Post by: Jonnyboy117 on June 24, 2009, 02:00:45 AM
Like many of you, I had a good laugh at Gamer Grub when Penny Arcade savagely skewered the startup snack company last year. Some changes to the product have been made since then -- the ridiculous genre/flavor combinations have been reduced to just flavors, and more importantly, Gamer Grub is now a real product that you can buy and taste for yourself.
That's exactly what I did at E3, passing by the tiny Gamer Grub booth between appointments. I approached the counter, filled with sample cups of all four flavors, out of sheer curiosity. ("Where have I heard of this before?") I was surprised --nay, shocked!-- to find the snacks to be, in a word, delicious. The company representative apparently took notice of my media badge (and my approving reaction) and quickly offered full-size bags of the Pizza and PB&J (peanut butter and jelly) flavors. I, being damn-near shameless, thanked him and hinted that our rather large website staff would really appreciate the samples, which naturally led to even more free food being offered and subsequently accepted.
A small portion of the samples did go out to my fellow NWR writers, but most of it went directly into my digestive system. That's because I was hungry, and Gamer Grub is food. E3 truly brings out a person's primal nature. I tend to skip real lunch at E3 for the sake of my valuable time and somewhat less valuable money, but my belly stayed satiated for two mid-days in a row thanks to Gamer Grub. It tasted good, even in larger quantities, and it satisfied me for a few hours.
The snacks were such a nice surprise that I felt compelled to congratulate the company via email after E3... which, as you might expect by now, resulted in even more pouches of Gamer Grub being sent through the mail. Maybe this is wasteful shipping, but no more so than the ramen, cookies, and military rations that game companies have sent over the years to promote various things.
Only the Pizza and PB&J flavors are currently available for purchase (at around $4 per bag), and you probably won't find Gamer Grub at all outside the two initial retail partners: Fry's Electronics and ThinkGeek.com. Of the first two flavors, I prefer Pizza, which tastes like a savory trail mix covered in Doritos powder. It's obviously cheesy and salty, but there's also a pleasantly strong tomato flavor. PB&J is less satisfying as a heavy snack, but it captures the sandwich's flavors extremely well, particularly the contrast between salty peanuts and sweet (strawberry) jelly. Both are filling and definitely tasty, and although the food is heavily processed (like most things we eat these days), Gamer Grub's ingredients include relatively wholesome peanuts, almonds, pita chips, dried fruit, etc. The two flavors I've tasted are good enough that I'm still eager to try the Chocolate and Wasabi flavors when they become available.
The makers of Gamer Grub were eager to tell me about the product's health benefits at the E3 booth. It's fortified with several vitamins, including some exotic-sounding stuff that, when provided in a certain combination, supposedly makes your brain and muscles work together better. That's not very appealing for me, since I often want to turn off my brain and employ minimal muscle function while playing games, even on Wii. This stuff is mainly being marketed at the Halo/CoD4 crowd -- gamers who are looking for an edge. I don't think they're going to find it in snack foods. The less dubious advantage for gamers is that Gamer Grub comes in a recloseable pouch that lets you pour the food into your mouth without ever touching it. The container works exactly as advertised.
You're an idiot if you think drinking Vitamin Water every day will make you healthy. It's just Kool-Aid with unnecessary nutrients, most of which don't absorb well without food. But I still buy Vitamin Water every now and then... because it tastes good. Same goes for Gamer Grub. I guess every food company has to find a marketing hook for its products, but any real or imagined competitive benefits from eating this stuff pales in comparison to what should be the real draw: the snacks are delicious. It seems odd to market a snack so directly to a particular population (like the Yorkie chocolate bar, or Men's Pocky) when it should be equally tasty to everyone. I found it to be most handy as an air travel snack, since it goes through security, fits easily in a carry-on, and tastes similar (but better) to the nuts and pretzels we already associate with airplane food. Regardless, if you are a connoisseur of snacks or just need to pick up some calories while out shopping, Gamer Grub is a fine choice.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 24, 2009, 01:43:48 AM
I'd wind up trying it if it were available at a grocery store, wasn't overpriced, and the vitamins actually satisfied any of my dietary needs, but I'll only find out the second two after I see it in a grocery store and take a look.
