Atkins Protein Supplement Review
The infamous 80s Atkins diet originally started as a low-carbohydrate fad diet, promoting cutting carbs in order to lose weight. Not only has it inspired a number celebrity-endorsed lifestyles and various tweaks of the original, it has also spawned the creation of Atkins food products, such as bars, snacks and shakes, that are designed to assist with weight loss and support the diet’s low carb diet mantra.
No longer just a fad, Atkins products have evolved to include high protein options to support active lifestyles in addition to the low carb alternatives that the brand is known for. If you’re thinking about losing weight, or eating healthier, check out this Canstar Blue guide on the available Atkins snacks and shakes.
Atkins Protein Supplements
While it may not offer as wide a range as some of its competitors, Atkins offers a number of bars and shakes to help those looking to increase their protein intake while keeping carbs under control. Read on to find out just what exactly is on offer from Atkins.
Atkins Snack Bars
Atkins have a range of snack bars that are ideal for snacking on the go, while sticking to a low carb diet. The two main options are protein snack bars that are high in protein while remaining low carb, and the Endulge range which are more decadent for those looking to treat themselves. Atkins low sugar snack bars and treat bars are available to purchase individually or in a box of five, depending on where you shop.
Atkins protein snack bars
The Atkins protein snack bars are high in protein and low in sugar, designed to be the perfect low carb snack to satisfy your cravings and sustain you between meals. The range includes:
- Cappuccino nut: A crunchy combination of nuts, chocolate and coffee, it contains 4.4 grams of carbs, 1.8 grams of sugar, 3.7 grams of fibre and 11 grams of protein.
- Chocolate brownie: The chocolate brownie is a moist, chewy brownie bar with a layer of caramel and dipped in a chocolate coating. Filled with 2.4 grams of carbs, 1.5 grams of sugar, 9.9 grams of fibre and 15 grams of protein.
- Chocolate chip crisp: This crispy chocolate bar contains 2 grams of carbs, 0.8 grams of sugar, 6 grams of fibre and 12 grams of protein.
- Chocolate decadence: The Chocolate decadence bar is chocolate fudge centre dipped in dark chocolate. It contains 1.6 grams of carbs, 0.8 grams of sugar, 6 grams of fibre and 18 grams of protein.
- Chocolate hazelnut crisp: This is a crunchy and chocolatey snack similar to a nut bar and filled with hazelnuts. It also contains 2.9 grams of carbs, 1.7 grams of sugar, 4.3 grams of fibre and 7.1 grams of protein.
- Chocolate mint: A combination of fudge with a layer of mint, surrounded by milk chocolate. Packed with 2.5 grams of carbs, 2.1 grams of sugar, 8.9 grams of fibre and 15 grams of protein.
- Chocolate raspberry: A fudge filling with a fruity raspberry layer, dipped in milk chocolate, with 1.5 grams of carbs, 1.3 grams of sugar, 4.5 grams of fibre and 7.5 grams of protein.
- Cookies and cream: The cookies and cream bar has crunchy biscuit filling, and is coated in white chocolate. It contains 1.4 grams of carbs, 1 grams of sugar, 2.4 grams of fibre and 8.2 grams of protein.
- Fudge caramel: This protein bar is made with a fudge filling and a layer of caramel, covered in milk chocolate. It contains 3 grams of carbs, 2.4 grams of sugar, 9 grams of fibre and 15 grams of protein.
Atkins Endulge treat bars
The Atkins Endulge treat bars provide low sugar alternatives to traditional chocolate bars, giving those who can’t say no to something sweet a healthier option. The range includes:
- Milk chocolate: A milk chocolate bar containing 1.9 grams of carbs, 1.5 grams of sugar, 7.3 grams of fibre and 1.4 grams of protein.
- Caramel nougat: A creamy caramel bar with soft nougat covered in a thick layer of chocolate. It contains 1.9 grams of carbs, 1.4 grams of sugar, 7.9 grams of fibre and 5.7 grams of protein.
- Caramel nut chew: A centre of caramel, peanuts and nougat, all dipped in a chocolate coating. It contains 2 grams of carbs, 1 grams of sugar, 5.9 grams of fibre and 5 grams of protein.
- Cherry coconut: The cherry coconut bar is a combination of cherry and coconut with a dark chocolate coating. It contains 1.4 grams of carbs, 1 grams of sugar, 5.4 grams of fibre and 2.1 grams of protein.
- Chocolate coconut: Moist coconut surrounded by a thick layer of chocolate. It contains 3.7 grams of carbs, 1.1 grams of sugar, 8.8 grams of fibre and 4.8 grams of protein.
- Chocolate break: Four wafer sticks covered in milk chocolate, this bar contains 2.6 grams of carbs, 1.4 grams of sugar, 0.5 grams of fibre and 1.4 grams of protein.
- Milk chocolate mint crisp: This bar contains crunchy mint crisps surrounded by creamy milk chocolate. It has 1.7 grams of carbs, 1.3 grams of sugar, 6.6 grams of fibre and 1.2 grams of protein.
