Welcome to the latest instalment of my 52 Bars in 52 weeks protein bar review series. This week I sunk my teeth into the Chief Nutrition Traditional Beef Protein Bar – a savoury, meat-based protein bar made from slow-dried organic, grass-fed beef. Yep, this bar is quite different to the ones I've tested so far. Strap in!
If you're after a meaty protein-packed treat to fuel your adventures or just a hearty, satisfying bite, this bar might be your new go-to. It's more akin to jerky than a traditional protein bar.
Let’s break it down and see if it deserves a permanent spot in your hiking pack.
Chief Nutrition Traditional Beef Protein Bar First Impressions
Protein Bar Quick Details
Price
RRP: $5.50 per bar, available in boxes of x 12 for $65.95
Flavours available
Traditional, Chipotle & Lime, Smokey BBQ
Protein Bar Packaging
Like the Greenback Protein Bars I looked at last week, Chief Nutrition has opted for packaging with two main colours on each bar. The first is the high-contrast dark grey, paired with a different colour associated with each flavour. I really like this method of differentiating between flavours easily. Text colours are black and white, both easy to read and all text is very legible.
Protein Bar Nutritional Claims
It boasts the following messages on the packaging, which is quite a lot compared to other brands who typically stick to 3 or 4 messages maximum.
18.4g of protein per 40g bar
Free from gluten, nuts, soy, and dairy
No antibiotics or added hormones
No nasty preservatives
High in bioavailable nutrients like B12, iron, and niacin.
Grass-fed organic beef
Protein Bar Taste Test
Protein Bar Aroma
Rich meaty, slightly spicy smell. It's hits you the moment you break the seal on the packaging and is very inviting. For whatever reason my partner swore it smelt like hot cross buns but I got zero traces of that. If you got hot cross bun vibes too... please let me know in the comments!
Protein Bar Texture
The texture is quite similar to jerky but is much easier to eat because it is dried extremely slowly resulting in a texture that's much easier to chew. Rather than being smooth and solid, this is more dry (without feeling like it lacks moisture) and comes away in gristly chunks.
If you are determined to bite it in one spot you'll probably be fighting to chew it for a long time, but if you bite more gently it'll break where it wants and come away easily. It's chewy but not as chewy as jerky as it's more aerated.
Protein Bar Digestibility
This was really moreish. I was disappointed when it ended. I felt full afterwards and like I'd definitely had enough to eat. No adverse effects noted. The slow-drying process makes the bars tender and easy on the stomach, making them a great option for post-hike recovery.
Protein Bar Flavour
Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 5/5
Very flavoursome with well-balanced spices but no one flavour pulls focus, just generally spicy. It was hard to identify the flavours while I was eating it – other than it being delicious! – but I looked up how it was made afterwards so I could comment better.
The Traditional Beef flavour comes from a mild salt-and-vinegar combination with a dash of spice from paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Currants are detectable. It's not salty. Not sweet, but delightfully savoury and meaty. If you're a biltong fan, you'll definitely like this unique take on a protein bar.
Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients List
Ingredients: Organic Grass-fed Beef (80%), amaranth flour, dried currants, coconut aminos, vinegar, salt, spices (paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, nut meg), lactic acid.
'Heads up! The beef bars may contain a small bit of collagenous tissue that can become hard during the preparation process. It's perfectly normal (and healthy to eat).
Protein: Straight-up beef, offering highly bioavailable protein.
Carbs & Fibre: The dried cranberries provide a touch of natural sugar and fibre for sustained energy.
Healthy Fats: Naturally occurring fats from the beef, with no artificial additives.
Nutrition Information Panel
This 40g Chief Nutrition Traditional Beef Protein Bar provides hikers with 146 calories, 18.4g of protein, 4.6g of carbohydrates, and 3.8g of total fat.
While it technically isn't a high-protein bar, as it's less than 20g of protein, it's also quite a small serve at just 40g, so if you were to eat 50 or 60g of this bar (or 1 and a half bars)(similar sizes to comparable protein bars), it'd tip over the 20g protein mark.
Ultimately, the bar has an impressive amount of protein for the serving size and with minimal carbohydrates and fats is ideal for use as a recovery aid to provide your muscles with the fuel they need to repair and grow.
Protein Quality:Â The primary ingredient is organic grass-fed beef, which provides a bioavailable source of complete protein, making it an ideal choice for muscle recovery after a long hike or a protein boost on the go.
