Have you ever worked out your macro nutrient requirements? This is something I used to do heavily when I trained. My protein intake was normally somewhere between 100-150 grams per day, which might sound easy if you’re eating lots of tasty bits, but if you’re trying to eat clean, it can be quite hard.
I personally can’t stomach just eating previously batch-cooked chicken breast, so I’m always trying to find alternative options, hence the following snack options you can try out.
Vieve Protein Water
Whenever I get to the drinks section while looking for a meal deal at lunch in the office, or before boarding a flight, I always get frustrated at what’s available. You have sugary drinks which cause all kinds of health issues, aspartame packed sugar-free drinks, then a load of juices and smoothies which have all the fructose without the fibre.
I’m often after something high in protein and low in sugar, while my options are generally limited, especially as most of the protein shakes utilise milk and therefore will still have a fair portion of sugar included.
Vieve Protein Water might just be the answer!
With a unique focus on taste, convenience, and nutrition, Vieve’s Wild Cherry flavour offers an impressive alternative to traditional protein shakes and powders.
At £12.99 for a six-pack, this drink stands out as a ready-to-drink protein solution designed for busy, active lifestyles. Whether you’re aiming to increase protein synthesis post-workout, looking for something to drink while on the go, or simply looking for a hydrating drink with added benefits, Vieve delivers a great solution.
What To Expect
Unlike many protein drinks that rely on milk-based formulas or powder mixes, Vieve uses a collagen peptide formula that is 100% dairy and lactose-free. This approach is not only convenient but also eliminates the heaviness and bloating that some experience with traditional protein shakes, caused by the whey (of course, you can get whey protein isolate, but this tends to cost a lot more, while pea proteins are vile).
The Wild Cherry flavour is really tasty, while I can’t help but be curious about the watermelon flavour they also have. The taste is sweet without being overwhelming. This makes it an appealing option for those who dislike the overly sweet or artificial taste of some protein drinks.
Each bottle contains 20g of protein, a decent portion of the 130 grams I’m targeting per day on training days, which would be 15% of my target number. In fact, on non-training days, I target 100 grams, so it would be 20%.
To offer a comparison, this equates to around a tin of tuna, so not too bad!
Additionally, it contains no sugar, no carbs, and is entirely fat-free. This low-calorie profile makes it suitable for those watching their calorie intake while still looking to meet their protein requirements.
Collagen Peptides for Added Benefits
What sets Vieve apart from other protein drinks is its collagen-based formula. Collagen is known for its role in supporting skin health, joint function, and bone strength, alongside its benefits for muscle repair and growth. I have been taking a collagen peptide drink for the past few months and I’m a big fan, both from a muscle building and a skin collagen perspective.
While collagen isn’t suitable for vegans or vegetarians (often derived from bovine), it provides an interesting twist for those who want to explore a protein source beyond the usual whey or plant-based options.
The inclusion of collagen peptides also means the protein in Vieve is rapidly absorbed by the body, making it a convenient option for post-workout recovery. This rapid digestion can help stimulate muscle development and replenish protein stores efficiently after exercise.
Perfect for On-the-Go Lifestyles
Vieve’s Wild Cherry Protein Water is undeniably convenient. You don’t need to make up a protein shake, it’s already done and ready to drink.
You also don’t need to keep it in the fridge, which is useful, as you can pile them up at home or in the office and not have to worry about a short life expectancy (this one has 10 months on the use-by date).
The bottles are obviously portable and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a gym bag or rucksack.
Whether you’re commuting, hitting the gym, or just heading out for a walk, Vieve offers a way to stay hydrated and keep you on target for your macro nutrient requirements.
Sugar-Free
In a world where sugary drinks dominate the market, Vieve’s commitment to being sugar-free is a breath of fresh air. The drink is certified sugar-free by Sugarwise, a trusted organisation that ensures claims about sugar content are independently verified. This certification aligns Vieve with World Health Organisation guidelines, adding credibility to its health-focused ethos.
It’s also free from aspartame, the usual swap-over for sugar, which now has health warnings from the World Health Organisation.
Moreover, the brand steers clear of artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives. Instead, it uses natural flavourings and sucralose sweetener to create a product that feels wholesome and refreshing.
The Wild Cherry Flavour
The Wild Cherry flavour is scrumptious, I’ve always been a fan of cherry, but as I’ve already mentioned, I am very curious about the watermelon as I can imagine that one would be unbelievable.
This drink tastes beautifully of juicy cherries without veering into artificial or overly sugary territory. The flavour pairs well with its light, water-based texture, creating a drink that feels more like a treat than a ‘health drink’.
Unlike thick protein shakes, which can feel heavy and bloating, Vieve Protein Water offers an easy to drink, refreshing experience. This makes it not only suitable for fitness enthusiasts but also for anyone who simply enjoys a hydrating, fruity drink.
