TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Thirst For Energy? Instant Breakfast Drinks May Help

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 2008

When it comes to food, Americans are masters of the grab and go.

Breakfast is no exception: More than 22 percent of us are eating the first meal of the day outside our homes, according to the 2001-02 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. It's likely that number has grown, if all the new, convenient breakfast items are a clue.

One niche, breakfast drinks, provides nourishment, calories and hydration in one fell swoop. Here's a glance at two of the newer products on the shelves at local convenience and grocery stores. Both are a nice change of taste if you swear by liquid breakfasts. If you prefer a granola bar or bagel, it's probably not worth it.

Carnation Instant Breakfast Milk Chocolate Complete Nutritional Drink

The pitch: Two times the protein of an egg. Two times the calcium of yogurt.

The facts: Calories per 11-ounce serving, 260; total fat calories, 50 (1.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat); cholesterol, 10 mg; sodium, 230 mg; potassium, 560 mg; total carbohydrate, 41 g; protein, 14 g

The skinny: It's tasty. It's smooth. It's a lot better than the classic powder version of this granddaddy of breakfast drinks. It's just as nice served over ice.

Boost Smoothie Natural Energy Drink, peach, raspberry and strawberry flavors

The pitch: The great taste of a smoothie and the balanced nutrition you expect from Boost. As much calcium as a glass of milk.

The facts: Calories per 8.25-ounce serving, 240; total fat calories, 25 (.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat); cholesterol, 18 mg; sodium, 80 mg; potassium, 230 mg; total carbohydrate, 44 g; protein, 9 g

The skinny: It's definitely a Boost drink, which means you know it's good for you. Its slightly processed taste is helped by the fruit flavor. And it's sweet, but not too much so.

Mary Shedden

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT