Macro Mixes Review: Local Brand Triumphs with Healthy Baking Premixes & Snacks
There are some guilty pleasures we never want to give up. Fortunately, Macro Mixes is here to take the guilt out of guilty pleasures and help those trying to reach their health and wellness goals develop a healthy relationship with food that can often be demonised. If you’re yet to board the Macro Mixes hype train, then you should know that the local brand is making a name for itself as a frontrunner in providing exceptional nutrition supplements, snacks, baking premixes and porridges. The company prides itself on providing consumers with indulgent pleasures that nourish their gut health.
Even better news? You don’t have to be a culinary queen to reap the benefits of using Macro Mixes products. When it comes to using the baking premixes, all you really need is an air fryer and a moderate amount of motivation. But, if putting in the effort to heat up the ‘ol air fryer feels like a stretch too far, then you can always reach for one of the ready-to-chow snacks in the range. They’re zero effort, with all of the benefits.
I’ve recently tried a few products from the Macro Mixes range to help you figure out which products will suit your lifestyle and taste. My basket included the Macro Mixes Honeycomb (R44.90), Vegan Chococino Muffin (R119.99), and the Instant Protein Pudding (R54.99). It’s not every day you get paid to review tasty snacks so I relished the opportunity and made sure I thoroughly reviewed each product from a taste, price and convenience perspective.
Tasty bites: Honeycomb
The first round of product testing was arguably the toughest and involved opening the Honeycomb box to discover a generous serving of chocolate-coated nuggets of honeycomb, popping one in my mouth, and then putting the rest of the nuggets away for later consumption. If your dream is to eat your favourite treats without all the usual calories or sugar, then this ready-to-eat treat will make all your dreams come true. But you’ve been warned; eating the entire box in one sitting is entirely possible.
The nuggets are sugar-free, vegan, low in calories, and taste like the real deal. Seriously, with this around you’ll never have to look at a Crunchie again and feel deprived. Their sweetness, crunch and flavour make them really satisfying, and they truly will hit the spot for you in just a bite or two.
The 50g box contains 103 calories but you’re only looking at 31 calories per 15g bite if you’re disciplined and can stretch a box out over a few days. It also makes the R44.90 price tag seem a lot more palatable when compared to a 40g Crunchie chocolate at an average price of R13. For the record, from a straight calorie perspective, a 40g Crunchie contains 187 calories but it also contains processed sugar and other ingredients that may not align with your lifestyle preferences.
Let’s bake: Vegan Chococino Muffin
Next up was the Vegan Chococino Muffin. For the sake of research, I made a batch of these in both the air fryer and the oven. When it comes to baking healthy treats, Macro Mixes premixes are as convenient as they get. This pre-mix is ideal for anyone who leads a busy and active, on-the-go lifestyle.
Making a batch of these muffins couldn’t be simpler. You just mix the chocolate cappuccino base mixture with 2 bananas, 2 tablespoons of nut butter, and 240ml milk, milk alternative, or coffee and you’re in business. I used coffee for my mixture which turned out to be a great decision (highly recommend).
Once you’re ready to bake, spoon the mixture into a muffin tray and bake for 45 minutes in the oven or a quick 15 minutes in the air fryer at 200°C. I didn’t find much difference between baking these in the oven compared to the air fryer so if you have an air fryer, then by all means, choose the path of least resistance and save yourself and your oven the hassle.
A real winner of this mixture is the sugar-free, vegan choc chips added to it. These melt in the oven and add chocolate pops of flavour to the end product. This wholesome little bite can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat or anytime snack, it is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Topped with some frosting or nut butter this guy could even pass as a cupcake.
If you’re concerned about the calories, you’re looking at about 60 calories per 20g serving (this doesn’t include any added ingredients, such as the nut butter). Price wise, you’re looking at about R11 per muffin (the box makes 10) so the price is reasonable if you’re looking to invest in a week’s worth of healthy snacks.
Quick treats: Instant Protein Pudding
If you’re looking for a quick protein-packed snack with no hassles, then these instant puddings are a game-changer. For those moments in life when you just need that cocoa KICK to hit the spot but you don’t feel like a big, heavy treat, reach for this pudding.
Each 20g serving size offers a couple of mouthfuls of smooth, chocolatey pudding to satisfy that chocolate craving without being overbearing. Some may find the serving size to be quite small, but if you’re ok with locking in about 53 calories per 20g serving, then you’ll love these moreish little bags of fun.
The pudding is high in protein, vegan, sugar and gluten-free and banting-friendly, so it really is for everyone! Cut the sugar, get your protein in and feed your cravings all in a couple of mouthfuls with 5.7g of protein per serving.
For the R54.99 you’ll get 4 single servings of pudding in a box so you can go all out and devour them all at once (I won’t judge you), or have some self-control and savour them one packet at a time.
Get your hands on Macro Mixes
Whether you’re a health-conscious baker looking for nutritious alternatives or a flavour enthusiast craving wholesome indulgence, Macro Mixes has something to offer.
The Macro Mixes range is available to shop online through the Macro Mixes website as well as from a range of stockists across South Africa. Stockists include select Kwikspar and Spar stores, select health shops, and We Are Egg. Find the full list of stockists here.
