Product Review: Syntrax Matrix 5.0 Mint Cookie

I am not one who likes sameness in the things I eat.  What I mean by that is that I get really, really tired of eating the same thing over and over again.  My husband and I differ drastically here–he could eat the exact same thing every day and never tire of it.  I, on the other hand, crave variety and difference in what I eat.

So in preparation for 3 weeks of a full liquid diet, I had only chosen 2 sources of protein that I liked and could tolerate–Isopure Zero Carb and Unjury Chocolate Splendor.  I was afraid that I would tire quickly of these so I needed to hunt down another source of protein that would taste good and that met my nutritional requirements:  at least 20 grams of protein, fewer than 10 grams carbs with no more than 5 of those being from sugars, and have less than 200 calories.  I’d heard good things about Syntrax Matrix Mint Cookie (“it tastes like Thin Mints” was a common thing I’d heard) and decided to give it a try.

Right before I had surgery, I ordered samples of the Mint Cookie powder from Nashua Nutrition.  The great thing about Nashua Nutrition is that they will sell you single serving samples of nearly any flavor of protein powder they keep in stock.  This is great so that if you want to test drive a flavor before investing in an entire tub or bag, you can do it for a really low price–$1.95 per sample.

Today I finally busted into the samples.  I didn’t want ANOTHER orange drink, and wasn’t feeling plain chocolate.  I had my hubby mix up one of the packets of the Mint Cookie in a glass of water over ice.  I took a sip, and holy wow…

Here is the Mint Cookie powder mixed in water with a bit of ice to keep it cold. I’m pumped that this stuff tastes as good as it does!

This stuff is awesome.  You can’t even tell you’re drinking a protein drink.  The mint flavor is not overpowering, and it really does taste like a Thin Mint.  This powder has a blend of proteins, including whey protein concentrate, casein (a longer-lasting protein source, keeping you full longer), and egg white albumin.  Whey protein concentrate is not my dietician’s choice, as she prefers me to drink products containing whey protein isolate instead as it is supposed to have better bioavailability.  Personally, I don’t see the difference as long as I’m getting in my protein requirements for the day, which falls between 60-80 grams daily.

You can mix this powder in water or your choice of milk.  I wanted to try it in water first, as I learned pre-op that protein powder + milk for me was not a good choice.  I didn’t have any trouble getting it down mixed in water.  Understand that the powder will settle as you allow the drink to sit and you may have to stir it to resuspend the “cookie” particles.  The powder mixes readily in whatever fluid you choose to mix it into and does not have a chemical taste to it, or an aftertaste.  It also does not leave a filmy residue in your mouth as some protein powders/drinks tend to do.

The nutrition info on this is excellent:

Information is per scoop, where 1 scoop = 1 serving

Calories:  140

Protein:  23 grams

Carbohydrates:  6 grams (3 sugar)

Fat:  3 grams

It should be noted that the Matrix powders are not gluten-free, so if this is a dietary concern of yours, you will want to steer clear of this particular powder.    If you are also avoiding sucralose, then the Matrix powders are something you will also want to avoid as they are sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame-K.  Also, because there is a whey protein concentrate and not isolate, there is likely some lactose left behind as a part of the processing, which may explain the 3 grams of sugar this particular flavor of Matrix has.

I’d also like to say that Nashua Nutrition shipped this stuff pretty quickly and that the package arrived without incident.  They packaged the samples in small sealed foodsafe bags, which were placed into another bag and then packed into the box they arrived in.

How protein powder samples come from Nashua Nutrition.

I’d definitely order from Nashua again, and might order some of the new Peanut Butter Cookie flavored Matrix for hubby since he loves cookies of any sort.

To recap:  Syntrax Matrix 5.0 Mint Cookie is a fantastic choice for a protein powder.  The taste is not cloyingly sweet, nor does it have a chemical aftertaste.  The amount of protein one gets for the calories and carbs is good, and the powder mixes easily.  I see myself having this as a breakfast drink or mid-day snack during the school year for sure.