Home » Featured, Health Topics, Just the Food

Attune 14-Day Chocolate Challenge for a Healthy Tummy

24 May 2010 136 Comments

*This contest is closed, but feel free to read my review below*

I do consume probiotics each day, and recently became more diligent about it due to a round of antibiotics, so I was intrigued when I was contacted about Attune Foods. They make chocolate bars infused with probiotics. Hmm, eat chocolate – help tummy; that is a wonderful sounding relationship in theory. How was it in practice?

Attune places the following claim on their box: “Try 1 attune bar daily for 14 days – if you don’t feel a difference it’s FREE.” I did feel a difference, and I think the product holds merit, but there are definitely some pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

  1. There is no denying that this is the tastiest way I have ever consumed probiotics. The chocolate is good. Not a fully refined chocolate that will knock your socks off, but one that is smooth and falls somewhere between semi-sweet and dark in taste (I actually thought it was around 60% cacao, but it is 68%), and is easily noshable. It took care of my chocolate fix without a problem. And don’t worry, you can’t taste probiotics – this is just chocolate.
  2. My stomach was seeing some additional action, so I am pretty sure there is still a good amount of live bacteria (probiotics) in each bar.
  3. I hesitate on putting this as a “pro” because I am not a big fan of fortification and ingredient isolation that has yet to be proven – but, these bars also contain prebiotics in the form of inulin. Prebiotics help to “feed” the probiotics.
  4. Again, I am not a fan of this supplementation, but I know many people are on the hunt for calcium. Each bar is fortified with 30% of the RDA for calcium in the form of calcium carbonate.
  5. The probiotic strains used are reportedly good for immune boosting (L. casei  and L. acidophilus) and easing IBS symptoms (Bifidobacterium infantis).
  6. The bars are a nice size – .7 ounce – well within what seems like a reasonable daily chocolate intake for those who like their antioxidants in cacao form. Each bar clocks in at just 80 calories, with 6g of fat, 3g of fiber, 6g of sugars, and 1g of protein.
  7. I have already seen these chocolate bars in stores (in the refrigerated section of the natural food aisles of my nearest mega grocer – near the dairy-free yogurts) – I am always thrilled by a well-distributed product.
  8. Like many probiotics, it is best to refrigerate these bars to keep those little guys active. However, according to Attune, these bars can be taken to go and be at room temperature for a while without any major losses.

Cons:

  1. This isn’t the most cost effective form of probiotics, unless you are planning to eat a chocolate bar each day. Online, the bars are about $1.50 each (a 7-pack lowers the price to $1.34 each); for a serving a day of probiotics, I usually spend less than 50 cents. If you are spending $1 or more a day on a calcium carbonate supplement and chocolate, and this bar fills the void, then it may be a fair value.
  2. Doing the challenge had me eating more chocolate than I normally would. I am not a chocoholic. Most days I have and crave some chocolate, but usually less than 1 ounce will do me, and sometimes I prefer my cacao in smoothie form, in chocolate chip cookies or to sweeten homemade granola bars. Since I was eating this bar everyday without fail, and then sometimes having other chocolate, I felt a bit of a chocolate overload and actually didn’t want the bar on some days. I know – probably not a big problem for a lot of people. It just didn’t seem like the healthiest or most calorie-friendly way to take my probiotics.
  3. Sometimes probiotics work symbiotically with my gut, and sometimes they have it working overtime with ahem, side effects. These chocolate bars seemed to lean toward the disgruntled tummy side. Perhaps it is the strains utilized.
  4. As a regular daily supplement, this may be a good probiotic source – but don’t rely on it for antibiotic recovery. To prevent infection with antibiotics, three probiotic strains are of primary value – S. cerevisiae boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and Bacillus coagulans– which aren’t present in these bars.
  5. Attune claims that their bars contain “5 times the live active cultures in yogurt,” but they don’t actually state how many live active cultures there are and which yogurt they are making this comparison to. Every brand varies significantly in live active cultures – I just want to know how much is in the bars specifically, and couldn’t find that info.

