With Protein+, Horlicks has stepped into the protein supplement market, which is crucial for the working professionals, especially the bodybuilding athletes. Rigorous workout increases body’s protein requirement and Horlicks has tried to meet that need with Protein+. It offers 33 grams of protein per 100 grams of the supplement and 16 grams per serving.
The product has been designed to enrich the daily diet with protein. It is uses 3 different protein rich ingredients to offer a complete source of protein. Horlicks has stated that this blend gives a sustained protein release for up to 8 hours after consumption. In this review, we will put these claims to a thorough analysis and test the product on several crucial parameters to find its true worth for the users.
Nutrition Profile
Horlicks Protein+ offers 33 grams of protein per 100 grams of the powder (protein profile of a mere 33%). One serving (3 teaspoons or approximately 48 grams) gives you 16 grams of protein which is not a figure that would impress many. A unique feature of this product is its protein source or rather sources – a triple blend of whey, soy and casein. Here’s the logic for it:
Whey Concentrate: It is a highly bioavailable and a fast acting source of protein (rapidly absorbed).
Soy Isolate: It is an intermediate-releasing source of protein that becomes available after whey.
Casein: It is a slow releasing milk protein one that is available for slow absorption for up to 8 hours.
Thus this blend, gives you a steady supply of protein to keep you energetic for a considerable part of the day. Based on this, the product might work well as a daily protein supplement for people.
Not suitable for bodybuilding requirements:
The triple blend is a little problematic for bodybuilders. Firstly, protein content per serving is a mere 16 grams. Second, very little of this is actually whey protein concentrate. After an exhaustive workout the body needs to be supplied with a good amount of whey (fast absorption) for rapid muscle recovery. Soy and casein might not be that useful for this immediate requirement. Third, it has not been fortified with BCAA, EAA or Glutamine. And last, the product has a high amount of sucrose which is something athletes refrain from. Hence, Horlicks Protein+ does not seem like an ideal choice for making pre and post workout shakes.
The other components per serving (approximate figures):
Energy: 182.5 kcal
Total Fat: < 1.0 gram
Total Carbohydrates: 28 grams
Sucrose: 14.87 grams
Vitamin A: 500 mcg
Vitamin C: 50.33 mg
Vitamin D: 8.35 mcg
Vitamin E: 2.5 mg
Vitamin K: 32.5 mcg
Vitamin B1: 1.0 mg
Vitamin B2: 1.65 mg
Niacin: 13.3 mg
Vitamin B6: 1.65 mg
Vitamin B12: 1.65 mcg
Folic acid: 100 mcg
Pantothenic acid: 2.5 mg
Taste
Horlicks Protein+ comes in two popular flavours – Vanilla and Chocolate. The product has received positive reviews with respect to its taste. Users have called the taste as ‘delicious’, ‘good’ and ‘yummy’.
Effectiveness
The product might look like a decent daily nutritional supplement but since it is sold as a ‘better protein’, it needs to be evaluated on that front. Anyone who has even little knowledge about nutrition would know that Horlicks Protein+ is far from being ideal.
A protein supplement needs to be high in protein, fibre (optional) and less or negligible in sugar. Protein+ has 56 grams of carbs per 100 grams. Out of this, almost 30 grams is sucrose (regular table sugar). With every 33 grams of protein, you consume 30 grams of sugar. It’s a big no for people on monitored diets and definitely not ideal for athletes who only consume healthy carbs.
Hence, as far as effectiveness is concerned, Protein+ might give you a certain amount of protein and help you meet the daily intake to some extent but it is not that effective as a supplement.
Quality
Horlicks, being a leader, definitely comes with an assurance of good quality. With crisp product packaging, labelling, descriptive website and consistently fine-tasting powder – Protein+ stands firm on quality.
Side Effects
No side effects have been reported so far for Horlicks Protein+. No incidences of gastric disturbances or other allergic reactions have been reported. However, since it has milk and soy, people allergic to these should use this after medical consultation.
Price/Value:
It is available in 200 gram and 400 gram packs. One serving is approximately 48 grams (3 heaped teaspoons) and hence a 200 gram pack (approx. Rs. 250) does not give more than 4 servings. This brings the cost per serving to around Rs. 62.5. You get mere 16 grams of protein which is unfortified, not entirely whey and loaded with sugars for an astounding Rs. 62.5 – super expensive!
Horlicks Protein+ Health and Nutrition Drink - 400 g Pet Jar (Vanilla)
Rs. 495 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Triple protein blend providing fast and sustained release of amino acids over time
- Contains a blend of three high quality proteins whey, soy and casein
- Horlicks Protein+ contains 3 times more protein than the leading HFD