Protein Bar Review

You may have noticed that over the past 5 or so years that many products, not limited to bars, are increasingly promoted as being sources of protein. This shows you how popular protein is with various groups, it is a key food trend in recent years. Whether you’re looking for healthier snacks or pre- and post-workout nutrition, protein bars are definitely an easy on the go option. Unfortunately, some of them are not as amazing as promoted in their marketing campaign! Also, there are so many choices, which one should we choose? The Innovative Dietitian has evaluated 18 health bars including many protein bars according to their appearance, texture, taste, smell, price and nutritional values. Here are our thoughts!

Disclaimer: the following opinions are a combination of facts (nutritional and price comparison) with our own personal taste and texture preferences. The products we recommend may not be suitable for all people due to inclusions of allergens such as gluten and nuts and other medical conditions. To receive individual nutrition advice please book in an appointment with your dietitian. We have not received endorsements from any brands reviewed in this blog. 

Lowest Price ($0-3 per 100g)

Nice and Natural: Protein Nut Bar (Dark Chocolate and Cacao)

• Affordable ($1.2 per bar)

• 27.5g protein per 100g (9.1g per bar)

• 12.4g sugar per 100g (4.1g per bar)

• Rating: 9/10 - chocolate and peanuts, what's not to love?

Nice and Natural: Roasted Nut Bar (Trail Mix)

• Affordable ($0.8 per bar)

• 15.7g protein per 100g (5g per bar)

• 19.8g sugar per 100g (6.3g per bar)

• Rating: 7/10 - would be better if bar less hard and sticky and more protein.

Our Pick: Nice and Natural - Protein Nut Bar (Dark Chocolate and Cacao)

Better tasting, higher in protein and lower in sugar!

Moderate Price ($3.10-6 per 100g)

Carmen's Protein Bar: Dark Chocolate & Cranberry

• Affordable ($1.40 per bar)

• 27.0g protein per 100g (10.8g per bar)

• 24.0g sugar per 100g (9.6g per bar)

• Rating: 9/10 - tastes great but a bit higher in sugar

Nature Valley Protein Bar: Peanut and Chocolate

• Affordable ($1.60 per bar)

• 25.6g protein per 100g (10.2g per bar)

• 16.4g sugar per 100g (6.6g per bar)

• Rating: 9/10 - tastes great, another chocolate and peanut combo!

Noshu Low Carb Nut Bar: Cranberry, Coconut & Yoghurt

• Affordable ($1.70 per bar)

• 7.4g protein per 100g (2.4g per bar)

• 4g sugar per 100g (1.3g per bar)

• Rating: 7/10 - tastes good, low in sugar and protein and high in fat and fibre

Clif Energy Bar: White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut

• Price increasing ($3 per bar)

• 13g protein per 100g (9g per bar)

• 29g sugar for 100g (20g per bar)

• Rating: 7/10 - nice taste but very high in sugar!

Clif Energy Bar: Crunchy Peanut Butter

• Price increasing ($3 per bar)

• 16g protein per 100g (11g per bar)

• 25g sugar per 100g (17g per bar)

• Rating: 8/10 - not as high in sugar as the other flavour and higher protein. 

Our Pick: Nature Valley Protein Bar - Peanut and Chocolate

Cheaper, lower in sugar and higher in protein than most other options in this category, plus one of the highest scoring for taste.

Higher Price ($6.1-9 per 100g)

Body Science High Protein Low Carb Bar: Rich Milk Chocolate

• Price increasing ($4.50 per bar)

• 31.5g protein per 100g (18.9g per bar)

• 7.3g sugar per 100g (4.4g per bar)

• Rating: 8/10 - a great tasting bar and high in protein but also the most expensive.

Crankt: Chocolate Mud Cake

• Price increasing ($3.75 per bar)

• 33.5g protein per 100g (20.1g per bar)

• 3.9g sugar per 100g (2.3g per bar)

• Rating: 7/10 - low in sugar and the highest in protein but tasted too artificial.

Coles Perform Whey Protein Bar: Peanut Butter Choc Chip

• Reasonable price but smaller bar ($2.50 per bar)

• 27.1g protein per 100g (10.8g per bar)

• 4.3g sugar per 100g (1.7g per bar)

• Rating: 7/10 - low in sugar and lower in protein per bar than many in this category, also a bit dry.

Musclenation Custard Plant Based Protein Bar: Chocolate Hazelnut

• Price increasing ($4 per bar)

• 20g protein per 100g (10g per bar)

• 15.2g sugar per 100g (7.6g per bar)

• Rating: 7.5/10 - lower in protein than some similarly priced bars, also has artificial flavour.

Musclenation Custard Protein Bar: White Chocolate Raspberry

• Price increasing ($4 per bar)

• 26g protein per 100g (15.6g per bar)

• 8g sugar per 100g (4.8 g per bar)

• Rating: 7/10 - less sugar and more protein than plant based variety, however the flavour was worse.

Fibre One Protein: Caramel

• Reasonable price but smaller bar ($2.15 per bar)

• 41.8g protein per 100g (10.1g per bar)

• 4g sugar per 100g (1g per bar)

• Rating: 6.5/10 - we had high hopes for this one but unfortunately it does not have an enjoyable flavour and texture like the original fibre one bars (not high protein)

Skippy Protein Bar: Raspberry Cheesecake

• Price increasing and smaller bar ($3.6 per bar)

• 31.1g protein per 100g (12.4g per bar)

• 5.7g sugar per 100g (2.3 g per bar)

• Rating: 6.5/10 - we love Skippy peanut butter but their protein bars? Not so much. We did not like the flavour of this bar.

Atkins Low Carb Indulge: Honeycomb Crisp

• Price increasing and smaller bar ($3.30 per bar)

• 14g protein per 100g (4.1g per bar)

• 4.3 sugar per 100g (1.3 g per bar)

• Rating: 3/10 - Pretty low in protein with a confronting oily texture and unpleasant aftertaste.

Aussie Bodies Keto Wafer: Chocolate Hazelnut

• Price increasing and smaller bar ($4 per bar)

• 24.4g protein per 100g (8.6g per bar)

• 4.8 sugar per 100g (1.7g per bar)

• Rating: 4/10 - Higher in protein than Atkins brand still had the confronting oily texture and unpleasant aftertaste.

Aussie Bodies Keto Wafer: Cookies and Cream

• Price increasing and smaller bar ($4 per bar)

• 25.1g protein per 100g (8.8g per bar)

• 4.8 sugar per 100g (1.7g per bar)

• Rating: 4/10 - Higher in protein than Atkins brand still had the confronting oily texture and unpleasant aftertaste.

Our Pick: Body Science High Protein Low Carb Bar: Rich Milk Chocolate

Although it was the most expensive, it was the only bar in this category that we actually enjoyed the taste plus has a great nutritional profile.

Summary

Best Value (Price & Nutrition): Nature Valley Protein Bar (Peanut & Choc) 

Best Nutritional Profile: Body Science High Protein Low Carb Bar (Rich Milk Choc)

Best Tasting: Carman’s Protein Bar (Dark Choc & Cranberry)

All these bars had different pro's and con's and depending on your goals and preferences some of our lower scoring options might even be best for you!

By Rachel Armstrong and Claire Wu – Accredited Practising Dietitians