Label Alert:

On the Attune Foods website, there is a notation that indicates “Processed on equipment that has contact with milk products” for the vegan flavors. However, on the bar wrappers themselves they only state “contains soybeans” and “manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat.” I was a little taken back by this huge oversight on the wrappers. So milk allergic be aware that these chocolate bars are made on shared equipment with the milk chocolate bars and are probably at high risk for cross-contamination with dairy. Hopefully Attune will fix the labels soon.

I know some dairy-free and vegan consumers are concerned about if the probiotics themselves are grown on dairy. Since these bars are at high risk for cross-contamination with milk in manufacturing, I didn’t see the need to probe further on the source of the probiotics. Anyone who has concern about trace milk in a food or supplement should avoid these bars regardless.

For dairy-free foodies, Attune has three vegan/non-dairy flavors (all of their chocolate bars are labeled as gluten-free):

Dark

Raspberry Dark

and Coffee Bean Dark. I’m not a big fan of coffee, so I sampled the first two (hence the lack of picture for the third version), which were rather tasty. The raspberry has little bits of dried raspberry throughout for a nice contrast.

Win Some Chocolate!

Now, would you like to take the 14-Day Attune Challenge? Attune has offered to supply one reader with a 14-Day Supply of their Probiotic Wellness Chocolate Bars!

  • To Enter – Leave a comment here and tell me if you use probiotics, and if you do, let us know your favorite source/brand of probiotics.
  • For a Second Entry – All email subscribers receive an automatic entry into every giveaway. So sign up now for email updates and always receive an extra entry!

The winner will be randomly selected next week, so be sure to enter by Sunday May 30th for your chance to win!

136 Comments »

  • radioactivegan said:

    I’ve never tried probiotics, but this seems like a tasty way to start 🙂 Thanks for a really thorough review.

  • Fiona said:

    I did… been a bit slack, but I’m an “inner health plus” user here in Australia.

  • Kelsey @ CleanTeenKelsey said:

    Other than yogurt, I have never used probiotics before. I’d really like to though, and have been very interested in Attune bars ever since I first saw them in Ashlei’s blog. 😀

  • Valerie said:

    Right now I’m not taking probiotics, but I need to start. I guess I’m just unsure how to pick the right way to get them in my diet…however, in a chocolate bar is the best way to start testing different options!

  • Jessie (Vegan-minded) said:

    I’m not using probiotics, but I would love to take this 14 day challenge to see if it makes a noticeable difference. Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂

  • Anne Johnstone said:

    I do use Probiotics; but am just beginining to be more diligent about it lately, as I strive to eat more healthy. Especially now I have IBS with intolerance to gluten, corn and wheat.

  • Andi said:

    I’ve taken probiotics for a year via “Probiotic Pearls.” It’s just a teeny little pill with a lot of positives! I immediatley saw a difference in my gut health. I’ve also tried “Green Vibrance” a green powder I add to a smoothie in the morning. I’d love to try them in chocolate, what a fabulous idea!

  • Amy said:

    I have never used probiotics, but think I should start. This will be a tasty way to try it out, plus I am really craving chocolate, so this will kill 2 birds with one stone!

  • Kristie said:

    I drink a half of GT’s Organic Raw Kombucha. Not the most cost effective way to get it ($1.50-ish) a day however I do like it. Would love to try another way to get some probiotics as I can’t do yogurt!!

  • Laura said:

    I use Super 8 Hi Potency probiotics by Udo’s Choice and they work really well! I love chocolate and it’s hard to find gluten free chocolate and would love to try this out!

  • Christina said:

    I would love to try these. I have not seen these in the store I go to but I will look next time. Thanks for the review!

  • Amy said:

    I am not currently taking a probiotic, but when I do it is usually one of the Trader Darwin ones from Trader Joe’s. It changes because sometimes they contain milk.

  • Heather said:

    I don’t use probiotics but what a way to start!

