I don’t know when I first learned of Legendary Protein Pastries, maybe it was TikTok, but this product immediately grabbed my attention. I struggle to meet my protein requirements and am always on the lookout for new snacks, other than my much-loved protein bars and smoothies.
A pop-tart with protein, sign me up. Here is another review, where I share my honest thoughts on whether this product is worth buying or not. Read til the end to see where I stand.
Legendary Protein Pastries
- High protein content (20 g protein)
- Low net carbs (4 g net carbs)
- Low in sugar (less than 1 g sugar)
- Ready to eat in mere seconds (10 seconds)
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Legendary Foods
I’ve been a fan of Quest Nutrition for a while, and was surprised to learn that Legendary Foods was co-founded by the creators of Quest Nutrition, Ron and Shannan Penna along with their good friend, Michael Veni.
Their approach has revolved around reimagining popular snack options, like Pop-Tarts®, into protein-rich and low-carb alternatives.
They make their popular Protein Pastry, Protein Sweet Roll, and Protein Chips. Since I’ve only had their protein pastry, that’s what I’m focusing on today.
Protein Pastry Flavors
There are lots of available flavors with strawberry, brown sugar cinnamon, and birthday cake being the most popular.
My Experience: First Impressions
Packaging
You receive four individually wrapped pastries per box. The box has a large colorful print, designed to grab your attention.
Texture and Consistency
As for the texture, I was expecting it to resemble a PopTart. It does not. It has a soft, cake-like feel. The pastry maintained its structure without crumbling excessively.
I also assumed that the sprinkles were actual sprinkles, but instead, they almost appeared to be painted onto the icing.
Preparation
Again, like a PopTart, I expected that I would need to heat it in a toaster or even an oven. Nope. Simply pop the Protein Pastry in the microwave for 10 seconds. My microwave always requires more time so I put it in for 18 seconds. The strawberry filling heated perfectly and did not ooze out of the pastry.
Taste Test
I chose the strawberry flavor. I didn’t notice an aftertaste. The pastry was sweet but not overly so (which I hate). It paired nicely with a cup of coffee for an afternoon snack. It didn’t taste like a PopTart to me, but rather a sweet dessert.
Nutritional Profile
Let’s take a closer look at the macro-nutrient breakdown and the ingredients used in these pastries.
Macro-Nutrient Breakdown
- Calories: Each pastry contains 180 calories, offering a lower-calorie alternative to many traditional snacks.
- Protein: A key highlight is the 20g of protein, which is substantial when comparing to other snacks in the category.
- Fat: There is an average of 9g of fat, a moderate amount that contributes to satiety.
- Carbohydrates:
- Total Carbs: Each pastry has 22g of carbs.
- Fibers: Out of the total carbs, 9g are dietary fiber.
- Sugar Alcohols: Additionally, 9g of erythritol is used as a sweetener, minimizing the net carb impact.
- Net Carbs: By subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols from total carbs, the net carbs are reasonably low, making it suitable for those watching their carb intake.
Ingredient Analysis
- Protein Source: The primary protein in these pastries comes from a blend that includes whey protein isolate, supporting muscle repair and growth.
- Sweeteners: Instead of high-sugar content, these pastries utilize erythritol, which has a low glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar levels.
- Natural Flavors: without excess artificial additives.
Food Allergies and Dietary Limitations
This product is:
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians as it contains collagen peptides
- not dairy-free as it contains milk and micellar casein
- keto-friendly
- gluten-free
Compared to PopTarts
A Frosted Strawberry PopTart has only 2 grams of protein, an outrageous 70 carbs, and 30 grams of sugar! There’s a reason why I don’t keep regular Pop-Tarts in my house.
Compared to Protein Bars
I’ve reviewed a lot of protein bars. I find that Legendary offers a unique experience with its pastry-like texture. They boast a macro balance similar to a protein bar but with a more indulgent feel, which includes 20g of protein and lower net carbohydrates. These tasty pastries satisfy the palate by feeling like you are indulging in a sugary treat.
Price
On their website, you will pay $25.99 for an 8-pack, which comes out to $3.24 per pastry. They do offer a Subscribe and Save option and free shipping on orders over $69.
However, at Target, you can buy a 4-pack for $9.99, just $2.49 each. Also, Amazon has a competitive price.
While this might seem steep in comparison to traditional Pop-Tarts which are about 50 cents each, within the high-protein snack market, they are competitively priced. For those prioritizing protein intake and seeking convenience, these pastries are a great option.
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Where to Buy
You can find Legendary Pastry at Target, Amazon, most grocery stores, and even vitamin shops.
Why I Won’t Be Buying Them Again
This may come as a surprise but I won’t be buying this product again. While I’m always looking for protein hacks, I am a vegetarian. Blame it on user-error but I wrongly assumed that this product was vegetarian too. I glanced at the ingredients in the Target checkout line and didn’t realize it contained collagen until I ate one.
But for anyone who is not a vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free, I recommend trying it. I think it’s a great way to increase your protein, keep your carbs low, and it’s a satiating treat.
Check out our YouTube video for more information and a taste test of the Legendary Foods Pastry, and be sure to subscribe to the channel.
Have you tried Legendary Pastry Protein snacks? Let us know in the comments what you think.
Check out my review of The Better Bagel, a high-protein low-carb bagel.
Michelle Platt is a content creator and certified personal trainer. Proving it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, she’s a former attorney and teacher who loves to do the research so you don’t have to. She takes a deep dive into each topic and writes about her wellness journey here. She loves trying out new workouts, fitness tips, healthy foods, and products to share with you. This native New Yorker recently made the move to the suburbs of Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.