Post by: MoronSonOfBoron on June 24, 2009, 02:02:29 AM
Post by: Mop it up on June 24, 2009, 02:30:23 AM
Is it weird that I like Yorkies? Especially the raisin and biscuit kind, that's one of the best candy bars ever.
Post by: ShyGuy on June 24, 2009, 02:30:49 AM
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on June 24, 2009, 02:32:12 AM
Post by: Nick DiMola on June 24, 2009, 07:03:25 AM
I will say, the Wasabi flavor was awesome, and reminded me of a typical Oriental snack mix you'd find at the supermarket.
Post by: TJ Spyke on June 24, 2009, 08:21:45 AM
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on June 24, 2009, 09:08:01 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on June 24, 2009, 11:30:02 AM
"No really, guys, our site has like 50 editors. I'd better grab some more."
Shame it has MSG in it which means I'll never be able to try it.
Post by: ShyGuy on June 24, 2009, 11:32:33 AM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 24, 2009, 11:40:25 AM
Post by: KDR_11k on June 24, 2009, 11:52:03 AM
Post by: ShyGuy on June 24, 2009, 12:49:47 PM
Post by: D_Average on June 24, 2009, 01:50:42 PM
Post by: that Baby guy on June 24, 2009, 01:52:36 PM
Seriously, I think Johnny got addicted to the stuff in the grub, and he's just writing this because they promised him more. Someone make him detox, please.
Post by: MegaByte on June 24, 2009, 02:10:33 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 24, 2009, 02:25:37 PM
His eyes glow and he Wii Bowls from a couch now.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on June 24, 2009, 02:36:50 PM
Oh, there's MSG in it? That stuff makes me sick. I guess it's not something I'd ever consider picking up.
That's why S_B condemned it earlier. Its so bad that one time we were playing Dungeons and Dragons and I had a big bag of Doritos and he nearly got sick because of the smell.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 24, 2009, 03:25:16 PM
Anyways, I've figured out that for every hour this is the top post on the site, the company is going to send their addict another container of the stuff. That must be it!
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 24, 2009, 03:35:12 PM
Post by: vudu on June 24, 2009, 03:54:19 PM
Quote
Of the first two flavors, I prefer Pizza, which tastes like a savory trail mix covered in Doritos powder.
This is the epitome of bad product design. It doesn't matter if the "grub" is supposed to be consumed without touching it. If I can't even grab a handful of the stuff without wiping my hands before I touch a controller it doesn't serve its main purpose.
A better product would be one that fit into the "junk food" category (with or without essential nutrients injected into it) without soiling your hands.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 24, 2009, 03:55:55 PM
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on June 24, 2009, 06:07:32 PM
Are you guys allergic to MSG? If not, it's perfectly healthy and safe. I keep a shaker of it (Accent) in my kitchen for when I cook Asian food.
What's up with the complaints about powder and crumbs? The whole point is that the stuff doesn't get on your hands or controllers. That is the only (legit) thing about the snacks that is specially done for gamers.
Aaron never asked me for any Gamer Grub. It's not like I was Bogarting it!
Post by: that Baby guy on June 24, 2009, 09:27:19 PM
As far as crumbs and powder, I think we're all under the impression that you eat the food like you eat doritos or combos, or something similar. If that's not the case, I didn't perceive things that way, and you're being a bad shill! -10 foods for you!
Post by: Nick DiMola on June 24, 2009, 09:32:54 PM
Post by: that Baby guy on June 24, 2009, 09:40:14 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 24, 2009, 10:02:43 PM
So awesome.
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on June 24, 2009, 10:32:15 PM
As far as crumbs and powder, I think we're all under the impression that you eat the food like you eat doritos or combos, or something similar. If that's not the case, I didn't perceive things that way, and you're being a bad shill! -10 foods for you!