My Experience
Vieve Protein Water (Wild Cherry) is a great option for those who want a drink which is high in protein and isn’t packed full of either sugar or aspartame.
It has a great taste and goes down a lot quicker than a whey protein drink.
Its collagen-based formula, plus 20 grams of protein make it a big help towards my macro nutrient requirements.
The fact you don’t have to make up your shake at all, that it’s already done, it doesn’t contain milk so you don’t need it in the fridge and you can store it for 10 months makes it so convenient.
At £12.99 for a six-pack, Vieve Protein Water is reasonably priced for what it delivers. Whether you’re using it as a post-workout recovery drink or a daily protein boost, it’s worth considering as a healthier alternative to sugary or milky drinks.
I was very impressed with Vieve, bring on the other flavours!
The Protein Ball Co
I had one of these protein balls maybe 5-6 years ago, however back then I’m sure they didn’t have nearly as many flavours, you’re spoilt for choice with options now.
The Protein Ball Co is an award winning British protein company launched in 2015…
What’s in the Starter Pack?
The Starter Pack includes ten 45g bags, each containing six bite-sized protein balls. With flavours ranging from the rich and indulgent to the fresh and slightly zesty, there’s something for you whatever your taste buds are after. The included options are Peanut Butter, Coconut and Macadamia, Cacao and Orange, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter (Plant), Lemon and Pistachio, Choc Chip Muffin, Blueberry Oat Muffin, and Coffee Oat Muffin. Each bag is carefully crafted to balance flavour with functionality, making them ideal for both fuelling your body and satisfying your taste buds.
How Do They Taste?
From a taste perspective, the protein balls are a pleasant surprise (not that I was expecting anything bad, but I was just very happy with the taste). Many high-protein snacks suffer from a chalky texture or taste overly sweetened, but these were soft and tasty.
One of the main aspects of this pack is the variety of flavours, I wouldn’t have a clue which one to pick otherwise, so having all of them available means you can experiment initially to find your favourite.
Each protein ball has been carefully developed to offer a unique taste experience. The Peanut Butter variety combines the classic salty and smooth richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of dates and a touch of salt. For those who enjoy a more naughty taste, the Cacao and Orange flavour delivers a rich chocolatey profile with zesty hints of orange (mmm this was a good one).
For something a little more unique in taste, the Lemon and Pistachio balls offer a citrus note combined with the nuttiness of pistachios and the sweetness of dates. Salted Caramel is a trending flavour in everything I try nowadays, while it brings a perfect balance of sweetness and savoury undertones, enhanced by pink Himalayan salt. Each flavour is designed not only to taste great but also to provide a decent amount of protein.
Nutritional Benefits
These protein balls aren’t just tasty; they’re packed with nutritional benefits. Each bag is high in protein, ranging from seven to ten grams depending on the flavour, making them an excellent option for post-workout recovery or a snack when stuck in the office to help you reach your macro nutrient requirements.
They are also high in fibre, which supports digestion and helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. I’ve mumbled off about fibre intake on other posts, in the UK we get around 60% of our daily requirements, therefore it’s great to see a decent amount of fibre in this pack.
It’s also about the micronutrients, the balls are enriched with vitamins such as B12, C, and D3. These additions provide a well-rounded boost to your diet, supporting energy levels, immune function, and bone health. The use of natural ingredients like dates, nuts, and whey or plant proteins ensures that these snacks are both wholesome and effective at delivering sustained energy throughout the day.
The Protein Ball Co’s Quality Approach
What sets the Protein Ball Co apart from others is their commitment to creating healthy snacks without compromising on quality. All their products are made with 100% natural ingredients, and they avoid added sugar (something we get far too much of already), artificial flavours, and sweeteners. The Starter Pack is gluten-free and caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Another admirable aspect is the company’s focus on transparency and quality control. Everything is handmade in their UK-based kitchen, ensuring that each protein ball meets their high standards. This commitment to quality is reflected in the taste and texture of their products, which strike a perfect balance between indulgence and protein requirements.
Such Convenience
Each bag is perfectly portioned, making it easy to grab a quick snack on the go. I also found 6 balls about the right amount I was after, being almost 200 calories, it was the perfect quantity for me.
I do also love that they’re packed up, much like a bag of crisps, with a good year on the expiry date, so you can just leave them in the office or at home for whenever you have a craving and don’t want to turn to something a bit more unhealthy.
The evenings are my craving-point, where I reach for the drawers, so it was amazing having these in the house, providing a boost in protein and no added sugar, while solving my cravings.
For those who find themselves reaching for these snacks regularly, the brand offers a subscription service. By subscribing, you can save 10% on your orders and enjoy the convenience of regular deliveries. The subscription is flexible, allowing you to customise flavours and frequency to suit your preferences.
