Protein, the building block, is a beneficial macronutrient. Owing to its property of slow digestion, it provides the highest satiety levels, keeping cravings at bay.
In addition to consuming protein-rich meals, ensuring high-protein snacks are the way to go. However, snacks marketed as ‘high protein’ aren’t always loaded with protein. And if they are, the taste and texture is not something you would enjoy particularly. In our Hook’d Protein Puffs review, we decode whether or not this is a marketing gimmick.
Table of Contents
Hook’d Protein Puffs – Quick Glance
The following table lists essential details on these protein puffs.
| Hook’d Protein Puffs | Mishry Rating | Add To Cart |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1.5 | On Amazon |
| Indie Masala | 1.5 | On Amazon |
| Smoked BBQ | 1.5 | On Amazon |
Our Review Factors
The ingredients used, the nutritional values, taste, and texture were the primary factors we set for the Hook’d Protein Puffs review.
1. Nutrition Quotient
We checked the macronutrient distribution, the overall calories, and the quality of ingredients. What is the primary source of protein? How has fat been added, is the source nutritious or not? Has some sweetener been added? We also checked for additives, preservatives and more.
2. Flavor
‘Cheese’, ‘Barbeque’, and ‘Masala’ are bold flavors. Did these protein puffs do justice to the tags or were they unappetizing? Any unpleasant aftertaste?
3. Texture
Light, airy and crisp? Dense, hard bites? What was the texture and mouthfeel of these protein puffs like?
4. Other Parameters
The price, packaging, shelf life were also considered as supporting parameters.
Hook’d Protein Puffs Flavours – Detailed Review
The following section details our experience with each variant in this range.
1. Cheddar Cheese
Price + Packaging
A 26-gram pack is priced at Rs 65/- and has a five-month shelf life. It comes in a non-resealable pack.
Main Ingredients + Nutrition Information
Pea protein concentrate, corn grits, seasonings [12%- (sugar, iodized salt, maltodextrin, onion powder, garlic powder, tomato powder, edible vegetable oil, acidity regulator (citric acid, malic acid), anticaking agent (silicon dioxide), yeast extract, flavor enhancer (disodium 5- guanylate, disodium- inosinate), dehydrated parsley, antioxidant (ascorbic acid)], edible vegetable oil (sunflower), emulsifier (mono and di-glyceride of fatty acids)
This also contains added flavor (natural and nature-identical flavoring substances- cheddar cheese)
A 26-gram pack (considered one serve) offers 98 Kcal which is divided as 10 grams of protein, 11.2 grams of carbohydrates (of which 1 gram is sugar), 2 grams of fat, and 225 mg of sodium.
Taste And Texture
Right as we opened the pack, an unmissable cheese aroma was observed. The puffs were generously and evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
The flavor resembled that of cheese balls we’ve had as kids. As for the texture, these protein puffs had a hard, dense bite. These weren’t light or airy like the puffs we are used to having.
2. Indie Masala
Our Experience
No lies, the aroma had us tingling with excitement. It was an inviting blend of desi masale. Just the aroma, the flavor profile was lip-smacking too. However, there was an unpleasant bitter aftertaste.
Fortunately, this wasn’t as dense as the first variant. It had a nice crunch.
Main Ingredients + Nutrition Information
Pea protein, corn grits, seasonings [10%- (sugar, salt, mixed spices (onion powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, hing, ginger powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, coriander powder), acidity regulator (citric acid), maltodextrin, anticaking agent (silicon dioxide), flavor enhancer (disodium-5-guanlate, disodium05-inosinate), antioxidants (ascorbic acid), edible vegetable oil (sunflower), emulsifier (mono & diglycerides of fatty acids), yeast extract.
This also contains added flavor (natural and nature-identical flavoring substances- indie masala)
The macronutrients are similar, not identical to the above variant.
One pack (26 grams) offers 98 Kcal, 10.7 grams of carbohydrates, 10.3 grams of protein, and 1.9 grams of fat.
Price + Packaging
A 26-gram pack is priced at Rs 65/- and has a three-month shelf life.
Once again, the issue remains with the ingredient list.
