Mezcla Review – Snack or Skip? Trying Out Mezcla Protein Bars

Developed by Eat Mezcla, Inc., Mezcla Bars may help increase fullness, reduce food cravings, and support muscle recovery. They could be easy to consume on the go, as a pre-workout snack, or between meals. However, is Mezcla Bars a suitable plant-based snacking option?

In this exclusive review, we cover everything you need to know about Mezcla Bars. This includes Mezcla Bar’s working mechanism, safety details, pricing, alternatives, and more.

About Mezcla Bars

Founded by Griffin and Coco, Mezcla Bars offers protein bars with pea crisps, which are a mix of pea protein and brown rice starch. As per its official site, a single protein bar from Mezcla (40g) provides 170 calories and 10g of protein. It also comes in different flavors, such as almond butter, matcha vanilla, pistachio, maple blueberry, etc. The pea protein in Mezcla Bars contains essential amino acids, which might help support muscle recovery and energy levels. It could also help suppress sweet cravings, which may contribute to your weight management goals.

How Mezcla Bars Function?

Mezcla Bars may work by providing pea protein (as pea crisps). Studies indicate that pea protein may increase satiety by raising levels of peptide YY and GLP-1 hormones, which help signal fullness to your brain.

Pea protein also has BCAAs like leucine, which could support muscle recovery and energy production after workouts. The pea protein in Mezcla Bars is also highly digestible and free from common allergens like soy, gluten, or GMOs. Such composition could make it suitable for various dietary restrictions.

Some flavors of Mezcla Bars (like hazelnut and hot chocolate) include ingredients like quinoa and pumpkin seeds, which comprise nutrients like fiber, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients may support steady energy levels and boost metabolism.

Mezcla Bars also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients like cacao or matcha. These ingredients might help reduce inflammation and support brain function, which may help boost vitality. They also contain caffeine, which may help reduce fatigue, increase alertness, and enhance calorie burning.

Benefits Of Mezcla Bars

1. Might Promote Satiety

   Mezcla Bars may provide a mix of protein and fiber, which might help you feel full longer. They also contain pea protein, which could suppress frequent cravings and minimize overeating. The slow-digesting protein in Mezcla Bars might help keep you satiated for longer periods.

   If you’re trying to support fitness goals or avoid mindless snacking, having a Mezcla Bar between meals might help you stay on track. The natural balance of protein and complex carbs in Mezcla Bars may also provide steady energy without unnecessary calories.

2. Could Support Muscle Recovery and Strength

   Mezcla Bars contain pea protein, which provides essential amino acids (like leucine) that might help rebuild and strengthen muscles after exercise. Pea protein may also help accelerate muscle repair and reduce soreness post-exercise, which could support better performance.

   These benefits could be particularly helpful for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to support lean muscle development. Consistent use of Mezcla Bars along with a high-protein diet might also support benefits like increased strength, reduced muscle fatigue, and more voluminous muscles over time.

3. May Aid in Digestion

   Mezcla Bars contain fiber from ingredients like quinoa and pumpkin seeds. Their fiber content may support bowel regularity and feed beneficial gut bacteria that support digestion and immune health.

   Since Mezcla Bars are free from dairy, GMOs, and gluten, they might be easier for your stomach to digest than other protein snacks. Better digestion may also help improve nutrient absorption, decrease bloating/gas, and support long-term gut function.

4. Might Help Lower Inflammation

   Some flavors of Mezcla Bars contain ingredients like blueberries, matcha, and cacao. These contain beneficial antioxidant compounds, which may help reduce inflammation triggered by processed foods and artificial additives.

   Mezcla Bars do not comprise inflammatory ingredients like dairy and refined sugars, which may further lower the risk of inflammation. Reduced inflammation might help support muscle recovery, joint comfort, and vitality.

Side Effects Of Mezcla Bars

1. May Cause Digestive Discomfort

   Mezcla Bars might trigger gastrointestinal concerns like bloating, gas, or stomach cramps. It may happen as pea protein in Mezcla contains oligosaccharides, a carbohydrate that may ferment in the gut. The fermentation process may cause such digestive discomfort.

   You might also experience diarrhea due to Mezcla’s high protein content. Since plant proteins digest more slowly than animal-based proteins, they may sit longer in the stomach, making digestion feel sluggish.

