I could never hit my protein or fiber count — then I found ‘candy’ that helps me curb cravings and crush my goals

Hitting my daily protein and fiber goals has always felt like a full-time job.

Between dry-scooping powders, meal-prepping endless batches of grilled chicken and sneaking collagen and whey into everything from soups to smoothies, I’ve spent almost a decade trying to consistently hit my recommended protein count (70 grams per day, at least).

I know firsthand that protein is key for building muscle and staying satisfied through the day, yet I still find it surprisingly difficult to bulk up my intake. I also don’t eat much red meat and have never been crazy about the chalky texture of protein bars, which just makes it even more of a challenge.

When I finally get close to hitting my protein, there’s a new problem staring me down: I’ve barely eaten any fiber. Preparing meals that are full of fresh fruits and veggies takes time, effort and a grocery bill that adds up fast. It’s a combination I rarely have the bandwidth for.

As a health and wellness writer, I’m well aware of the importance of both protein and fiber. Fiber-rich foods are linked to lower cholesterol, better digestion, more stable blood sugar, and maintaining a healthy weight. Research even suggests that a high-fiber diet may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Yet, despite knowing all of this, I’m not alone in falling short on my fiber. A 2016 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that an estimated 95% of American adults and children don’t get enough fiber. It’s a staggering statistic, considering the many benefits of eating fiber-rich foods.

When I discovered Good Gummies, I was cautiously optimistic; natural watermelon gummies packed with 15  grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber per serving. And, supposedly, reviewers are saying they taste like candy. The hook almost seemed too good to be true.

The fact that something so nutrient-dense could actually taste delicious, let alone be made without a laundry list of preservatives and additives, was almost mind-boggling. Not to mention, the fact that they come in a convenient, portable gummy form that alleviates the stress of meal preparation.

Yet, I still had to find out whether the taste was, in fact, palatable and the ingredients were as good as the brand made them out to be. Of course, I was also curious if a 12-pack was really worth $48.

After stocking my pantry and testing for a week, I’ve gathered some key takeaways.

As a young boy, the founder of Good Gummies grew up loving gummies. As an adult, he realized it wouldn’t be sustainable to eat a pack-a-day that had more sugar than protein, so he decided to make a guilt-free version of his favorite childhood treat.

Good Gummies are made with 15 grams of protein, 11 grams of fiber and clean ingredients, including grass-fed beef gelatin, organic hemp seed protein, hydrolyzed collagen, monkfruit extract, vegan cane sugar for flavor and red radish for a bright color.

These aren’t just packed with protein and fiber. Good Gummies also include Fructooligosaccharides, a natural prebiotic included to help support digestion and soothe the stomach, without spiking blood sugar. Fiber can make some people feel bloated, which is why Good Gummies opts for prebiotic fiber.

My review

Let me start by saying, I’ve never been a big gummy person. Sure, I love a sweet treat, but traditional gummies have never done it for me. The artificial flavors and the sticky, glue-like texture are definitely turn-offs. Gummy bears, in particular, just feel wrong.

Good Gummies, however, may have changed my mind.

Taste

The watermelon flavor is equal parts sweet and tangy, with a smooth, subtle chew that doesn’t stick to your teeth. The texture is surprisingly pleasant, biteable without being too chewy. Best of all, they’re light and leave very little aftertaste. Flavorful, but not so rich that it feels like you’ve just chowed down on a heavy dessert.

Honestly, they’re not overwhelming, aesthetically pleasing, and I take that as a good sign. Good Gummies have a naturally vibrant pink-red hue, not the neon color you see in typical gummy candies. I noticed slight variations in shade and shape between individual pieces, which makes them feel real, not mass-produced or processed. The brand suggests this is all to be expected.

Nutrition

One of the things I really appreciate about protein- and fiber-rich gummies is the sheer convenience. Protein powders can be messy, high-quality meals take time and planning, and meat and seafood are often expensive and not travel-friendly.

With Good Gummies, you know exactly what you’re getting and don’t have to spend time fussing over it. The ingredients in Good Gummies are formulated to help you feel your best, with protein for lean muscle support, fiber for gut health and a combination that helps provide a feeling of fullness.

I did the math: one serving of Good Gummies provides 15 grams of protein, which is more than I get from my daily scoop of collagen or even two eggs. On top of that, each pack delivers 11 grams of fiber, which is roughly the same as four cups of beets. That’s a serious upgrade, and one I’ll take anyway.

Packaging

Good Gummies come in small, portable packs, which is perfect for tossing in a bag and taking anywhere. I brought them along on a weekend trip, and they were the easiest, most convenient snack I had on hand.

The attractive packaging even won a compliment from my friend, whom I easily shared them with (another win, mess-free sharing).

The portion size is just right for a quick pick-me-up. However, Good Gummies are not a meal replacement. They’re more like a satisfying in-between option that could help keep you going and kick sugar cravings.

At 120 calories per pack, they’re light but functional. And as the brand suggests, one pack (or less) per day feels like the right balance.

Final thoughts: Are Good Gummies a good buy?

So, how do Good Gummies stack up in the arguably oversaturated gummy market? For starters, they’re clearly a healthier option than traditional store-bought candy gummies, which are filled to the brim with added sugars and unpronounceable ingredients.

But Good Gummies even seem to beat some of the “better-for-you” brands (like SmartSweets, for example) when it comes to protein and fiber content. At $48 for a box, the cost might seem steep at first, but when you break it down to $4 per pack, it feels like a fair trade-off, especially compared to other pricey protein snacks on the market.

As I’ve mentioned, I’m not usually a gummy person, but I’ve definitely warmed up to the idea of portable protein. Good Gummies have proven to me that protein doesn’t have to be messy, chalky, or unpleasant. These sweet treats have quickly become a favorite in my gym bag, and I’m already pushing them on my friends.

If I had one request, it’s that Good Gummies come in more flavors. The brand has done a great job with the packaging and presentation of this first watermelon-flavored release, but repetition is my enemy —and I’m already craving whatever it is that they come up with next.

Take that as you will, but coming from this lazy gym-goer who sometimes falls short on her protein, I consider Good Gummies a great addition to my diet. While I wouldn’t recommend them as a replacement for a home-cooked meal, they’re perfect as a nutritious boost when you’re on the go.

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.