  • Barbara said:

    I’d love to try their vegan bars. My favorite source of probiotics is So Delicious coconut milk kefir. The strawberry is really delicious and contains 10 live/active cultures.

  • Shannon said:

    I haven’t used probiotics since going dairy free (due to my baby)…but would love to try these!

  • Jenna said:

    I use Trader Joe’s acidopholus. And I love chocolate.

  • Robbin said:

    I use Dr. Ohhiras 12 plus probiotics but I love dark chocolate and I think more is better with probiotics.

  • Ebet said:

    I’ve tried a number of different Probiotics – Whole Foods has a great selection, better than Trader Joe’s – and found the best are Align and Megaflora. For those with dairy-free diets like me, look to see if it includes acidophilus on the label because it reacts with lactose. And of course there’s the yogurt route – Activia peach is good.

    I’ve had Attune Dark Chocolate and it is really tasty!

  • Lydia said:

    I have yet to try probiotics but I love dark chocolate, so I’d definately like to accept this challenge!

  • daniele said:

    I’ve never tried probiotics, but they sound like something I should look into!

  • Rachel said:

    I’ve never had probiotics, but this sounds like a good way to start

  • Kate P said:

    I also like So Delicious Coconut kefir–I don’t normally like strawberry drinks but that flavor is the best! I also like the Goodbelly brand.

  • Elizabth Thompson said:

    We use Dino-Dophilus for the kids and whatever is on sale for me. 🙂 Thanks for the offer!

  • Amber G said:

    I’ve never used probiotics but I think I want to start after reading the benefits!

  • NICHOLAS ELIAS NIEVES said:

    I NEVER TRIED PROBIOTICS…..IS IT GOOD FOR DIABETEICS??

  • peach said:

    I’ve never used probiotics because I haven’t really looked into how to get them from a non-dairy source… actually I didn’t even know it was possible to get them without dairy, thanks for the info!

  • Linda White said:

    yogurt is how I have been doing probiotics and I didnt really know it was in there!

  • Sybil said:

    I usually drink coconut kefir each day twice a day. I have also tried some probiotics in pill form. For me, it is easier to eat or drink the probiotic source instead of taking it in pill form. Silly, huh? I also use foods like pickles, tempeh, and kimchi. Chocolate sounds even better!!

  • Danielle said:

    I eat fermented foods (e.g., lactofermented kimchee, kombucha tea) to get probiotics in my diet. I’m always looking for additional sources, and would love to try these chocolates!

  • ashley said:

    I just eat yogurt with probiotics but I would love to have something new.
    I get sick of yogurt but I love chocolate.

  • Crystal said:

    I’ve been consuming probiotics for a while now, but only in the form of acidophilus (I take the Country Life capsules). I’ve been thinking for a while I should probably do a little more so I just started brewing some kombucha! I’d love to try the vegan bars.

  • Katie said:

    I take probiotics – the brand you recommended, PB8. I also have been eating fermented veggies a lot more, and I bought some kombucha. I have yet to drink the kombucha because I am scared of it. 🙂

  • Michelle said:

    I eat Keifir Probiotic Bars almost every day

  • brandy nelson said:

    I have never used probiotics, but would love to start. I have learned about the benefits because I have a 5 month old and there are probiotics in her formula. Now that I am pregnant again, (oops!) I would really like to try some in my diet. ThANKS for considering me!

  • ky2here said:

    I don’t currently use probiotics, this would be my introduction.

  • Alyson said:

    I am a big proponent of probiotics and love the idea of chocolate being the source! I try to eat a serving of yogurt everyday and feed one to the husband as well. We go through so much that I’ve started making my own yogurt at home– much more economical. These bars sound like a fun treat though!

  • Kelly said:

    I get my probiotics in my homemade coconut kefir. I buy the powdered yogurt starter and mix it with coconut milk (trader joe’s brand) and coconut water (Vita coco) and let it sit out 24 hours. I would love to win these Attune bars!