2. Could Increase the Risk of Heavy Metal Exposure

   Some plant-based protein sources, including peas, may naturally absorb heavy metals like arsenic and lead from the soil. While Mezcla Bars are tested for safety, small amounts of these metals might still be present.

   If consumed regularly over time, exposure to these heavy metals from Mezcla bars could lead to adverse side effects. Such interactions may include vomiting, weak immunity, increased irritability, weak bones, and even an increased risk of kidney dysfunction.

3. Might Trigger Allergic Reactions

   Mezcla Bars contain ingredients like quinoa, which may cause allergic reactions if you are severely sensitive to saponins. These compounds might trigger mild allergic reactions like itching in the mouth, stomach pain, or even nausea.

   Other ingredients like pea protein and cocoa in Mezcla Bars may also trigger potential allergic reactions. These may cause stomach upset, skin irritation, respiratory discomfort, or hives. In more severe cases, allergic reactions may progress to rashes or difficulty breathing.

Pricing Details

According to its official site, you may purchase one box (12 bars) of Mezcla Bars for $32.99. Mezcla also offers a Variety Pack, which provides a mix of all flavors (in a box of 8 bars) for $25.

The makers also provide free shipping if you order two or more boxes of Mezcla in a single order. Subscribing to Mezcla Bars may save you an extra 10% on the retail price.

Refund Policy

As per its official site, Mezcla Bars do not come with a returns or exchange option due to their perishable nature. If you receive a damaged or incorrect order, you can contact customer support at [email protected] for assistance. Refunds, if approved, may take time to process. Check with your card provider or the bank if there’s a delay, and follow up with Mezcla.

Can Mezcla Bars Trigger Protein Allergy?

Mezcla Bars can trigger a protein allergy if you are sensitive to certain ingredients. Each bar contains plant-based proteins such as pea protein and brown rice protein, which the brand claims offer a clean and sustainable protein source. While these are generally well-tolerated, your immune system may react if it misidentifies these proteins as harmful.

If you have a legume allergy, you may be at risk of a cross-reactivity response where your immune system confuses pea protein with similar proteins found in peanuts or lentils. This reaction might cause itching, swelling, digestive upset, or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis.

Some Mezcla flavors include tree nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts) or peanuts, which are common allergens. While the brand claims to be soy-free and gluten-free, it does not claim to be nut-free and contains nut shell fragments, so you should avoid certain flavors if you have nut allergies.

When your immune system detects an allergenic protein, it produces IgE antibodies, which then trigger the release of histamine. This causes typical allergy symptoms like rashes, breathing difficulty, or gastrointestinal issues.

To stay safe, review the ingredient list of each bar carefully. If you have a known allergy to legumes, nuts, or seeds, consult the doctor before trying Mezcla Bars.

Alternatives To Mezcla Bars

1. RX Bar

   One of the popular alternatives to Mezcla Bars is the RX Bar, which focuses on simplicity and transparency. RX Bars are known for their short ingredient list, often printed right on the front of the packaging. Common ingredients include egg whites (for protein), dates (for natural sweetness), nuts (like almonds or cashews), and sometimes natural flavors or sea salt. Each bar typically contains 12g of protein, making it slightly higher in protein than Mezcla’s 10g of plant protein per bar.

   However, there are key differences in their ingredients and approach. RX Bars are not vegan since egg whites are their protein source, whereas Mezcla bars are 100% plant-based and cater to vegan diets. Mezcla is also gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO and uses a crispy puffed texture for a lighter feel, often blending nut butter, chocolate, and unique global flavors like Hot Chocolate with chipotle, maple blueberry, and pistachio chocolate. RX Bar, in contrast, sticks to more classic flavors such as peanut butter, chocolate sea salt, blueberry, and mint chocolate.

   When it comes to texture, RX Bars are chewy and dense due to their combination of dates and egg whites, while Mezcla bars have a crispy and soft-baked texture that may feel lighter and slightly crunchy. Both bars avoid added sugars and artificial ingredients and claim to focus on maintaining ingredient transparency.

   Price-wise, RX Bars are usually more affordable per bar (around $2.00–$2.50 each) compared to Mezcla bars, which are priced at $32.99 for a box of 12 (about $2.75 per bar). RX Bar also offers a variety of packs, minibars, and nut butter products, giving more options for different snack occasions, while Mezcla focuses solely on its plant protein bars.

