Researching Shakes and Bars for Athletes

As a College Strength and Conditioning Coach, one must consider many factors when choosing which shakes and bars to distribute to their athletes.  These factors can include: price, budget, calories, macronutrient distribution, micronutrients, quality of ingredients, sponsorship opportunities, and relationship with vendors. 

For this assignment, I was given 6 different teams with different supplement budgets.  I was given the task of researching shakes and bars to find the best ones considering all of the previously mentioned factors.  I decided to distribute the following shake and bar to all teams. 

Nature's Best Isopure Smoothie
Nutrition Information:
Calories - 230/serving
     Calories from Fat - 25
Total Fat - 2.5 g
     Sat. Fat - 0 g
     Trans Fat - 0 g
Cholesterol - 5 mg
Sodium - 135 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 21 g
     Dietary Fiber - 3 g
     Sugars - 13 g
Protein - 32 g
Vitamin C - 15%
Calcium - 20%
Iron - 4%

Price - Approximately $40/box of 12 shakes

Nature's Best Isopure Smoothie is made with 100% Whey Protein Isolate and is Lactose free.  It is also a good source of ALA Omega-3 and BCAAs. 

I chose this shake because it has an adequate carb to protein ratio while being relatively low in sugar.  This makes it a sufficient post-workout source of nutrition.  It is made with 100% Whey Protein Isolate which is the most easily absorbed form of protein.  It is a good source of other nutrients such as ALA Omega-3 and BCAAs, which might not otherwise be included in a college athlete's diet.  Also, being priced around $40/box of 12 shakes, it easily fell into all of the pre-set supplement budgets.  The shakes will be distributed after all lifting sessions.

Perfect10 Bars by Gr8 Foods - Rebar
Nutrition Information:
Calories - 164/bar
     Calories from Fat - 94
Total Fat - 10 g
     Sat. Fat - 1 g
     Trans Fat - 0 g
Cholesterol - 0 mg
Sodium - 3 mg
Potassium - 238 mg
Total Carbs - 17 g
     Dietary Fiber - 4 g
     Sugars - 11 g
Protein - 4 g
Vitamin A - 1%
Vitamin C - 4%
Vitamin B6 - 8%
Calcium - 7%
Iron - 7%

Price - $20/box with 12 bars/box

Perfect10 bars are made with a "Perfect" combination of 10 top quality natural ingredients.  3 fruits + 3 nuts + 3 seeds = Perfect10.  They are a natural source of energy, using all raw ingredients and no articial or added sweeteners.  Perfect10 bars are gluten free, lactose and dairy free, and cholesterol free.  They are also a good source of dietary fiber and healthy fats.

I chose the Perfect10 bars because they are a natural source of energy that would be great during games at halftime or on the occasion that an athlete comes to lift without having eaten that day.  They are not substancial sources of protein, however for the previously mentioned situations carbohydrates are the preferred source of energy.  Being priced at $20/box, the Perfect10 bars were also able to fit within the designated budget for all teams.  The bars will be distributed at halftime of games and on an "as needed" basis.