Shownotes
Nutrition Nugget! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn is talking about Pure Genius Protein Shots, the pocket-sized protein product co-founded by Mel Robbins that is making waves in the wellness world. Is this sleek little bottle actually bridging your protein gap, or is it just clever marketing wrapped in a compelling personal story? Jenn digs into the ingredients, the nutrition facts, the science behind the protein blend, and the team of doctors behind the brand. But here is the thing: the product might check a lot of boxes and still not be what you think it is. Who is this actually designed for, and where does it really fit into your day? Tune in to find out. Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes of new releases every Wednesday. Have an idea for a nutrition nugget? Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/
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KEYWORDS: Jenn Trepeck, Nutrition Nugget, Salad With A Side Of Fries, Health Tips, Wellness Tips, Protein Shots, Whey Protein, Collagen Peptides, Amino Acids, Complete Protein, Protein Gap, Muscle Loss, Weight Management, Hormone Health, Longevity, Gluten Free Protein, Sugar Free Protein, Low Calorie Protein, Protein On The Go, Convenient Protein, Travel Snacks, Protein For Women, GLP-1 Users, Ozempic Nutrition, Bariatric Surgery Nutrition, Post Workout Protein, Protein Snack, Monk Fruit Sweetener, Stevia, Third Party Testing, Heavy Metal Testing, Protein Sources, Functional Foods, Processed Foods Spectrum, Protein For Weight Loss, Protein For Energy, Meal Supplement, Protein Timing, Snack Size Protein, Protein Advisory Board, Protein Powder Alternatives, Medical Advisory Board, Protein Ingredients, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate, Convenient High Protein Snacks For Women On The Go, Best Protein Supplements For GLP-1 And Bariatric Patient
Transcripts
[00:00:28] So Tracy m submitted this one through the website. She said, hi. I'm curious your thoughts on pure genius protein shots. Is it a marketing hype by Mel Robbins or a good option? Thanks. So by the way, if you have an idea for an episode or a nutrition nugget, a question you'd love answered, send it in. You can become a member of the Happy Healthy Hub for the fastest.
[:[00:01:16] It says protein for professionals, longevity, travel, life, weight loss, happiness, performance. Okay. You know? Sure. That seems to cover all the things that you know. Protein would do, so it's pocket sized at 3.8 fluid ounces gives you 23 grams of protein. That's gluten-free, fat-free, zero sugar, and 100 calories.
[:[00:02:04] Like, yes, it would work for travel. Okay. Then they have lots of marketing language around the source of the protein, how it's everything you need without everything you don't. So we'll discuss that again. When we get to the ingredients, they focus on how it fits into your life that many people aren't getting enough protein, which can lead to muscle loss.
[:[00:02:55] It can be another tool in our tool belt. Then they say developed by [00:03:00] doctors. They have a medical advisory board of physicians, and they put the names of these physicians pretty predominantly on the site, which I'm a fan of. I respect it. And there's actually a lot of the names in this list. I know. So the medical advisory board is Dr.
[:[00:03:48] Yeah, I mean, but they're saying you to supplement your diet with this, so we're gonna come back to that. Okay. Alright. Yeah, because exactly. So, okay. And is this something you drink? [00:04:00] Yes. So it's like a little shot, it's a 3.8 fluid ounce. Like, remember the five hour energy? Yeah. Yeah. Drinks. It's about that same size.
[:[00:04:29] In this company, you know, again, 'cause Tracy was like, what is happening? So turns out Nell Robbins is a co-founder. I was gonna say. Right. I'm sure there's some financial gain to this. Exactly. She joined them in early 2025. Apparently she handpicked the scientific advisory team. And they give this personal story.
[:[00:05:09] So she says she was diligent herself focusing on protein, experienced a lot of the same challenges as the rest of us with full lives, full schedules, back to back meetings, little time for meal prep. And apparently, and I'm gonna quote this, couldn't find a convenient, tasty way to get more high quality protein on the go.
[:[00:05:56] We have talked about a ton of options. [00:06:00] You know, now they're on a spectrum, but even once, like I travel with protein powder in Ziploc bags. You know, knock on wood, famous last words. I've never had a problem with security with my ziplocs of protein powder. You too. Yeah. So I believe that this story is a version of the truth, and that probably more likely, like you said.
[:[00:06:43] Right, exactly. I think. I just kind of wish that it was like that was the story, right? You know, like, you know, sometimes you just want people to be honest about something, and I'm not saying she wasn't being honest, but it's more like, okay, you know what? I realize there's [00:07:00] a whole sect of people out there that are looking for, again, very quick, easy, right?
[:[00:07:26] So three flavors, pineapple, strawberry, guava, and blue Lemonade to me. These are the strangest flavors. Yeah. Especially thinking they're pro, they're protein. Right. So, but that's okay. All right. And I, I will say there, I can't remember the name of it. There was a different protein product that had sort of similar flavors that was supposed to be like the texture and flavor of juice.