2. Kind Protein Bar

   Kind Protein From Real Food® Bar is said to be made using whole ingredients like almonds, peanuts, and soy protein isolate. The brand mentions that each bar of 50 grams delivers 12 grams of protein, making it a suitable protein-dense snack. It also has vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium, which may support your energy levels and bone health.

   However, while Kind bars are said to be gluten-free and non-GMO, they are not entirely vegan, as many flavors contain honey or dairy. The texture is notably crunchy and nutty, which may suit those who enjoy a firmer bite. Flavors such as crunchy peanut butter and dark chocolate nut combine peanuts and soy protein.

   On the pricing side, Kind Protein bars are typically more budget-friendly than Mezcla, ranging from $19.18 for a 12-count box, and are widely available both online on Amazon and in physical stores.

   On the other hand, Mezcla Plant Protein Bars focuses on plant-based nutrition and creative flavor combinations. With 10 grams of plant protein per 40-gram bar sourced mainly from pea protein, they’re fully vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO. Their soft and puff-crispy texture offers a lighter eating experience than the denser KIND bars. Mezcla bars come in matcha vanilla, pistachio chocolate, and hot chocolate with chipotle spice. Priced at $32.99 for 12 bars, they come with free shipping on orders of two boxes or more, plus a 10% discount for subscribers.

Mezcla Bars User Experiences

As per the consumer reviews available on Amazon, Mezcla Bars has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,250+ global ratings. Many customers state that they enjoy these bars for their 10 grams of plant-based protein, crunchy texture, and low-calorie count of 170 calories per bar. People say these bars are satisfying and provide good energy throughout the day, making them a useful on-the-go snack for them.

Customers like the variety of flavors, with favorites including Hot Chocolate and Maple Blueberry. One reviewer mentioned that he struggled to find bars that are tolerable and nutritious due to a whey intolerance. They mentioned that Mezcla Bars are easy to eat and tasty, saying the pea crisps gave the bars a texture similar to a cereal bar or rice crispy treat, with no chalky or grainy protein taste. Another customer noted that the Hot Chocolate flavor had a nice sweetness and didn’t cause blood sugar spikes, which is helpful for those watching their glucose levels.

However, some customers mentioned the Mezcla bars are a bit pricey, and a few reported getting stale bars, which shows that freshness can vary. While some think the bars are a good value for the quality, others feel the price is too high for what you get.

Based on Amazon reviews, Mezcla Bars appear to be a plant-based protein snack option with a crunchy texture and unique flavors. They could be suitable for people with dietary restrictions like dairy or whey intolerance. However, the higher price and inconsistent freshness are points to keep in mind before buying.

As per the reviews on Reddit, users mentioned that they liked maple blueberry, vanilla matcha, hot chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, and hazelnut flavors of Mezcla protein bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Mezcla Bars keto-friendly?
   Mezcla Bars are not ideal for keto diets. They contain 14–17 grams of carbohydrates per bar, which may exceed the typical keto daily carb limit.
2. Can I eat Mezcla Bars as a meal replacement?
   Mezcla Bars work best as a snack. With about 170–190 calories and 10 grams of protein, they don’t offer enough nutrition for a full meal replacement.
3. Are there any allergens in Mezcla Bars?
   Yes, Mezcla Bars may contain allergens like nuts, soy, and sesame. Always check each bar’s ingredient list, especially if you have food allergies or sensitivities.
4. Do Mezcla Bars melt in the heat?
   Mezcla Bars are shelf-stable, but in high temperatures, they can soften or slightly melt due to the nut butter base and chocolate coating in some flavors.
5. Are Mezcla Bars soy-free?
   Not all Mezcla Bars are soy-free. Some flavors include soy lecithin. It’s important to check individual product labels if you have soy allergies or preferences.

Final Words

Mezcla Bars may offer you a plant-based, protein-rich snack with clean, vegan-friendly ingredients. They may provide nutritional support while also helping you maintain sustained energy levels. However, you should consider a few important factors before making them a regular part of your diet. If you are sensitive to pea protein or high-fiber ingredients, you may experience mild digestive discomfort. Mezcla Bars have a high carbohydrate content and may also not align with low-carb or ketogenic dietary goals. Some of its flavors contain soy or tree nuts, which could pose concerns depending on your dietary restrictions. While they can support your fitness goals and help manage your daily protein intake, they should not be considered as a meal-replacement option.