GNC PUREDGE Product Review

GNC recently released a new product line called PUREDGE. I was fortunate enough to be sent a box of free samples to try. I was given three different products, and now that I've had a chance to use them, I thought I'd write up a review.

I should preface this by saying that my protein and supplement purchases aren't based on taste or mix-ability or anything else really, except price. Actually, now that I've moved to a high fat-low carb diet, I'm very careful to save my carbs for fruit, not as additives in protein powder.

The tagline on the PUREDGE products is "Super Natural Performance." According to the product label,

GNC PUREDGE™ sets the new standard for quality, nature-based sports nutrition without sacrificing delicious taste or the performance benefits you'd expect from the industry leader by providing powerful natural compounds and clinically studied ingredients. Each product is certified banned substance free, contains no unhealthy artificial additives, and features a powerful Functional Flavor System that utilizes active flavoring ingredients to go beyond delicious taste and deliver additional healthy functional benefits. These innovative products give you a strong and wholesome foundation for personal improvement in any fitness pursuit.

Daily Energy Performance Energizer ($36.99 member price for 1.13 lbs. = 30 servings)
Positives: I tried the Natural Cherry Limeade flavor. It was pretty tasty; it reminded me a little of a sweet tart. It contains some carbs (just 9g and 1g from sugar), 5g of protein, natural forms of caffeine, and beta-alanine. I really like this product. I used it during 2 different CrossFit competitions and found it provided a sufficient energy boost to carry me through a second WOD of the day.

Not-so-positives: My husband tried it, and found it too sweet, which I find interesting because it contains only natural sweeteners. The only downside for me is the amount of caffeine. I started taking it as my daily pre-workout and found that it was affecting my sleep. It's just too much caffeine for me to take at 4 pm. Which is a bummer, because I really do like the product. (*I would say that I'm a little sensitive to caffeine.)

Complete Amino Daily Muscle Replenishment ($39.99 member price for 1.08 lbs. = 30 servings)
Positives: The flavor is good-- Natural Tropical Punch. The product contains

• Refreshing 7.5g Amino Blend for Added Muscle Support*
• Includes 2.5g of clinically Proven Betaine + 1g Carnitine and 1g Glutamine to Protect & Repair Muscle*
• Supports Healthy Hydration and Protects from Everyday Stressors* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

I like that this (and all products in this line) contains no banned substances, no preservatives or artificial anything, no GMO- or gluten- added ingredients, no wheat, yeast, fish, egg or sugar alcohols.

Not-so-positives: I find that when mixed in a shaker cup with water, there are little particles that don't dissolve. So, as I drink it, there is a slightly gritty texture. I have to add more water to the empty bottle and swish to be sure I drink all of the serving. Also, I'm not sure about the results. I haven't noticed a marked improvement in recovery (but then again, if I don't take this particular product, I take other BCAAs. And I've definitely noticed better recovery after adding BCAAs.)

Complete Protein Whole Foods-Based Protein ($49.99 member price for 2.57 lbs. = 24 servings)
Positives: Honestly, in the past I haven't thought at all about what is in my protein powder. However, as I've become more educated and switched to a low carb diet, I'm more concerned with the extras that are in my supplements. I love that this is a protein powder with all natural ingredients and none of the junk. Complete Protein contains

COMPLETE PROTEIN WHOLE-FOOD-BASED PROTEIN

• Delicious 20g Protein Blend Sweetened with Stevia and Monk Fruit*
• Provides 1 Serving of Fruits & Veggies plus CHIA & CLA*
• Over 5g of Amino Acids for Post-Workout Muscle Care*
• Promotes Satiety & Healthy Digestion with 5g Fiber

I also love that this protein contains a serving of fruit and veggies. Plus, it tastes pretty good and mixes well with water. It does tastes quite a bit like chocolate milk-- I suppose it's the buttermilk. So be aware, this product does contain milk and soy.

Not-so-positives: I guess the downside for me is the price. On average I buy protein that sells for about $10 a pound. So, this is quite a bit more. However, at the time this blog is being typed, GNC is offering a "buy one, get one half off" sale. The only other issue I have is the carb count. One serving contains 16 grams of carbs. The sugar count is only 5 grams, but following a low-carb diet, I have been cutting the servings in half and mixing it with 1/2 a serving of a lower carb protein powder. I'm willing to forgive the higher carbs because the product contains a full serving of fruits and veggies. I would just rather eat my fruit than drink it in a protein shake.

Final word: I'm very happy that GNC is producing a product that is natural and free from so much of the bad "stuff" that is found in supplements. I applaud this product line and encourage you to try it!

Yes, GNC gave me the samples for free, but my opinions are completely my own.