Exo, a Brooklyn-based startup, produces protein bars using cricket flour as a primary ingredient. The brand positions itself as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional protein sources, citing sustainability benefits such as reduced land and water use compared to whey protein. According to the provided documentation, Exo bars are marketed as dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and soya-free. The bars are available in multiple flavours, including Cocoa Nut, Banana Bread, PB & J, and Blueberry Vanilla, with each bar containing between 10g and 16g of protein and approximately 260–300 calories. The product range is sold through the brand's official website, Amazon, and other online retailers.
Regarding free samples, the documentation indicates that Exo offers a product sampler pack. One source states, "Exo is now offering a protein bar sampler pack – shipped to you for $13." This suggests the sample is a paid-for trial rather than a no-cost freebie. Another source mentions, "If you absolutely want to try cricket protein, then Exo does offer free samples," but does not provide specific details on how to access these for free. The available information does not confirm a fully complimentary sample programme for UK consumers. The documentation primarily describes the sampler pack as a purchasable item, with a price point of $13 (approximately £10.50 at the time of writing, subject to exchange rates and shipping costs). No official sign-up form, eligibility criteria, or mail-in sample programme for a no-cost trial is explicitly detailed in the provided chunks.
Product Composition and Dietary Information
Exo bars are made with cricket flour, which is described as having a toasted, nutty flavour. The bars are composed of nuts, fruit, coconut, and are naturally sweetened with honey. They are positioned as a "real food" bar designed by a three-Michelin-starred chef, aiming to be minimally processed.
Allergen and Dietary Suitability
The documentation provides specific allergen information. Exo bars are stated to be dairy-free, gluten-free, tree nut-free, and nut-free, with the exception of their Peanut Butter bars, which contain peanuts. The manufacturing facility also processes peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, soy, and egg, which is an important consideration for individuals with severe allergies.
Regarding dietary preferences, the bars are described as paleo-friendly and vegetarian-friendly. The protein source, Acheta protein (cricket protein), is noted as a complete protein that provides key vitamins like B12, which can be challenging to obtain in vegetarian and vegan diets. The documentation states that most vegetarians and vegans consider the protein acceptable for their diets. The bars are also marketed as having a low glycemic index, intended to prevent significant blood sugar spikes.
Nutritional Profile and Flavours
Each bar in the Exo range contains between 10g and 16g of protein, with calorie counts ranging from 260 to 300 calories per bar. The specific flavours mentioned are: * Cocoa Nut: Noted for a low sodium and cholesterol profile. * Banana Bread * PB & J (Peanut Butter & Jelly) * Blueberry Vanilla * Vanilla: Described as having a pleasant fruity taste. * Salted Caramel: Mentioned in product listings as a prebiotic protein bar option.
The product is also fortified with natural prebiotics for gut health and B12 for energy. The documentation references a 2017 study from the Journal of Cleaner Production regarding the environmental footprint of cricket protein.
Purchasing and Sampler Options
For UK consumers, the primary method of obtaining Exo products appears to be through direct purchase. The brand's official website (exoprotein.com) and Amazon are listed as sales channels. The sampler pack, which contains four bars (one of each flavour: Cocoa Nut, Banana Bread, PB & J, and Blueberry Vanilla), is available for a cost of $13. This pack is positioned as a way to try the full range of flavours before committing to a larger purchase.
The documentation does not specify whether international shipping is available from the official website or if the sampler pack price includes shipping to the UK. On Amazon, the product is listed with a "Best Sellers Rank" in the Health & Household and Sports Nutrition Protein Bars categories, indicating its availability on the platform. However, Amazon listings can vary by region, and UK-based consumers would need to check the local Amazon.co.uk site for current availability, pricing, and shipping details.
Refund and Satisfaction Guarantee
Exo offers a satisfaction guarantee. The documentation states: "If our products let you down, we will refund you, no questions asked." Customers with order issues are advised to contact the company via email at [email protected] within two weeks of delivery.
Sustainability and Environmental Claims
A core part of Exo's marketing is its environmental benefit. The documentation states that cricket protein "uses about 90% less land and water to create vs whey protein" and that crickets "do not contribute to greenhouse gases like cattle." These claims are linked to a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production in 2017. The brand's philosophy is that consumers can achieve their nutritional goals "without draining the planet in the process."
Consumer Feedback and Taste
Based on the provided reviews, consumer sentiment is generally positive. Reviewers describe the bars as having a "brilliant taste" and "great texture," with some noting they taste "remarkably like any other protein bar." The aftertaste is reported to be acceptable to most users. Some feedback mentions the bars are sweet and could be considered high-calorie, making them suitable as a meal replacement or for sustained energy during activities like cycling.
Important Considerations for UK Consumers
- Sample Availability: The documentation does not confirm a free, no-cost sample programme. The primary method for trial is a purchasable sampler pack priced at $13.
- Shipping and Cost: When considering an order, UK consumers should factor in international shipping costs, potential import duties, and currency conversion fees, which are not detailed in the source material.
- Allergen Warnings: While many bars are free from common allergens, the Peanut Butter variety contains peanuts, and the manufacturing facility handles multiple allergens. This is critical information for consumers with allergies.
- Product Longevity: The bars have a shelf life of one year from the production date, after which the taste may degrade.
Conclusion
Exo provides a unique protein bar option using cricket flour, marketed on sustainability and dietary suitability grounds. The product is available for purchase online, with a sampler pack offered for $13 to allow consumers to try multiple flavours. While the documentation mentions that Exo "does offer free samples," the only concrete sample mechanism described is this paid sampler pack. UK consumers interested in trying Exo products should primarily consider the purchasable options and review the allergen information carefully. No official, no-cost mail-in sample programme is detailed in the available sources.