From the very blog post upon which this forum thread is predicated:
Quote
The less dubious advantage for gamers is that Gamer Grub comes in a recloseable pouch that lets you pour the food into your mouth without ever touching it. The container works exactly as advertised.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 24, 2009, 11:13:30 PM
But really, I think I mis-comprehended that the first time. Unless dubious editing took place to try to score more food parcels.
Post by: Djunknown on June 24, 2009, 11:29:32 PM
Quote
I don't know... I avoid touching my input devices with dirty fingers so eating crisps at the PC is right out and these things seem to be pretty fatty too.
This.
Quote
You're an idiot if you think drinking Vitamin Water every day will make you healthy. It's just Kool-Aid with unnecessary nutrients, most of which don't absorb well without food.
Research/links to back up this claim?
I can't speak for all the flavors, but I know that guarana variety works as advertised. I can't take energy drinks save for that and Sobe. Both give me a slight energy spike, but without the crashing/rapid heart beat of a Red Bull.
Quote
Regardless, if you are a connoisseur of snacks or just need to pick up some calories while out shopping, Gamer Grub is a fine choice.
Soooo... an 8.0? ;)
Post by: KDR_11k on June 25, 2009, 02:28:56 AM
So they call potato chips "crisps" in Germany too?
No but they do in England.
Post by: RABicle on June 25, 2009, 11:36:49 AM
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 25, 2009, 11:48:50 AM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 25, 2009, 12:07:34 PM
Post by: Dan_Doll on June 25, 2009, 01:28:08 PM
Post by: vudu on June 25, 2009, 03:05:13 PM
The less dubious advantage for gamers is that Gamer Grub comes in a recloseable pouch that lets you pour the food into your mouth without ever touching it. The container works exactly as advertised.
But that requires you to look away from the television, thereby putting you in immediate danger!
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 25, 2009, 03:06:52 PM
The less dubious advantage for gamers is that Gamer Grub comes in a recloseable pouch that lets you pour the food into your mouth without ever touching it. The container works exactly as advertised.
But that requires you to look away from the television, thereby putting you in immediate danger!
That's why you need Pro's liquid Doritos, in one of those beer helmets, so you can snack without looking away or even taking your hands off the controller.
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on June 25, 2009, 06:41:04 PM
Wow, somewhere there is a room full of Gamer Grub P.R. people high fiving each other with sticky, flavor-powdered hands.
There's a serious lack of reading comprehension in this thread! Gamer Grub is made by a company called Biosilo, which has exactly one employee, and I'm not sure he'll be 100% thrilled at the article, considering that I call his marketing "ridiculous," the performance claims "dubious," and the food itself "heavily processed." But certainly I gave it a fairer shake than Tycho did, since I actually tasted the stuff before writing about it.
Post by: Stratos on June 25, 2009, 06:58:11 PM
Seriously, I think Johnny got addicted to the stuff in the grub, and he's just writing this because they promised him more. Someone make him detox, please.
I recently watched Robo Cop 2 and the main villain is addicted to a special illegal drug so at the end when he is made into Robo Cop 2.0 his cravings make him snap and go crazy. I pictured Jonny as a Robo Cop and scarfing down gamer grub. A rather funny image.
If my friend and I hit up Fry's I might grab one out of curiosity.
Post by: Smash_Brother on June 26, 2009, 02:45:59 PM
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Proof_BrainLesions_CNS.html
I've always been highly allergic to it, as has my mother. But even my friends who can consume it without much issue will get head/stomach aches in sufficient amounts. It is essentially a neurotoxin as it's job is to overstimulate the taste buds to "fake" enhanced flavor.
This says nothing to your enjoyment of the snack. If you like it, enjoy. Just saying that until they come out with an organic version (and there's debate to whether or not that's safe either), it won't be something I can partake in.
Post by: Stratos on June 26, 2009, 02:54:20 PM
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on June 26, 2009, 04:04:39 PM
It's a salt. Eat too much of anything and it's bad for you. Sure, there's too much MSG in the modern diet, but it's doing less harm than many other things used in excess.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 26, 2009, 04:44:44 PM
Post by: Stratos on June 26, 2009, 05:29:58 PM
Like video games.