  • sarah said:

    i drink good belly, but would love to try these attune products!

  • debp said:

    I get mine from yogurt.
    [email protected]

  • debp said:

    I am a email subscriber.
    [email protected]

  • Brandi B. said:

    I use jarrow formula probiotic (you don’t have to refrigerate these so I remember to take them)

  • melissa said:

    I don’t but I know I should. These would be a yummy way to introduce probiotics into my diet:)

  • EMMA L HORTON said:

    I DONT’ BUT I HAVE BEEN HEARING A LOT OF ADVERTISEMENT ABOUT THEM

  • Rebecca said:

    Have to honest and say I don’t use a specific probiotic product, but I do eat yogurt.

  • Cherie said:

    I believe EVERYONE should be using some form of probiotics to help maintain a healthier balance of intestinal flora. I use GT’s Organic Raw Kombucha, organic Stoneyfield plain yogurt and Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra Probiotics (the Ultra contains Saccharomyces boulardii which is one of the best choices for Candida (yeast) Overgrowth). Sugar feeds yeast overgrowth, so I do have a problem with Attune using it in these bars when they could have used xylitol and stevia. Many of the bars also have non-organic milk & yogurt powder and they don’t use organic soy (which would contain hexane). So, that is probably TMI, ha! Just hope the info might help someone! Thanks.

  • Ibu said:

    I think having one yogurt a day is the best I have done so far.

  • Christin L. said:

    I take a probiotic daily and am very pleased with the results! 🙂

  • Martha said:

    Not yet, but I see that it can be accomplished without dairy… will be looking into it.

  • Gaby said:

    I didn’t realize they had vegan flavors! I’d love to try this. I’m like you, not the biggest chocolate person, and I don’t crave it every day or even very frequently but I do love a good dark chocolate, especially mixed with berries or coffee.
    I like to mix yogurt with granola’s and tons of other stuff, and I also like sauerkraut, but I probably should get a lot more probiotics to help my stomach.

  • Shannon said:

    ooh, i love these!! i use them as a treat (not in the budget all the time), but love the blueberry white 🙂 haven’t seen the raspberry dark, but that sounds AWESOME.

  • Suzanne K said:

    I don’t use probiotics yet, but what a way to start (chocolate)

  • Amelia said:

    I eat yoghurt everyday (Mountain High brand) and I love it.

  • Kendra said:

    I am not a user of probiotics, yet I am willing to take a chance and contribute more to my overall well-being.

  • Mastering Public Health said:

    Once tried Attune bars a long time ago and would like to try them again.

  • Nicholas King said:

    Dark chocolate is my favorite kind of chocolate. Chocolates have some natural antioxidants too.”.”

  • Linda said:

    I do not use probiotics

  • jvegegirl said:

    I don’t use them, but I eat vegan yogurt each day.

  • runnergirl said:

    I eat sauerkraut everyday.

  • lisa said:

    I did a while back i think the product was called Healthy Trinity or something to that effect.

  • lisa said:

    Email subscriber.

  • tracy davis said:

    I’m not using probiotics, but I would love to take this 14 day challenge to see if it makes a noticeable difference

  • laura said:

    i typically have yogurt everyday to get my probiotics kick 🙂

  • Stephen Saunders said:

    Hi, I haven’t used probiotics yet… I want to though. I keep reading things about them, I need to be healthier.

  • Josie said:

    I have inner health plus (Dairy free version) every day. I have had a lot of stomach issues (ulcers etc) so really need them to help poor old tummy out! I LOVE chocolate but I can’t have dairy anymore so really feel like I am missing out 🙁 What could be better… my FAVOURITE type of snack that I would actually be able to eat (it being dairy free) and an easier way to take some probiotics!

    Pick me, Pick me! 🙂

  • Christine said:

    never tried probiotics

  • Diane R. said:

    I’ve tried a variety of probiotics. Currently I’m using Swanson’s that I get online.

  • lily said:

    I never used probiotics but thinking i should!

