Our Chocolate Protein Ball Has Passed FODMAP Friendly Testing

It's mid-morning or afternoon, you're hungry, and you're standing in front of a shelf of protein snacks. One is high in sugar. Another is sweetened with ingredients listed only by number, which leaves you a bit confused. A third looks fine, but you're not quite sure how it will sit with your gut.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and it's part of why we created our protein ball.

We're pleased to share that the Enlighten Me Chocolate Protein Ball has now passed FODMAP Friendly testing. Here's the story behind it, what's in it, and what happens next.

It Started With A Request

Like most things at Enlighten Me, our protein ball began with our patients and customers. Our shakes were designed as a convenient meal, but we kept hearing the same thing: powder and water works well at home, but people also wanted a snack they could pick up and take anywhere.

We shared that story when we launched the ball. You can read the full version in You Asked, We Listened: Introducing the Enlighten Me Protein Ball.

What We Wanted In A Snack

When we looked at what was readily available, we noticed a few common patterns. Some protein snacks can be high in carbohydrates and sugar. Many protein balls are built on fruit or dates. Many bars rely on artificial sweeteners to keep sugars low. Different products suit different people, but we wanted something different.

So we set out to make a snack that was filling, high in protein and not sugary. Here are the choices that helped shape it:

• A protein blend that works together - whey protein isolate, pea protein and collagen. Collagen on its own is an incomplete protein, so it was important for us to pair it with whey and a plant-based protein, in this case pea protein.
• Fibre for staying power - soluble tapioca fibre helps the ball feel more filling. Each 38g ball has 11.1g of protein, 8.2g of fibre and only 1.7g of natural sugars.
• Flavour from cacao - the lovely chocolate taste comes from a blend of natural cacao powder and cacao butter, with no artificial sweeteners.

Passed Testing, Logo On The Way

Our chocolate protein ball has passed FODMAP Friendly testing. The batch was tested using the exact recipe we're sending out now, so the balls in your order match the result.

We're currently updating our packaging with the FODMAP Friendly logo so it's easy to recognise.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers tell us they keep their balls in a handbag or gym bag, take them on trips and eat them at their desk. Many pair them with our shakes, using the shake as a meal and the ball as a snack between meals. Reviewers also say it's tasty, not too sweet and doesn't crumble in a bag.

A Few Questions We're Often Asked

Is the Enlighten Me Protein Ball low FODMAP?
Our chocolate protein ball has passed FODMAP Friendly testing, and we're updating our packaging with the logo. We use wording that matches our result, so we'll say "passed testing" for now. If you follow a low FODMAP plan, your dietitian can help you decide how it fits.

Is whey protein low FODMAP?
The protein in our ball is whey protein isolate, a processed form of milk protein, and the ball contains milk. Different people tolerate dairy differently, so it's worth checking with your dietitian or GP. It's the finished ball that has been tested, and it has passed.

What's in the protein ball?
Our ingredients include: soluble tapioca fibre, whey protein isolate (milk), pea protein, bovine collagen, pea protein crisps, shredded coconut, cacao powder, cacao butter, Himalayan salt and natural caramel flavour.

Allergens: contains milk. May contain tree nuts and sesame.

Is it a good snack to take travelling?
Our customers note that it travels well in a bag and doesn't crumble. It's a handy one to keep in your handbag, gym bag or desk drawer. Each ball is individually wrapped.

Are the protein balls individually wrapped, and do they contain preservatives?
Yes, each ball is individually wrapped in a thick, multi-layered wrapper. It's designed to help maintain freshness, so we don't need to add preservatives to the ball itself.

How does the ball fit with the shakes?
Many customers use a shake as a meal and the ball as a snack between meals. Everyone's needs are different, so your GP or dietitian can help with your own protein goals.

A Closing Thought

A good snack shouldn't leave you wondering whether it will agree with you. We made our protein ball so there's one less thing to second-guess in a busy day, and we're so pleased it has now passed FODMAP Friendly testing.

This blog provides general information only. For information that is tailored to your own circumstances, please speak to your own treating practitioner.