When the payday pro first came out, there was either an introductory low price or I had a coupon, I can't remember but I figured what the heck, I'll try it out. It didn't taste quite as good and I didn't notice any difference in how I was fueled for my ride. The next time I was at the store, I compared the ingredients and there wasn't that much of a difference. Like you said, a little more protein and maybe some other small changes. I think they are trying to take advantage of the energy bar craze and have an excuse to charge extra for pretty much the same thing. I'm sticking with the regular paydays.