Atkins low carb shakes and protein powder
Atkins has a range of pre-mixed protein shakes and some protein powders, ideal for when you need to boost your energy levels and satisfy your hunger cravings on the go. Atkins shakes and powders include:
- Atkins premixed shakes: Atkins have a range of 330mL protein shakes which are ready to drink, are low in sugar and contain 15 grams of protein per bottle. The shakes are designed to drink as a snack or after a workout. They are made with gluten free ingredients, contain less than 1 gram of sugar and are available in Chocolate and Vanilla flavours.
- Atkins premixed Plus Protein shakes: The Atkins Plus Protein range of 400mL premixed shakes contain 35 grams of protein to support the maintenance of muscle and recovery. They contain a good dose of fibre, are all low carb, ranging between 2.3 and 3.2 grams of carbs, and contain between 1 and 1.8 grams of sugar. Atkins Plus Protein Shakes are available in Banana, Iced Coffee and Dark Chocolate flavours.
- Atkins protein shake powder: The Atkins protein shake mix is a low sugar and low carb powder that contains vitamins, minerals and fibre to help satisfy your hunger, sustain your energy and help with recovery. It is available in Chocolate, which contains 18 grams of protein, 3.1 grams of carbs and 1.1 gram of sugar, or Vanilla, which contains 17 grams of protein, 2.7 grams of carbs and 1.3 grams of sugar.
What other low carb products does Atkins sell?
Aside from bars and shakes, Atkins also has a range of other low carb food options to help you minimise your carb intake while still enjoying foods such as muesli bread and pasta. The range includes:
- Atkins Low Carb Muesli: Atkins Crunchy Muesli is low in carbs, contains no added sugar and is the perfect breakfast option to kickstart your day and sustain your energy throughout. It contains 4.2 grams of fibre per serve, 7.1 grams of carbohydrates, 1.3 grams of sugar and 5.2 grams of protein. Ingredients include oats, bran, soy, nuts, seeds and naturally occurring sugars.
- Atkins Low Carb Pasta: The Atkins Penne low carb pasta contains just 11.5 grams of carbs per serving, ideal for those who enjoy pasta but worry about the carb intake. Each serving also contains 25 grams of protein, 6.5 grams of fibre and 1 gram of sugar.
- Atkins Low Carb Bread and Crispbread: Atkins has two alternatives in the low carb bread range; there is a multiseed bread mix, which is suitable for a bread making machine or regular oven, and crunchy crispbread for snacking. The bread mix contains 75% less carbs than regular brown bread, while still providing a high level of fibre and protein. The low carb crispbread contains 50% less carbs than its regular crispbread counterparts.
Atkins Shipping and Returns Policy
Atkins does not sell its products directly to consumers through the Atkins Australia website. Instead, it directs you to a number of retailers that sell Atkins products, both online and instore. Some retailers that stock Atkins products include:
- Coles
- Woolworths
- com.au
- Priceline Pharmacy
- Chemist Warehouse
- Low Carb Emporium Australia
The shipping and returns policy for each retailer varies, so check each individual policy before you purchase Atkins products online.
How does the Atkins diet work?
The Atkins diet primarily focuses on following a low-carb eating plan, with the aim being that if you tighten your carb (and therefore your calorie) intake, your body uses what’s already stored to burn energy, and therefore lose weight over time. The Atkins diet is split into four phases, which are:
- Phase One – Induction: Where you’ll limit your intake your carb intake to just 20 grams a day for two weeks, with most of your nutrients coming from fats and protein.
- Phase Two – Ongoing Weight Loss: Slowly introducing a slight carb increase into your diet to help with energy levels, with the primary source of calories still coming from fats and protein. Atkins states that you stay on this phase until you are close to your goal weight.
- Phase Three – Pre-maintenance: Increasing your carb intake to a more sustainable levels as you reach your goal weight, with the intention to maintain this weight. This phase should last about a month to help you get used to the increased intake.
- Phase Four – Maintenance: Where you’ve reached your goal weight, and you can implement food changes into your diet to ensure you maintain this weight.
Restricting carbs can often be a go-to option for many, but also comes with its cons, including lower energy levels and increased hunger. As a result, heavily restricting your intake may not suit everyone, and it’s generally recommended to speak to your doctor or nutritional expert before embarking on any restrictive diet or weight loss programs.
Should I choose Atkins low carb products?
If you’re in the market for a new brand of protein bar or low carb supplement, there’s a lot to consider to ensure that you make the right choice to suit your lifestyle. It pays to not only research into what flavours are available, but also the nutritional breakdown of each product so that you can compare the nutritional value of individual Atkins bars and products. Looking at the suggested serving quantity, the amount of protein and carbs, and also other ingredients that may be included such as soy, gluten or nuts, may help you to decide whether Atkins is the brand for you.
Atkins is primarily a weight loss brand and targets those who are following low carb diets, or are looking for snack alternatives that contain less sugar than regular nut or chocolate bars. While not necessarily fitness driven, Atkins products do contain higher amounts of protein so they may also be suitable for active lifestyles, to boost your energy and help with recovery. However if you’re looking to revamp your diet, it’s best to consult your doctor before diving into any new eating regime.
Photo Credit: Natalia Lisovskay/shutterstock.com, Atkins.com.au
About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.