Carbohydrates:Â Containing only 4.6g of carbohydrates per bar, this protein bar is effectively low-carb, which suits hikers aiming to maintain stable energy levels without a sugar spike. The inclusion of dried currants provides a touch of natural sweetness, offering just enough quick energy without overloading on sugars.
Fibre: A massive bugbear of mine is when fibre content isn't listed on the nutritional information panel – and that's the case here. Fibre is clearly not a key focus so you'll need to ensure you're getting plenty of it in the remaining foods you consume to ensure digestion remains problem free.
Healthy Fats:Â With 3.8g of total fat, including naturally occurring fats from grass-fed beef, this bar provides a modest dose of energy-dense nutrients to sustain hikers on longer trips. These healthy fats also aid in nutrient absorption and support satiety.
Sugars:Â The sugar content is minimal, derived naturally from dried currants and coconut aminos, making it an excellent choice for hikers looking to avoid energy crashes during their adventures.
Vitamins & Minerals:Â The addition of vinegar and salt contributes to a 174mg sodium content per bar, a welcome inclusion for replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat during physical activity, and an ideal amount to aim for in a snack like this.
Conclusion:Â The low-carb, protein-filled profile makes it ideal for hikers who want a compact and satiating snack to fuel their trails. Pair it with a fibre-rich or carb-heavy snack for a balanced trail mix worthy of scaling peaks.
Key Takeaways Chief Nutrition Traditional Beef Protein Bar
Cost per bar: $5.41
Cost per 100g: $13.53
Cost per gram of protein: $0.29
Flavour & Texture
4/5 (only because the depth of flavour was slightly less compared to the Chipotle & Lime version.
Consumption Recommendations
Keep one in your hiking pack for a savoury snack break.
Pair with a fruit or nut-based bar for a balanced trail meal.
Use it as a quick post-workout protein boost.
Store in your pantry or glovebox – it lasts up to 12 months without refrigeration.
Where can you buy Chief Nutrition Traditional Beef protein bars?
Check out the Chief Nutrition website to buy a bulk pack of 12 protein bars. If you want a bit more depth of flavour, I highly recommend the Chipotle & Lime Beef Brisket Bar – it's divine.
Protein Bar FAQs
What makes this Chief Nutrition Traditional Beef Brisket Protein Bar better than jerky?
Unlike jerky, these bars are tender, easier to chew, and free from added sugars and artificial preservatives. Thanks to the slow-drying process, they also retain more vitamins, like B12.
Are they suitable for kids?
Yes! Kids love the tender texture and mild seasoning, making them a great lunchbox or snack option.
Can I eat Chief Nutrition protein bars daily?
Absolutely. With no added nasties and high-quality ingredients, it’s a great way to incorporate more protein into your diet.
Can I use Chief Nutrition Protein Bars as a meal replacement?
While not a full meal, they pair beautifully with nuts, dried fruit, or Chief’s collagen bars for a more complete snack.
What's whey protein isolate?
Whey protein isolate (WPI) is a highly purified form of whey protein that contains over 90% protein with minimal fat, carbohydrates, and lactose. It’s rapidly absorbed by the body, making it an excellent choice for muscle recovery post-exercise, and a common ingredient in high protein bars.
Whey protein isolate is especially popular for those wanting lean protein supplements with fewer calories, or those who are lactose intolerant.
When's the best time for hikers to eat protein bars for performance and why?
High protein bars like this are ideal for pre-hike fuel or post-hike muscle recovery. The protein and fibre help stabilise blood sugar, providing sustained energy on tough trails or a protein boost right after a strenuous climb. The collagen and egg whites are muscle-friendly, helping you recover faster.
Does this bar provide enough protein for hikers?
At 15.5g of protein, it’s enough to support muscle repair and recovery on the go, but for tough days on the trail, you may want to have more than one. For day walks or snacks around home it's perfect.
Where can I find more protein bar reviews?
Follow @thehikersnutritionist on Instagram for regular short high protein bar reviews and flavour comparisons. Otherwise, stay tuned to this website for a new protein bar review every week.
Why is dark chocolate more bitter than milk chocolate?
Dark chocolate is more bitter than milk chocolate because it has a higher cocoa content, no milk solids, and typically fewer added sugars to counteract the natural bitter taste.
Disclaimer
I reached out to the team at Chief Nutrition to ask for samples of these protein bars & they kindly sent me a bunch to test. I protect my ability to provide you with my honest opinion because I value my integrity far more than a free snack. I'll never accept payment for reviews, or free products on the contingency that I say what a brand wants.
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