In the world of health and wellness, it‘s no secret that the vast majority of Americans are falling short when it comes to meeting their daily fiber needs. In fact, a shocking 95% of us fail to get the recommended amount each day, which is around 25-30 grams.
While eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains is the ideal way to close this fiber gap, the reality is that many people struggle to consistently hit their numbers through food alone. Busy schedules, limited access to fresh produce, and even just picky taste preferences can all make it challenging to pack in enough fiber from your plate.
This is where Supergut comes in. Formerly known as Muniq, this innovative supplement brand has been on a mission since 2019 to help make getting your daily dose of fiber and protein a no-brainer. With a range of convenient shakes, powders and bars, Supergut aims to support your digestive health, balance blood sugar, promote satiety and weight management, and even bolster immunity.
As a long-time health writer and certified nutrition coach, I‘ve seen my fair share of flashy supplement brands come and go. So what makes Supergut stand out from the pack? I dug into the ingredients, scoured real customer reviews, and consulted the latest scientific research to give you a comprehensive look at whether Supergut lives up to the hype. Let‘s dive in.
The Lowdown on Fiber & Protein: Why They Matter for Health
Before we get into the nitty gritty of Supergut‘s products, let‘s take a step back and talk about why fiber and protein are such important pieces of the health puzzle to begin with.
Dietary fiber, which is only found in plant foods, is best known for its role in keeping us "regular" by promoting healthy digestion and bowel movements. But the benefits don‘t stop there. A diet high in fiber is also associated with:
- More stable blood sugar and energy levels
- Enhanced feelings of fullness and reduced appetite
- Lower "bad" LDL cholesterol
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers
- Support for beneficial gut bacteria ("probiotics")
Protein, meanwhile, is an essential macronutrient that plays a key role in maintaining and building lean muscle mass, producing important enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune health. Like fiber, protein is also well-known for its satiating effect that can curb cravings and keep you feeling full and energized for longer stretches.
While protein deficiency is much less common than falling short on fiber, many folks still struggle to get an optimal amount and balance of protein throughout the day, especially if they follow a plant-based or vegan eating pattern. Older adults also tend to have higher protein needs than their younger counterparts in order to maintain muscle mass and strength as they age.
Supergut‘s Core Products & Ingredients
Now that we‘ve covered the "why" behind prioritizing fiber and protein, let‘s take a closer look at how Supergut aims to help you hit the mark with its three core products:
Supergut Fiber Shakes
The star of the Supergut show, these ready-to-mix shakes pack in a whopping 20 grams of fiber and 15 grams of protein in each serving. To put that into perspective, 20 grams of fiber covers nearly 70% of the recommended daily amount!
The shakes come in six flavors – chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mocha latte, and vegan versions of chocolate and vanilla. The vegan options swap out the regular whey protein for a blend of pea, chia, and pumpkin seed proteins.
In addition to the hefty dose of fiber and protein, Supergut shakes also contain a unique resistant starch blend featuring green banana flour, oat bran, and tapioca starch. Resistant starch essentially functions as a prebiotic, which means it feeds the "good" probiotic bacteria in your gut linked to digestive health, immunity, mood and more.
So what about the taste? While no supplement shake will rival a gourmet milkshake, Supergut‘s shakes get consistently positive reviews for their creamy texture and pleasant, not-too-sweet flavor. Many customers report actually looking forward to their daily shake, which is always a plus for sticking with any new habit.
One 28-serving pouch of Supergut shakes will run you $126, which comes out to about $4.50 per shake. While not the cheapest supplement out there, the high-quality ingredients and significant fiber/protein content may justify the cost for many.
Supergut Fiber Mix
If you‘re not a big shake drinker, or just prefer to get your fiber boost in a more versatile form, the Supergut Fiber Mix is a great option. This unflavored, dissolvable powder can be stirred into just about anything, from your morning coffee or smoothie to soups, sauces, yogurt bowls and beyond.
Each scoop of the mix contains 8 grams of prebiotic fiber from green banana flour, oat bran, and tapioca starch. While not as high as the shakes, taking the Fiber Mix 2-3 times per day can still go a long way in helping you reach your daily fiber quota.
Like the shakes, the Supergut Fiber Mix is designed to support digestive health, blood sugar balance, satiety and weight management. Customers rave about the mix‘s versatility and neutral flavor, with many noting positive improvements in bloating, regularity and cravings.
A pouch of 28 servings costs $59, or about $2.10 per scoop.
Supergut Fiber Bars
Rounding out the core trio, Supergut‘s Fiber Bars provide the ultimate in on-the-go, no-prep-required convenience. With 10 grams each of plant-based fiber and protein and less than 1 gram of sugar, these nutrient-dense bars put your standard snack bar to shame.
