PowerBar Protein Plus -Part II

Ok, I've trained on the PowerBar protein powder the last 1.5 weeks. I have to say, very good. I took a minimum of one scoop, religiously, after each workout (more like 1.5- 2) and 2 scoops after waking-up every other morning. The amount taken is based on my bodyweight and estimated lean muscle mass.

1. Taste
I love the chocolate. It has an almost malty flavor to it, reminiscent of Nestle Quick-- very good quality flavor. The sweeteners (fructose and sucralose) are great, having just the right balance without being to Splenda-y. I must say this is my second favorite chocolate flavored protein powder ever (only Labrada being tastier). I say this after alternating between Gaspari and METRX the last few months.
Seriously, I found myself actually wanting to make more than the obligatory post workout scoop.

As for the Vanilla-- personally, I am not a Vanilla protein shake afficianado. In terms of protein powder, Vanilla is usually the one flavor you need to mix with some fruit or peanut butter as it is just too plain. That being said, I do find the PowerBar proteinplus vanilla to be above average. It was tasty enough to be mixed with water alone. Again, the flavor was more malty than other brands, rich, with honey-like overtones. A complex vanilla it was, just like myself ;). When mixed with water, the Vanilla flavor was akin to melted Edy's French Vanilla ice cream. I liked it even as much as Muscle Milk or Labrada. It is a very good Vanilla shake.

Interestingly, I think the soy protein gives a full body, deep taste to both the protein powder flavors. By the way, soy protein is supposedly higher in arginine and gluatmine than whey...that's a plus (note, soy and whey have different amino acid profiles. however, soy protein is, typically, cheaper than whey)

Most importantly, both flavors tasted good when mixed with just water.

As for what other's thought, I received positive feedback on the taste. Ferdinand Sinatra, aspiring fitness model, also liked the taste.

2.Soluability-- how easy it is to mix with water
I was able to mix both flavors of protein powder rather easily with water, using just a fork (creates more turbulent flow than a spoon). The powder clumped considerably less than the other powders I have been using. Further, I did not need a mixer to make the shake taste better either(side note: some powders only taste edible if they are whipped in a mixer-- it's kinda like whipping egg white to make mousse. Stretching out the proteins makes the powders fluffier and yummier)

I was very, happily, suprised by the great soluability. Interstingly, the powder appears to be fluffy and having a large grain size when scooped out. Despite, not appearing to be as finely pulverized as other brands, it mixed exceptionally well. I would say it mixed better than any other powder I have used to date.

3. Results
The protein powder appeared to help me recover. After taking the shakes after workout, I felt less sore the next morning. I felt less bloating on the shakes as well. They were very filling when taken in the AM as well.

Yes, I did not create a statistical DOE to measure the effects; still, from years of lifting , I could tell it worked at least as well as other powders.