  • Nicole said:

    I don’t currently use probiotics but I have been wanting to for awhile.
    cherriblossom25[at]gmail[dot]com

  • Claudine said:

    I use Align everyday, I’m pleased with the results. I love chocolate, I would love to win there Attune bars and see the difference.

  • Amanda (WannaBe Chef) said:

    I don’t use any probiotic products, but why not if it’s in the form of chocolate?? Great giveaway!

  • Amanda (WannaBe Chef) said:

    I subscribed!

  • john r said:

    I have yogurt with breakfast every other day, I have some concerns about what benefits are lost through excessive processing.

  • Valerie said:

    I don’t use any probiotic products, but never too late to start!

  • Melissa said:

    I like to get my probiotics through yogurt!

  • Melissa said:

    I’m a subscriber.

  • Cindy Merrill said:

    I’ve heard of probiotics, but haven’t tried any products that contain them. I’d love to win because I’m now curious.

  • Cindy Merrill said:

    I am subscribed to your emails.

  • Online Aquarium Supplies - Kaytee Eggcite Canary Food 2 Lb said:

    […] Dairy Free and Fit » Blog Archive » Win Some Chocolate! Attune 14-Day Chocolate Challeng… […]

  • Jaque said:

    I don’t use probiotics, I have been considering using them but have not yet done so.

    Thank you. 🙂

  • Ms. T said:

    No, I don’t use Probiotics..

  • Genevieve Jimenez said:

    I use Xymogen Probio Defense. It’s awesome. I’m allergic to casein protein so I can’t eat chocolate with dairy. I seriously cried when I saw that I can still eat chocolate and it looks so tasty.

  • Jill Myrick said:

    My main source of Probiotics right now is yogurt.
    But I would love to find other alternatives as well.

    Thank you so much for the chance to win.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  • Jill Myrick said:

    I am subscribed via email as jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com.

  • Angela Winesburg said:

    I do not, but I’ve always wanted to give them a go, thanks for the chance!

  • One Frugal Foodie » Would you like to win some chocolate? said:

    […] am giving away a 14-day supply of Attune Chocolate on Dairy-Free & Fit! It is infused with gut-friendly probiotics and prebiotics, but don’t worry, it just tastes […]

  • Allie (Protein Girl) said:

    I do use probiotics, but haven’t found the perfect brand yet.

  • Lori said:

    Yogurt is the only way I have gotten any probiotics.

  • Tom S. said:

    I would love some chocolate, I eat a container of Activia every morning.

  • divrchk said:

    I’ve had these chocolate bars before but since moving to TN, I haven’t been able to find them again.n

  • Jenn said:

    I’ve been taking Probiotis for years now… I used to take Ness Powder, now I take Dairy-Free Good Belly (per your post) and I LOVE them!

    The thought of having a Probiotic in chocolate is a win-win! Sign me up :o)

  • Kristi said:

    Looks delicious! I eat Activia often but I’m not sure how much it really helps. I’d love to try chocolate form.

  • Casi Leigh said:

    I read about these and have really been wanting to try them! I currently take Culturelle probiotics but am a certified CHOCO-HOLIC so these would be a welcome addition to my daily food plan. Awesome giveaway, keep up the stellar job!! <3

  • Kendal said:

    I get probiotics from my yogurt, but that’s about it.

  • Sam said:

    Haven’t tried probiotics before, but I’m curious to see if these work!

  • Michelle said:

    Nope, i don’t eat probiotics every day…though i have tried the Attune bars and LOVE them!! Especially the dark chocolate one!!

  • Kindahl said:

    I do not use probiotics… other than the ones I get in yogurt. But I am looking into them because and these look delicious.

  • Anna said:

    It’s interesting that you point out how different brands/strains have different effects. When I first started taking probiotics (I don’t remember the kind – it was a couple years ago), I was very lethargic all the time. However, after switching to Jarro-dophilus (yellow bottle), I got my energy back. I’ve used it ever since!

  • Anna said:

    I just joined your email list too – thanks for the giveaway!

