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Add to SafariMealSquares vs MANA
When comparing MealSquares vs MANA, the Slant community recommends MANA for most people. In the question“What are the best food substitutes?” MANA is ranked 2nd while MealSquares is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose MANA is:
Formulas are based on the recommended daily intake from both EFSA and WHO, as well as more than 44 clinical studies related to ingredients and 2 studies to MANA drink.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Solid
Solid food requires chewing, which exercises muscles, stimulating saliva production which contains ions to remineralize teeth. It uses more calories to digest, and doesn't cause as much of an insulin spike as a liquid meal.
"In a 2012 study in the journal Obesity, researchers found that 80% of those consuming liquid meals were hungry after 2hrs of eating, compared to only 5% of those consuming a solid meal (with the same macronutrient composition)."
Pro Nutritionally complete
2000 Calories worth of MealSquares (5) has at least 100% DV of all essential vitamins an minerals.
Pro Made of whole foods
This allows for better nutrient absorption, instead of vitamin pills and powders with poor bioavailability.
Pro Natural ingredients
No preservatives or artificial dyes or artificial flavors or partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats).
Pro Fiber
2000 Calories worth of MealSquares (5) contains 110% DV of dietary fiber.
Pro Vegetarian
No meat or gelatin, but does have dairy and eggs.
Pro Easy to count calories
Each square is 400 calories.
Pro Balanced macronutrients
Calories come from a balance of complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein.
Pro Free of some common allergens
No wheat, soy, corn, or peanuts. Does contain eggs however. Unfortunately their current manufacturing facilities use equipment that processes some of these ingredients, so it's not safe for those with a severe peanut allergy. This may change in the future.
Pro Extra vitamins and minerals
Includes a higher dose than 100% DV of certain vitamins and minerals, but only where there is strong scientific evidence that this is safe and beneficial.
Pro 99% gluten-free
The recipe does not contain gluten, however their current manufacturing facilities use equipment that may be exposed to gluten, so for the hypersensitive (celiac disease), this is not good enough. They may change manufacturers in the future.
Pro 99% Lactose free
Includes lactase enzyme for the lactose intolerant.
Pro EFSA compatible & 46 clinical studies
Formulas are based on the recommended daily intake from both EFSA and WHO, as well as more than 44 clinical studies related to ingredients and 2 studies to MANA drink.
Pro Has 161 health benefits approved by the EFSA
They have on their website all the informations and links to the clinical studies.
Pro Lab Analysis
Each ingredient used in Mana is analyzed in depth in accredited laboratories.
Cons
Con Not vegan
At least not yet, but they claim to be working on a vegan version. Contains milk and eggs.
Con Requires refrigeration
No preservatives. But should be good for about a month in the fridge.
Con Extremely bland flavor
The flavor is very bland. Only the chocolate chips have any flavor.
The instructions that come with the product suggest microwaving it and adding butter. Cinnamon and sugar/faux sugar maple syrup or honey additions are common to make it more palatable/edible.
Con Still in beta
You may be able to try a sample, but they currently only ship inside the USA.
Con Not enough marine omega-3s
Not enough EPA and DHA for optimal heath. The best option is to eat some oily fish also.
Con Contaminants
Their equipment is shared with other recipes that include gluten and peanuts. This may change in the future, since the recipe doesn't require them.
Con Now Ships to USA
Mostly ships to European countries only with one or two exceptions.