MSG=Videogames in Japan confirmed.
Post by: Mop it up on June 26, 2009, 05:36:51 PM
Sometimes I wish I didn't need to eat to live...
Post by: Stratos on June 26, 2009, 05:46:04 PM
Everything's bad for you! Everything causes cancer!
Sometimes I wish I didn't need to eat to live...
But there are so many wonderful foods to enjoy! Like pizza ;D
Post by: Mop it up on June 26, 2009, 05:49:05 PM
Post by: Stratos on June 26, 2009, 05:54:12 PM
Yeah but that's bad for you too. You always hear about what's bad but it seems like there's not much discussion on what is good for you. And the stuff that is advertised as being "healthy" is often ridiculously expensive. I don't even know what's going on with the whole "organic" buzzword because I've always thought all food is organic...
Organic means that no chemicals or pesticides were used in the ground or on the plants when they were growing. The idea is that those chemicals get on and in the food and thusly you consume the chemicals which can be damaging to your body. That is the gist of the organic movement. There is an 'organic organization' in California that will certify things as organic which concerned people can turn to.
My Mom is getting into the organic thing.
Post by: Mop it up on June 26, 2009, 05:59:23 PM
Organic means that no chemicals or pesticides were used in the ground or on the plants when they were growing.I just looked it up. It doesn't necessarily mean that absolutely no chemicals are used, just less chemicals. So you aren't even safe there.
I guess I'll just have to grow my own food...
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 26, 2009, 09:11:35 PM
Eh, I wouldn't necessarily call MSG "safe"...
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Proof_BrainLesions_CNS.html
I've always been highly allergic to it, as has my mother. But even my friends who can consume it without much issue will get head/stomach aches in sufficient amounts. It is essentially a neurotoxin as it's job is to overstimulate the taste buds to "fake" enhanced flavor.
This says nothing to your enjoyment of the snack. If you like it, enjoy. Just saying that until they come out with an organic version (and there's debate to whether or not that's safe either), it won't be something I can partake in.
Nothing like taking one source to back up your claims. Anyway I use MSG in virtually everything I make, no one in my family is allergic to it and it adds a great flavor. I'll also match that MSG with the great tasting aspartame in a drink ;).
Post by: Caliban on June 26, 2009, 10:40:19 PM
Quote from: Mop_it_up
You always hear about what's bad but it seems like there's not much discussion on what is good for you.
lol I know what you mean. All the advice I can give is summed up to two sentences: Anything that comes from nature, whether it is produced en mass or not, is good for you. Eat in moderation.
Quote from: Mop_it_up
And the stuff that is advertised as being "healthy" is often ridiculously expensive.
Are you talking about frozen foods?
Quote from: Mop_it_up
I don't even know what's going on with the whole "organic" buzzword because I've always thought all food is organic...
All natural food is organic, scientifically at least lol. Processed foods, and food put in any kind of package has non-natural ingredients I would say they aren't totally organic, but that's just my opinion. If your body can absorb all the nutrients from whatever you ate, then I would say that is as organic as can be.
Quote from: Mop_it_up
Quote from: Stratos linkOrganic means that no chemicals or pesticides were used in the ground or on the plants when they were growing.I just looked it up. It doesn't necessarily mean that absolutely no chemicals are used, just less chemicals. So you aren't even safe there.
I guess I'll just have to grow my own food...
A little story... where I grew up, the owned terrain was approximately 10 764 ft^2. A small area for the house, a similar area for garden and driveway, and a huge area for farming and the barn and whatnot. My parents would plant anything they wanted within seasonal restrictions. Everything was grown naturally, yet they had to use a minimal amount of chemicals to protect fruit trees and veggies from parasites, diseases, bugs, and whatnot. You just can't grown anything naturally unless you have it all covered to protect the plantation from nature itself. However if you live in an area that is not surrounded by such wilderness, i.e. in the city, and you have enough space then you shouldn't have much a problem growing anything without much chemicals other than resupplying the ground with more nutrients.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 26, 2009, 11:24:11 PM
Quote
Anything that comes from nature, whether it is produced en mass or not, is good for you. Eat in moderation.