3. Smoked BBQ
Our Experience
Sublime! This variant delivered exceptionally on the flavor that it claimed to be. The aroma was smoky, and the flavor was even better. Sweet, sour, spicy, and smoky- the flavors were a delicious combination of these elements.
But just like the first variant we reviewed, this was too hard. The texture demoted the experience.
Main Ingredients + Nutrition Information
Pea protein concentrate, corn grits, seasonings (10%- maltodextrin, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, tomato powder, iodised salt, dextrose, mixed spices, hydrolysed protein (corn), anticaking agent (silicon dioxide), edible vegetable oil (sunflower oil), flavor enhancer (disodium 5-guanylate, disodium 5-inosinate), acidity regulator (citric acid), edible vegetable oil (sunflower), emulsifier (mono and di-glyeride of fatty acids), yeast extract.
This contains added flavor (natural and nature-identical flavoring substances- smoked BBQ)
The macronutrient distribution is as follows
98 Kcal, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 10.45 grams of protein, and 1.8 gram of fat.
Price + Packaging
A non resealable pack holds 26 grams of content priced at Rs 65/- This has a five-month shelf life.
Mishry’s Take
Looking at the price and quantity offered, we understand this is a premium product with a very specific audience. Someone who can afford this pricing, the cost won’t be a big deal if the product is value-worthy, i.e, its providing you with the perceived value. In this case its a healthy, high-protein snack which would add value to your fitness seeking lifestyle.
There’s a certain type of texture you expect from the puff – light and airy. Unfortunately, these are not. These are harder and denser. It tastes better than it bites.
We weren’t too impressed by the ingredient list. Looking at the price of this product, this is definitely considered a part of the premium category. However, the quality of ingredients is not truly premium.
Pea Protein- By nature, pea protein is not 100% bioavailable. This is because pea protein does not have all the nine essential amino acids. The absence of some of these amino acids impacts the body’s ability to absorb all nutrients, hence, reducing the bioavailability of this protein.
So if you’re consuming a snack for protein, you’d want to gain maximum benefit.
Maltodextrin- Maltodextrin has an exceptionally high glyceminc index (106-136) which can shoot up blood sugars immediately. In the long run, such fluctuations in sugar levels are harmful. Moreover, this has no flavor or nutritional value.
Did you know- the GI of maltodextrin is higher than table sugar.
Silicon Dioxide- The primary purpose of adding silicon dioxide to packaged foods is to ensure water absorption. Our everyday food items like bell pepper, brown rice, oats, and even water contain some amounts of silicon dioxide.
However, the upper limit is set at 2% of the total weight of the food. More than this can be hazardous.
Asorcbic Acid- Commonly known as Vitamin C, Asorcbic acid may cause stomach cramps, heartburn, when consumed in large quantities.
First things first, the quantity offered for the price charged is quite low and the overall quality of the product does not justify the price. Additionally, the protein source isn’t the best, and the texture isn’t something you’d truly enjoy munching on as a snack.
To summarize, if you’re looking for a healthy/nutritious snack, the ingredient list will have you putting this back to the shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some interesting FAQs on Hook’d protein puffs.
1. Is this protein puff healthy?
Not really. This does have more protein than other snacks, but we’d recommend mindful consumption owing to the ingredients that this pack contains.
2. Is this protein puff cholesterol free?
Yes, these puffs do not have any cholesterol.
3. Does this protein puff contain preservatives?
No, this does not have preservatives. But it contains too many additives like maltodextrin, dextrose, flavor enhancer, and emulsifier.
4. Does this protein puff contain onion and garlic?
Yes, it does contain onion powder.
5. Is this protein snack gluten free?
Yes, these are vegan and gluten-free.
Final Verdict
Hook’d Protein Puffs have SO MUCH room for improvement. Yes, the flavors do justice to the tags, but it is all thanks to additives and flavor enhancers. The nutrition quotient, pricing, texture, and quality of ingredients can be enhanced manifold.
“Hook’d to healthy snacking?” reads the tagline. We say, “No, thanks!”
Our reviews are unbiased and all samples used during the reviews were paid for by us. Read our entire ethics statement here.
