High-quality ingredients. Plenty of plant-based protein and fiber. Unreal flavor. That’s just the beginning of what Tom Brady’s personal chef, Jim Kelly, packed into all-new protein TB12 Plant-Based Protein Bars.
Here’s everything you need to know about these all-new snacks, and how they can boost your overall health.
The Story
Chef Jim Kelly started working with Tom Brady in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2020 that they started collaborating on a line of plant-based protein bars. They drew inspiration from Tom’s favorite desserts, including medjool dates and cacao nibs, which provided key nutrients while still offering a hint of sweetness.
In making these bars, they didn’t want to copy and paste what was already out there. So, they went out of their way to put together two dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free and non-GMO bars, each with their own unique flavors, benefits and stories.
Turmeric Cashew Honey
The Turmeric Cashew Honey bar is made of a unique combination of flavors, including bee pollen powder, turmeric, black pepper, cashews, ceylon cinnamon and ginger. According to Jim, “what really stands out [about this bar] is its warm finish,” and a soft flavor that’s unlike anything else.
Here’s how a few of these ingredients work together — and why Jim and Tom chose them for this bar.
Bee Pollen Powder
Bee pollen powder might be new to the TB12 protein bar game, but its roots go back to ancient Egypt, where people referred to it as “a life-giving dust.” Put simply, it’s a superfood. Bee pollen powder is a key source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, trace elements, and enzymes. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, enhances different bodily functions and offers protection against many diseases. It might be a small add, but this pollen powder packs a serious health punch.
Turmeric and Black Pepper
If you’ve perused recipes on the TB12 blog for more than five minutes, you’ve probably seen us mention turmeric. We’re big on anti-inflammation here, so it was a no-brainer to include one of the most well-researched anti-inflammatory foods out there. Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
What’s unique about the turmeric add in this bar is that we complimented it with black pepper. Why? Without black pepper, turmeric becomes water-soluble, losing curcumin when it’s absorbed. But piperine, the active ingredient in black pepper, can inhibit this process so that curcumin isn’t lost. Bottom line: You’re getting the most out of your turmeric intake (and a tiny hint of light, peppery flavor in each bite).
Chocolate Cacao Crunch
Great news: You don’t have to give up your sweet tooth to stay in shape. The Chocolate Cacao Crunch bar is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are key for your blood stream, all while delivering a “caramel-cacao flavor that finishes perfectly with the crunch from the quinoa and cacao nibs,” according to Jim.
Let’s dive into why it’s so good for your body.
Cacao Powder and Nibs
Cacao is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which boost your heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. In a 2007 study, scientists found that cacao decreases bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol, preventing bad cholesterol from harming your heart and getting trapped in your arteries.
Another study from Wageningen University that followed 470 elderly men over 15 years found that cacao reduced their risk of death from heart disease by 50%. So, don’t feel guilty about indulging in that bite of chocolate — it might help your heart.
Quinoa Crisps
We’re huge quinoa fans at TB12. Why wouldn't we be? This minimally processed grain might not look like much, but it’s high in protein and contains absolutely no gluten. Plus, it’s a great source of fiber, and adds a mouth-watering crunch to each bite.
Hemp Seeds
Protein. Fiber. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Antioxidants. Hemp seeds are the full package. These small superfoods are clutch when it comes to adding an additional boost of plant-based nutrients to each bar.
The Bottom Line
The two TB12 Plant-Based Protein Bars are different in flavor, but built on the same principle Tom uses in every meal he eats: Clean, effective food fuels you towards your goals.