So kids, next time you find an uranium deposit make sure you use it to create your dining utensils. Make sure you garnish your meal with a liberal amount of poison ivy, with a couple handfuls of deadly nightshade, and for flavor please use all the mercury you wish. Because, remember, if it comes from nature it has to be good for you!
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 26, 2009, 11:38:25 PM
Post by: Caliban on June 27, 2009, 12:12:44 AM
QuoteAnything that comes from nature, whether it is produced en mass or not, is good for you. Eat in moderation.
So kids, next time you find an uranium deposit make sure you use it to create your dining utensils. Make sure you garnish your meal with a liberal amount of poison ivy, with a couple handfuls of deadly nightshade, and for flavor please use all the mercury you wish. Because, remember, if it comes from nature it has to be good for you!
*FACEPALM*
Most of the deadliest poisons known to man are 100% natural. That's why I make a point to eat as little natural food as possible.
*DOUBLE FACEPALM*
Has common sense died off, or something. Of course I meant any food that is edible given by nature from the group of fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, etcetera. Good Lord! Sheesh!
I seriously hope those 2 were being sarcastic.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 27, 2009, 12:14:35 AM
QuoteAnything that comes from nature, whether it is produced en mass or not, is good for you. Eat in moderation.
So kids, next time you find an uranium deposit make sure you use it to create your dining utensils. Make sure you garnish your meal with a liberal amount of poison ivy, with a couple handfuls of deadly nightshade, and for flavor please use all the mercury you wish. Because, remember, if it comes from nature it has to be good for you!
*FACEPALM*Most of the deadliest poisons known to man are 100% natural. That's why I make a point to eat as little natural food as possible.
*DOUBLE FACEPALM*
Has common sense died off, or something. Of course I meant any food that is edible given by nature from the group of fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, etcetera. Good Lord! Sheesh!
I seriously hope those 2 were being sarcastic.
I was deadly serious, I think everyone should try my dish at least once.
Post by: Caliban on June 27, 2009, 12:16:27 AM
Post by: UncleBob on June 27, 2009, 09:31:37 AM
Post by: vudu on June 27, 2009, 10:46:14 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on June 27, 2009, 12:22:05 PM
MSG is a traditional part of Japanese cuisine and has been used (in its natural forms, primarily seaweed) for at least hundreds if not thousands of years. If you're allergic, that's one thing. Otherwise you're just paranoid.
It's a salt. Eat too much of anything and it's bad for you. Sure, there's too much MSG in the modern diet, but it's doing less harm than many other things used in excess.
Some people are allergic, some aren't.
But the real issue most people take is that MSG is very often hidden in ingredient labels. Gamer Grub at least has the balls to call it monosodium glutamate right on the list.
Generally speaking, if something lists "Natural Flavor" or "Spices", I can't eat it for risk of MSG poisoning. That's why many people are up in arms about it, because companies see the need to conceal it instead of just listing it right out there.
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on June 27, 2009, 03:09:38 PM
Post by: NWR_pap64 on June 27, 2009, 03:43:58 PM
People who are allergic to MSG avoid it. People who love MSG sprinkle it on everything edible. Its a matter of choice, like red or blue, paper or plastic, boxers or briefs. Why even argue it like it matters to everyone?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 27, 2009, 03:50:48 PM
Is this even an issue?
People who are allergic to MSG avoid it. People who love MSG sprinkle it on everything edible. Its a matter of choice, like red or blue, paper or plastic, boxers or briefs. Why even argue it like it matters to everyone?
Party pooper.
Post by: Stratos on June 27, 2009, 03:54:06 PM
Is this even an issue?
People who are allergic to MSG avoid it. People who love MSG sprinkle it on everything edible. Its a matter of choice, like red or blue, paper or plastic, boxers or briefs. Why even argue it like it matters to everyone?
Party pooper.
GP likes to argue ;)
Post by: Stogi on June 30, 2009, 07:10:03 PM
MSG is a traditional part of Japanese cuisine and has been used (in its natural forms, primarily seaweed) for at least hundreds if not thousands of years. If you're allergic, that's one thing. Otherwise you're just paranoid.
