in the form of maltitol and sorbitol. They provide that sweet and chewy taste, while other ingredients, especially peanuts and solid chocolate provide crunchy taste. Sugar alcohols are present in abundance, so if you are not used to them, don't eat many of these bars per day - limit yourself to 1 or 2 large bars and you will be OK.

Smaller bars (46g) contain around 190 kcal per bar and larger bars (88g) contain around 390 kcal per bar - these bars are balanced source of macronutrients (34g of protein, 31g of carbs and 18g of fats per 100g of bars) and can help one start a day (for breakfast) or provide plenty of nutrients and energy during the day (as daily snack). But, as evening meal, these bars are simply 'too fast' regarding digestion.

Recommendation - Chef Robert Irvine FortiFX Fit Crunch Snack and Meal Replacement Bars are very good bars for breakfasts and daily snacks. If you participate in prolonged physical activity (walking, running, hiking etc.) and need quick meal that will fuel your body, these bars are excellent choice. If you need a quick meal after workouts, and you don't have whey protein shake available, these bars can help your body recover and regenerate faster.

If you are on a strict diet, stay away from bars like these. But, if you crave for sweets, it is much better to take a protein bar (single bar!) like this, than some chocolate candy, especially if they fit your daily macros.

For more reviews and recommendations, check these Amazon links (links open in the new windows):

- Chef Robert Irvine FortiFX Fit Crunch Snack Bar

- Chef Robert Irvine FortiFx Fit Crunch Meal Replacement Bar