[:[00:08:12] So I thought, all right, let's not look at that one. So I went with strawberry guava for today's. Exploration. Serving size is one bottle, 3.8 fluid ounces. We get 100 calories, zero grams of fat, two grams of total carbs, zero grams of which are coming from sugar, 22 grams of protein. I thought it was 23. Yeah, I thought it was supposed to be 23, but, okay, so 22 or 23 grams of protein, and then there's a little bit of sodium and potassium.
[:[00:09:08] So. The math is math. You know, we'll have to see what they are based on the ingredients. Still with this, if we look at this, it's a snack size amount of protein, and it's protein only. So if I were to drink this, it would last me maybe 90 minutes, an hour to 90 minutes. It's not a meal replacement. It is not a meal amount of protein.
[:[00:09:59] Then less [00:10:00] than 2% monk fruit extract, L histidine. Eveline Sylvia Leaf extract. Citric acid, maleic acid, phosphoric acid, potassium sorbate, sodium denate, natural flavors. Okay, the carbs are coming from the sweeteners. We have monk fruit extract and the Sylvia leaf extract. Citric acid and maleic acid are probably part of the flavors, I'm guessing, combined with the natural flavors and whatever their in air quotes, natural flavors are.
[:[00:10:55] It has less of the other stuff in it, [00:11:00] nevertheless. Okay, let's talk about the protein blend. It's whey protein and collagen, and then they added two other amino acids, the El Histidine and the Eveline. So those are two other amino acids. Essentially what they've done is created a complete protein from mostly plant sources like the way.
[:[00:11:47] Of each of these protein sources. So if you want, you can go check that out. I respect that they put it out there and explained it all. I think it's worth noting whey protein probably not gonna work for someone with a [00:12:00] lactose challenge, so just. Thinking through that, the sweeteners being monk, fruit and stevia.
[:[00:12:28] So they say they test for heavy metals, glyphosate, plastic chemicals, contaminants, gluten, bisphenols, which are also chemicals in plastic and pesticides. The sourcing and testing is probably how we get to their price points. So they, I think it's like, depending on how many you order, whatever, but it's on average, it's about $4 a serving, which it's not wildly expensive.
[:[00:13:12] I think we just wanna be aware of whether or not they're becoming a staple of our every day. You know, again, it's a snack size amount of protein, not a meal. For me, it's gonna last me an hour, maybe 90 minutes. I could add other foods to it to help it last me longer. On its own, it's a small amount of liquid, which might be helpful, like pre or post workout to get a little bit of protein without the carbohydrates there.
[:[00:14:09] When life is busy, you have no appetite or time. To cook. Yeah, and I was gonna say also for people who are on Ozempic. Wegovy, exactly. They're not getting their protein. They're not eating like, let's face it, they're not eating. They're losing tons of weight because they've got all these side of their, it is an huge appetite suppressant.
[:[00:15:01] Right. This would also be an awesome tool for them. For them. Yeah. With that said, I don't agree that it's the thing that's going to get you enough protein every day by itself. Still, I think it's helpful. And then their literal next sentence basically contradicts that and says, it doesn't replace all the amazing whole food protein options that are available.
[:[00:15:45] Yes. So, yeah. So if I'm. On the go, or I'm at an airport and you know, I don't have time and I'm grabbing some quick salady thing or something. I don't know, but I need a little extra protein [00:16:00] just to supplement exactly that. Then, you know, yeah. Something like that might be fine, but that this is not something that people should be thinking, oh, I could just drink this and now I've got my full recommended amount of food.
[:[00:16:32] I think it's another option that we could add. To me, it's gonna come down to two things. One is the flavor. 'cause I normally don't love those fruity flavored things on the Mel Robbins front. For me personally, it's not necessarily a selling point. It may be to you, it may be a reason not to, you know, play with these.
[:[00:17:13] I like to eat it. I like to chew it. So even with my protein powders, I make things with it. I don't just make smoothies. I actually make like things I can chew and eat. So, but in a, that once in a while where, you know, you're too busy, you're not getting what you need, this might be a good supplement and, but it would depend for me on the flavor.
[:[00:17:58] Send a message. [00:18:00] Hearing from you is the highlight of my day. It is also the easiest way to learn more about working with me as your coach. Donna, thanks again for joining us this week. Thank you, Jen. This was so much fun and I know I coerced you into this, but thank you so, so much. I had a blast. Oh good.
[:[00:18:50] Well, friends, that's it for today's episode of Salad with a Side of Fries. Congratulations for making yourself and your health a priority. Thanks so much for joining us. Be sure to [00:19:00] click subscribe or follow on your favorite podcast platform. Share us with a friend and we'll be back next week. Always remember you deserve it and you are worth it. Happy, healthy.