It's a salt. Eat too much of anything and it's bad for you. Sure, there's too much MSG in the modern diet, but it's doing less harm than many other things used in excess.
I'm sorry, but I usually don't care about ignorance, but this is just wrong. My mother is an oncologist and consistently warns me about MSG. MSG is absolutely terrible for you. Yes it's in a lot of Asian cuisine, but WTF does that mean?
It's hard to avoid eating MSG. Even in places that claim they don't use MSG probably do through the sauces and other ingredients they add.
Stay away from it!
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 30, 2009, 07:11:58 PM
MSG is a traditional part of Japanese cuisine and has been used (in its natural forms, primarily seaweed) for at least hundreds if not thousands of years. If you're allergic, that's one thing. Otherwise you're just paranoid.
It's a salt. Eat too much of anything and it's bad for you. Sure, there's too much MSG in the modern diet, but it's doing less harm than many other things used in excess.
I'm sorry, but I usually don't care about ignorance, but this is just wrong. My mother is an oncologist and consistently warns me about MSG. MSG is absolutely terrible for you. Yes it's in a lot of Asian cuisine, but WTF does that mean?
It's hard to avoid eating MSG. Even in places that claim they don't use MSG probably do through the sauces and other ingredients they add.
Stay away from it!
Or people can mind their own business regardless of what their mom says.
Also I see some extreme irony considering the source of this warning!
Post by: Stratos on June 30, 2009, 07:14:53 PM
Post by: Stogi on June 30, 2009, 07:16:45 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 30, 2009, 07:17:52 PM
Despite it being my mother, she is an oncologist and has been one for sometime. This is FIRST HAND knowledge.
Wow, doctors of all types never disagree either!
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/130/4/1058S (http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/130/4/1058S)
Seriously like most of these health concerns regarding certain food products, you can find studies from both sides. So to call someone ignorant is totally uncalled for because they know a person who believes different.
Post by: Stogi on June 30, 2009, 07:23:16 PM
EDIT: You can heed the advice or not. Ultimately, it's your body and I could give six shades of **** what you do with it.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 30, 2009, 07:36:59 PM
It's ignorant to think that just because a society has lived through the years eating one type of food, that others are fine to eat it; ie, you ever drink the water from Mexico?
EDIT: You can heed the advice or not. Ultimately, it's your body and I could give six shades of **** what you do with it.
Considering the source, I think I'll look to other sources for my information.
Post by: Stogi on June 30, 2009, 07:41:06 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 30, 2009, 07:44:01 PM
Are you dissing me or my mother?
Oh perhaps you, or maybe I was saying look at different sources then one person. We may never know exactly what I meant. At least I didn't call you ignorant like you called Jonny the super mod. BTW I would drink Mexican water too if it seemed to cause a great life expectancy in the population!
Post by: Stogi on June 30, 2009, 07:54:57 PM
Is Jonny a researcher? Is a Jonny an oncologist? Then he might not know the intricacies of what causes cancer; ie ignorant.
Post by: King of Twitch on June 30, 2009, 09:35:36 PM
Because Without The Facts, we're just Gamers That Fight Over Stuff That's Fairly Unnecessary
Post by: Stratos on June 30, 2009, 10:11:27 PM
A WTF.GTFO.STFU policy is in order here.
Because Without The Facts, we're just Gamers That Fight Over Stuff That's Fairly Unnecessary
I think I'm going to use that from now on. I like it. :)
Post by: Nick DiMola on June 30, 2009, 10:23:24 PM
Gamer Grub isn't really worth this much argument, trust me, I ate it. ;)
Post by: NWR_pap64 on June 30, 2009, 10:39:55 PM
Post by: Stratos on June 30, 2009, 11:23:52 PM
Has anyone gone and tried it yet since Jonny wrote this? I want to check it out next time I'm at Fry's purely for curiosity sake.
Post by: Mop it up on June 30, 2009, 11:26:51 PM