  • Ella said:

    I mostly eat a TON of yogurt.

  • 5 Star Foodie said:

    I get a special yogurt in Wegmans with extra probiotics, it’s good.

  • Amanda Dobarro said:

    I have never used but am interested.

  • Michelle said:

    I use New Chapter’s probiotics as they seem the most “clean” and effective source available where we live. However, I could certainly be swayed into taking the 14 Day challenge to fill both my calcium and probiotic needs as well as feed my chocolate cravings. These look simply devine. In fact, I’m sure I can taste them now as I write. Certainly my mouth is drooling. Attune just might be this frugal momma’s answer to lowering the supplements budget while at the same time maintaining the chocolate budget. It seems to make good economical sense!

  • Ricki said:

    Who doesn’t want to win some chocolate?? They sound yummy! I agree that it might not be the best way to get your probiotics. . .but it’s CHOCOLATE! 😉

  • Evan Thomas said:

    I take probiotics regularly in the form of yogurt

  • Danielle said:

    I currently get sporadic probiotics from my yogurt but have never tried daily. Am totally a chocaholic and looking for a lower sugar option with some health benefits -this looks like it might fit the bill!

  • Melissa B. said:

    I’ve never tried probiotics.

  • Julia said:

    I don’t, but I don’t know where to get them aside from yogurt.

  • Kimberly M said:

    I eat yogurt with probiotics fairly regularly, but have only really taken them in other forms when I’ve been on antibiotics and wanted to get my system back in order.

  • katie said:

    Attune is going to be my new favorite probiotic brand!

  • Gayle Lynch said:

    I eat yogurt and take Digestive Aid

  • danielle said:

    Wow, this sounds like a nice alternative to my morning yogurt.

  • rebecca said:

    My daughter has decided probiotics are in and since they are she has been able to eat products with gluten without problems.

  • Danielle said:

    not a probiotic user but would love to start… and chocolate is a great way to get me off my lazy butt and get motivated!

  • Constance L said:

    I do not use probiotics but I would like to give this a try.

    constancelavery at msn dot com

  • Karen Gonyea said:

    I am not currently taking probiotics, but this sure looks like a great way to start !!

  • Stephanie Adkins said:

    I do not use probiotics but definitely like to try it.

  • valancia said:

    I have never used probiotics but would really like to try them.
    skyxsky27(at)gmail.com

  • valancia said:

    I Subscribed by email. skyxsky27(at)gmail.com

  • Becky L. said:

    I would love to give these a try.

  • Jordan Brower said:

    I don’t, but I would!!

  • Jordan Brower said:

    I subscribed by email

  • Ani said:

    I’ve used several kinds of probiotics, I think the ones I have now are Probiotic Pearls and BioGaia.

  • Shannon said:

    I don’t use them but I’d love to try these

  • Shannon said:

    I subscribed

  • Sharon Braswell said:

    I only use the capsules from the health store occasionally if taking antibiotics. I’m sure I would like having chocolate with them MUCH better!
    Thanks!

  • Derk Thomas said:

    A yogurt a day.

  • Anna said:

    I have never tried any kind of Probiotics. Thanks for the chance!

  • Michelle H. said:

    I occassionally use the pearls, but I would much rather try the chocolate.

  • heather c said:

    I currently use probiotics for oral health (evoraplus, i believe) and papaya probiotics when my stomach has issues.

  • Gianna said:

    I’ve never tried those types of products before.

  • Gianna said:

    I subscribed.

  • Lily Kwan said:

    I don’t currently use probiotics.

  • Lily Kwan said:

    I subscribed by email.

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) said:

    daily, indeed.
    Jarrow brand EPS caps that are GF, soy free, etc
    get them on iherb.com 🙂

  • Tey said:

    I use probiotics, but not regularly. I’ve been most happy with Pearls brand, either the regular small pearls, or the larger travel packets. Thanks for the thorough review!

  • Lauren said:

    I like probiotic yogurt! 🙂