HOLOS Organic Overnight Muesli Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Price: $5.42 (lower per meal price with subscription)

Flavors: Berries, Caramel + Raisins, Apple + Cinnamon, Cocoa, Chai, Maple + Almonds, Vanilla

Calories: 380

Availability: Online

Obtained by: Company samples

RBR advertiser: No

https://us.liveholos.com/collections/muesli

A Healthy, Nutritious, Yummy Start to Your Morning

Seven days a week, my breakfast routine consists of rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and banana, all soaked overnight in almond or oat milk. In the mornings, I microwave it and top it with fresh berries. During the week, I eat it after my 23 mile early morning ride or on the weekend before a longer 50+ mile endurance ride. Either way, it keeps me fueled and full.

So when HOLOS asked me to test and review their new Berries muesli flavor, they weren’t asking me to deviate too much from my normal routine. The company proceeded to send me a sampler box containing all seven flavors.  

The Story Behind HOLOS

HOLOS is a Canadian company that derived its name from the Ancient Greek word holo, meaning “whole,” because of everything it is and aspires to be: the breakfast of champions and casual cyclists, real food in a reusable jar. Every single serving comes in a recyclable packet (gotta love that) and contains 20 grams of plant-based protein, rich in fiber, 13 vitamins and minerals, 1 billion CFU probiotics, gluten-free, and USDA organic. And what’s nice is you can pronounce every ingredient.

For example, the new Berries flavor contains:

Rolled oats*, Chia seeds*, Sprouted brown rice protein powder*, Fruit powder blend* (date*, blueberry*, strawberry*, blackcurrant*, banana*), Sunflower seeds*, Dried black mulberries*, Dried Goji berries*, Fair trade dark chocolate chips* (golden cane sugar*, cocoa mass*, cocoa butter*), Natural flavor*, Himalayan pink salt, Guar gum*, Beet powder*, Bacterial culture (Bacillus subtilis DE111®). It may contain Almonds, Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Cashews, Pecans, Brazil Nuts, Pistachios, and Sesame.

*Organic

I wasn’t familiar with the benefits of CFU probiotics and whether 1 billion of them is considered good or excessive. Paula Velasquez, R&D Specialist at HOLOS, responded, “Generally, there is no recommended probiotic dose per day. However, with at least 1 billion CFU (viable cells) of our spore-forming probiotic (a very resistant form), the necessary amount survives digestion, reaches the gut, and starts to support digestion, immune health, and well-being. It even enhances protein utilization and improves digestion of dietary fats and complex carbs. Our HOLOS Muesli has been designed to provide good nutrition for active people, taking care of their gut health with a great combination of prebiotics (fiber), probiotics, ingredients like sprouted brown rice protein, and the magic of the soaking process.”

Great Flavor and Keeps Me Fueled on Long Rides

I sampled six of the seven flavors and enjoyed them all. My top picks are the Berries, Apple + Cinnamon, and Maple + Almonds. Since I don’t like Chai, I gave those packets to a friend who said it was very tasty.

The samples came with a glass preparation jar to pour the contents of one HOLOS packet, add any type of milk to the “fill line,” shake and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just grab and go. In fact, tomorrow morning, I’ll take it with me to eat after my open water swim and before I head out on a bike ride. I prefer to eat warm oatmeal or muesli, but cold works in a pinch. At 380 calories and high fiber, I’ll stay full and fueled for most of the ride.

During the weeks of sampling the product, I did feel that my gut health improved. Also, I always try to watch my calorie intake, so I avoided eating HOLOS on rest days or when I would burn only a few calories. At 380 calories/serving, it is more than I wanted to consume on those days, so I ate my standard overnight oatmeal combo.

Bottom Line

With seven delicious flavors, HOLOS is a great energy source before a long ride and promotes a healthy gut. The company has an informative blog, including one on cycling nutrition and several jar topper ideas to make your HOLOS even more flavorful.

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Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.