Redcon1 MRE Bar Review: Mission Complete or Mission Failed?
As a certified sports nutritionist, I’ve seen countless protein bars come and go. I’ve even been heavily involved in formulating them during my time with MET-Rx and Pure Protein. So, when a product like the Redcon1 MRE Bar hits the market, claiming to be a “real food” meal replacement, my inner supplement nerd gets curious. It’s one thing to make a bar, it’s another to make one that actually delivers on its promises.
Redcon1 has been making waves in the fitness world, and their MRE Bar is a big reason why. But is it a mission-ready source of fuel or just another hyped-up snack destined to fail?
Here’s my complete, updated Redcon1 MRE bar review.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways of the Redcon1 MRE Bar
- Whole-Food Protein Sources: Unlike most bars that rely solely on whey or soy, the MRE Bar uses a unique blend of animal-based proteins including beef, salmon, chicken, and egg. This is designed to be easier on the stomach and provide a more diverse amino acid profile.
- Balanced Macronutrients: Each bar consistently provides around 260 calories, 20 grams of protein, 29 grams of carbs, and 9 grams of fat. This makes it a more substantial option than a simple protein snack.
- Great Taste and Texture: A huge selling point is its soft, food-like texture that isn’t overly chewy or hard. Flavors like Blueberry Cobbler and German Chocolate Cake are frequently praised by users for tasting true to their names.
- Not a “Lite” Snack: With 260 calories, it’s more of a “lite” meal replacement than a low-calorie snack. This makes it ideal for bridging gaps between meals or for post-workout recovery when you need calories and protein.
Redcon1 MRE Bar Review
The Redcon1 MRE Bar is absolutely delicious. From a flavor and texture standpoint, it’s one of the best-tasting bars I’ve ever had. What makes it stand out is its commitment to “real food” ingredients, which is a refreshing change in a market saturated with whey- and soy-based products.
The price for a box of 12 typically hovers around $30 to $35, which is fairly standard for a premium meal replacement bar. You can pick some up here to try for yourself. For the quality of ingredients and the balanced nutrition profile, I believe it’s worth the cost.
What’s the Verdict on Taste and Texture?
The MRE Bar’s texture is a major win. It has a soft, baked quality with just enough crunch to keep it interesting. Unlike many protein bars that are tough and chewy, this one feels more like eating actual food. I’ve tried many of the flavors, and they are impressively accurate.
- Blueberry Cobbler: This remains a standout flavor and a personal favorite. It contains real pieces of blueberry, giving it an authentic taste that many other fruit-flavored bars lack.
- German Chocolate Cake: Another fan favorite that delivers a rich, dessert-like experience.
- Expanded Flavor Lineup: Since its initial launch, Redcon1 has introduced a wide array of flavors, including Iced Lemon Cake, Crunchy Peanut Butter Cup, and Cookies and Cream. This variety ensures there’s a flavor for just about any preference.
According to feedback I’ve received from friends who own supplement stores, the Blueberry Cobbler flavor often becomes their top-selling bar, which speaks volumes about its widespread appeal.
A Breakdown of the Nutrition Profile
From a sports nutritionist’s perspective, the ingredient profile is where the Redcon1 MRE Bar truly shines. Instead of relying on a single source, it uses a diverse blend of proteins that is gentle on the digestive system.
| Nutrient | Amount per bar |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Here are some of the key ingredients and why they matter:
- Protein Blend: The core of the bar is a mix of beef, salmon, chicken, and egg protein, alongside pea and brown rice protein. This combination provides a complete amino acid profile for muscle repair and growth without the heavy reliance on whey, which can cause digestive issues for some people.
- Carbohydrate Blend: The bar uses real food sources like gluten-free rolled oats, yams, and sweet potatoes. These are complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy, unlike the simple sugars found in many competing bars.
- Healthy Fats: The inclusion of MCT oil provides a source of healthy fats that are easily converted into energy.
Is the MRE Bar a True Meal Replacement?
This is a point of debate. In my professional opinion, a true meal replacement should contain 400 calories or more. At 260 calories, the Redcon1 MRE Bar falls into what I would call a “lite” meal replacement or a substantial snack.
However, that’s not a criticism. It’s perfect for bridging the gap between larger meals, fueling up before a workout, or as a recovery option when you need something quick and nutritious. For individuals with smaller caloric needs, it could certainly function as a small meal. As some users on Reddit have noted, it’s not designed for significant weight reduction but rather for providing quality fuel.
Would I recommend the Redcon1 MRE Bar? Absolutely. It’s a well-formulated, great-tasting bar that delivers on its promise of using whole-food ingredients. If you’re going to try just one, start with the Blueberry Cobbler. You won’t be disappointed.
Did my Redcon1 MRE bar review make you hungry? If you wanted to try these bars for yourself, click here to pick some up. Also, if you try them, let me know your thoughts. Did you like them? Which flavor(s)? Hit me up on my contact page or on social media.
Looking for more protein bar reviews? Check out the content below:
- The Perfect Bar
- Evolve Protein Bar
- BPI Sports Best Protein Bar
- BSN Protein Crisp Bar
- MuscleSport Protein Whoopie
- Quest Frosted Cookie
- Legendary Foods Protein Pastry
- My Cookie Dealer
- KIND Bars
And before I go, don’t forget about all of the published e-books and audiobooks I have to help you reach your goals in life and business. I created them to bring you value, so please consider picking one of the up!
FAQs
- Is the Redcon1 MRE Bar good for building muscle?
Yes. With 20 grams of high-quality, diverse protein sources, it provides the essential amino acids needed to support muscle repair and growth, especially when consumed post-workout. - Does the Redcon1 MRE Bar contain whey protein?
The core protein blend does not contain whey. However, some coatings or inclusions on certain flavors may contain whey protein. If you have a dairy allergy, it’s crucial to check the specific ingredients list for the flavor you choose. - Can I use the MRE Bar for weight loss?
It can be a useful tool for weight management. Using it to replace a high-calorie snack or a fast-food meal can help you control your overall calorie intake while ensuring you get quality protein and nutrients. - Where does the protein in MRE Bars come from?
The primary protein sources are from whole foods: beef, salmon, chicken, and egg, supplemented with plant-based proteins like pea and brown rice protein.
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