I have had the opportunity to taste-test the non-flavored protein powders from Manitoba Harvest, but was eager to see what their Vanilla and Dark Chocolate versions tasted like also. The texture was powdery, with a little of that tell-tale hemp grit. It was similar to the Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp & Fiber Protein Powder, so I am guessing that is the protein powder used for the base. Plus, each flavor offers a nice little dose of fiber (8 grams) along with the protein (10 to 11 grams) and Omega-3’s (600 to 700mg).

Vanilla

Curious, I tasted just a bit of the Manitoba Harvest Organic Vanilla Hemp Protein Powder straight. It was actually quite pleasant; lightly sweet, nutty, and gently vanilla in flavor.

I tested it first just mixed with milk alternative, but since you have to add a fair bit per serving (1/4 cup) the end result didn’t mix in as nicely as I would have liked. The hemp kept sinking to the bottom after each shake. The flavor was good, but I really couldn’t taste the vanilla as much as I wanted.

So on the second go around, I went the smoothie route. Jackpot! Just 1 frozen banana (broken into chunks), ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk, and ¼ cup of the Vanilla protein powder, and I was seriously rewarded. The ratios (4 carbs to 1 protein) made it the perfect recovery drink, and it was delicious! The banana actually helped to enhance the vanilla flavor and assisted with distributing the hemp powder. Plus, the sweetness of the banana combined with the hint or organic evaporated cane juice made this a real treat without giving me a sugar-rush.

On the third go around, I added some carob powder (1 tablespoon) for a flavor twist. Still delicious, but it masked a bit of that wonderful vanilla flavor, so I think I will stick with the more simple blend.

Dark Chocolate

When tasted straight, the dark chocolate and hemp flavors in the Manitoba Harvest Organic Dark Chocolate Hemp Protein Powder didn’t quite meld on my taste buds (what can I say, I’m a vanilla girl), but in smoothie form, they were excellent. Following the above vanilla smoothie formula, I combined 1 frozen banana (broken into chunks), ¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk beverage, and ¼ cup of the Dark Chocolate protein powder, until smooth and creamy.

The beverage had a very nice, gentle chocolate flavor that was more on the dark chocolate side, but not overwhelming. It was slightly sweet overall, but not too sweet; excellent for post workout when taste buds tend to be a bit on the sensitive side.  If I were craving a sweeter shake, I would blend in a softened date as I think the flavor would go nicely.

Like the vanilla, there was that slight granular consistency, but it was very mild in the smoothie, and to be expected with hemp.

My husband really enjoyed the dark chocolate hemp smoothies best. But, it helped that the dark chocolate protein powder masked the green color.

The vanilla one is unable to hide out from those who are timid about green smoothies, like my husband.

Additional Notes:

• I love that these protein powders use just a bit of organic evaporated cane juice instead of stevia. Though I use a dash of stevia from time to time, I find it overwhelming (as does my husband) in most brands of protein powders. This brand gives you a nice clean and natural sweetness.
• Because of the wonderful flavor of the vanilla protein powder on its own, I won’t hesitate to add it to other foods in the future as a nutritional “extra.”  I think it would be wonderful sprinkled atop a bowl of cereal or oats, or even in some no bake granola snacks.
• I try not to become fixated on a single food, so I do trial various protein powders, but have added hemp protein into the regular mix for its overall nutrition profile. I enjoyed both of these flavors (and am a big fan of the HempPro 70), but the vanilla version is truly the one that won me over.
• If your only goal is high protein, then hemp is not necessarily the best option. It is a well-rounded mix of healthy fats (Omega's), fiber, and protein. The HempPro 70 has the highest amount of protein. These flavored blends have just 10 to 11 grams per 1/4 cup.

This is a third party review by Alisa Fleming, author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide & Cookbook. For more information on these products, see the Manitoba Harvest Website.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved