Reviews: Justin’s Expands In Candy; Plus, Fable Fish Co., MUSH

In this reviews roundup, we nosh on Justin’s latest chocolate additions, Fable Fish Co. salmon jerky, and MUSH protein bars.

Justin’s Peanut Caramel Nougat Bar

Earlier this year, Justin’s unveiled the latest additions to its lineup of chocolate confections: a Peanut Caramel Nougat Candy Bar in Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate varieties. The products are available in 1.4 oz. single-serve bars and mutli-serve pouches of six individually wrapped mini-size bars.

Things that stand out:

• A nostalgic chocolate candy crafted with simple, organic ingredients. What’s not to love?
• It’s nice to see an option in the market that doesn’t purport to be healthier – just higher quality than conventional mainstays. Notably, they do not include stevia or sugar alcohols but organic cane sugar.

Things to consider:

• A little pricey at $6.79 to $7.49 for a 6-count pack, shaking out to more than $1 per fun-size bar.
• The use of palm oil in the formulations may repel the anti-seed oil crowd.

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Fable Fish Wild Alaskan Sockeye Jerky

Created by a descendant of Alaskan fishermen, Fable Fish Co. offers a range of whole-muscle, skin-on wild sockeye salmon jerky, harvested from Bristol Bay, Alaska. The product is made using napes and tails – cuts that are often overlooked in restaurants – that are cured for 72 hours and smoked. Flavors include Sea Salt, Sweet Chili and Teriyaki.

Things that stand out:

• While so many snacks pack added protein in the form of isolates or concentrates, here’s a naturally nutrient-dense source with 31 grams per 2 oz. serving – plus collagen and omega-3 fatty acids.
• All three iterations are flavorful, savory and just a touch salty or spicy.
• The packaging is eye-catching and informative, with a nod to the founder’s story and callouts on the nutritional benefits (salmon skin is super collagen-rich… who knew?).
• We love the creative and sustainable use of underutilized cuts of fish here.

Things to consider:

• A bit tough to chew – not as soft as some other meat snacks on the market. (Teriyaki boasts a slightly more tender bite).

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MUSH Protein Bar

MUSH Foods launched a handheld spin on its core collection of overnight oats cups late last year with the rollout of protein bars. The lineup includes Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Chip, and Maple Cinnamon flavors and features organic rolled oats, milk protein concentrate, coconut oil, honey, dates, vanilla extract, almonds and salt. The addition of a dairy-based ingredient adds clean, complete protein properties that provide the “ideal” taste and texture for a refrigerated bar, according to the company.

Things that stand out:

• The ingredient deck is squeaky clean with no refined sugar, artificial flavors or colors, or preservatives.
• This line extension is a logical one for the brand, arguably a pioneer in the grab-and-go breakfast set. In the booming refrigerated snacks segment, this offering provides a differentiated texture and eating experience.

Things to consider:

• Higher in calories than most protein bars, clocking in around 300 calories.
• Must be chilled to preserve shelf life and freshness, making longer-term portability a challenge.

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