The prebiotic resistant starch blend (green banana flour, oat bran, and tapioca starch) is the same one found in the shakes and fiber mix. The fiber bars then get an extra protein boost from almonds, pea protein, and either cocoa powder (chocolate brownie and peanut butter chocolate flavors) or strawberry powder (strawberry almond flavor).
In terms of taste and texture, many customers compare Supergut‘s bars to a dense, chewy brownie or cookie. While some find them slightly dry on their own, most agree that pairing a bar with a glass of water or cup of coffee makes for a satisfying and filling snack that keeps hunger at bay for hours.
A box of 12 bars typically costs $42, or $3.50 per bar. However, at the time of this review, the fiber bars were out of stock and slated to make their return soon at a slightly higher price point of $69 for 24 bars ($2.88/bar).
The Science Behind Supergut: What Does the Research Say?
It‘s one thing for a supplement brand to make lofty claims about its products (and let‘s be real – don‘t they all?). But to truly assess whether something is worth your hard-earned cash, we have to turn to the science.
Luckily, there‘s no shortage of research supporting the potential health benefits of the key ingredients found in Supergut products:
Prebiotic Fibers
The resistant starch blend (green banana flour, oat bran, and tapioca starch) found in all of Supergut‘s products has been shown to act as a prebiotic, which means it selectively feeds and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
A 2019 scientific review published in the journal Nutrients concluded that resistant starch has "positive effects on the composition and activity of the gut microbiota" and may help prevent or treat conditions like colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and metabolic syndrome.
Oat bran, one of the key prebiotic fibers in Supergut, is also rich in beta-glucan – a type of soluble fiber with well-documented effects on blood sugar control, cholesterol reduction, and immune support.
Pea Protein
Found in the vegan shakes and fiber bars, pea protein has gained popularity in recent years as a high-quality, easily-digested plant protein option. Pea protein is a "complete" protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs for optimal health.
Studies have shown that pea protein is equally effective as animal-based proteins like whey for promoting muscle growth and strength. It also appears to have blood sugar stabilizing properties and may support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
Cocoa
The cocoa powder used in Supergut‘s chocolate-flavored products isn‘t just there for taste – it also packs in some impressive health perks. Cocoa is one of the richest dietary sources of polyphenols, which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds linked to better brain function, heart health, and glucose control.
Of course, many of these benefits are dose-dependent and more pronounced with cocoa extracts rather than a small amount of cocoa powder in a protein bar or shake. But hey, it certainly doesn‘t hurt to get an antioxidant boost alongside your fiber and protein!
The Bottom Line: Is Supergut Right For You?
So now that we‘ve taken a comprehensive look at the ingredients, research, and customer experiences, what‘s the final verdict on Supergut? Here‘s my take:
Consider Supergut if:
- You struggle to meet your daily fiber needs through food alone
- You want to support your gut health, blood sugar balance, and weight management
- You follow a plant-based diet and have trouble getting enough protein
- You‘re looking for a convenient way to boost your fiber/protein intake on the go
- You‘ve tried other fiber supplements but couldn‘t tolerate the taste or digestive side effects
You can probably skip Supergut if:
- You consistently eat a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, veggies, legumes and whole grains
- You have no trouble meeting your daily protein needs through food sources
- You‘re on a tight budget and can‘t justify the cost of the supplements
- You have a sensitive stomach and don‘t tolerate fiber supplements well
If you do decide to give Supergut a try, be sure to start slowly and gradually increase your intake to assess your tolerance. While the products are generally well-received, some people may experience mild bloating or digestive discomfort if they ramp up their fiber too quickly.
It‘s also important to remember that no supplement is a magic bullet. While Supergut can certainly help fill in nutritional gaps, it‘s still essential to focus on eating a balanced, whole-foods-based diet, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and practicing other healthy lifestyle behaviors.
And as with any supplement, it‘s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before adding something new to your routine, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take medications.
The Final Word
All in all, Supergut is a promising option for anyone looking for a convenient, science-backed way to up their fiber and protein game. With a variety of product types and flavors to choose from, there‘s something to suit just about every taste preference and lifestyle.
While no supplement is perfect (or necessary for everyone), Supergut seems to be the real deal when it comes to delivering on its ingredient and health claims. And with overwhelmingly positive customer reviews to back it up, it‘s definitely worth considering if you struggle to meet your fiber and protein needs through food alone.
At the end of the day, the key to lasting health is finding an approach that you can maintain for the long haul – and if Supergut helps make that a little bit easier, I‘m all for it.
Have you tried Supergut products? Share your experience in the comments below!
