Welcome to the latest instalment of my 52 Bars in 52 weeks protein bar review series. This week I taste-tested the Coles PerFORM Chocolate Hazelnut Plant Protein Bar. Ain't that a mouthful? Wow.
So far the caliber of bars tested has been really high. I'm talking high quality Aussie ingredients, great flavours, and formulated to be accessible for most diets. But the bars have also been on the higher end of the price scale so I've been looking forward to trying a more budget bar to see if there really is a difference in what you pay for.
Enough waffle. Time to crunch. (I apologise profusely, can't help myself.)
Coles PerFORM Chocolate Hazelnut Plant Protein Bar First Impressions
Protein Bar Quick Details
Price
RRP: $2.30 per bar, available at Coles
Dietary consideration
Vegan-friendly
Flavours available
There aren't any other PerFORM Plant Protein Bar Flavours, but there is a Coles PerFORM Elite Chocolate Caramel Crunch that's also plant-based. The rest of the PerFORM range is whey protein-based.
Protein Bar Packaging
I found the packaging pretty underwhelming. The contrast is fine, but the muted purple design over the cream background isn't overly eye-catching and easily disappears in the very busy protein bar section at the supermarket.
The most distinct part of the packaging are the words 'Plant Protein Bar' written in green. No doubt on purpose as that's its chief selling point. I liked that the nutritional panel and allergen advice weren't tucked underneath the fold on the underside of the packaging.
Interestingly – and this is becoming more and more common – if you hover your camera over the barcode a link will pop up that takes you to Coles website listing for the bar.
While this is a great demo of barcode technology, short of allowing you to immediately order more in a huge bulk order to meet the online minimum spend, I'm not actually sure how useful this feature is given you're holding the bar in your hands at the time (and can therefore read everything you need to know on the packaging).
Maybe I'm missing something? (Let me know in a comment if you know something I don't!)
Protein Bar Nutritional Claims
10g Protein (doesn't rank as a high-protein bar, but still a great amount for a snack)
Source of Fibre (it has 3g of fibre, which is pretty average, probably not something I'd consider a major selling point. If anything it makes me wonder how much is lacking if Coles is relying on this as a 'highlight'.)
Vegan (many brands prefer to use the term 'plant-based' these days so it's nice to see a clear line in the sand which makes it much easier for consumers)
Sports Dietitian Approved (big one – don't see this very often)
Protein Bar Taste Test
Protein Bar Aroma
This protein bar had a rich cocoa aroma with the slightest hint of hazelnut if you really paid attention (which the average consumer absolutely won't!). It wasn't strong and I had to have my nose within 5cm of the bar to detect it, but it was appealing.
Protein Bar Texture
Straight out of the packet, this bar was solid, heavy, and completely unyielding to touch. The surface was incredibly smooth despite it looking like it'd be rough. There was none of the tackiness or sweatiness that is so common in protein bars.
Ok time to bite in. Whoa, nelly this bar is DRY! It's so dry it legitimately feels like it crackles in your mouth as you chew. I've never described a bar as having an artificial texture before, but this was next level. Super weird.
Unfortunately, where most protein bars will quickly soften with the addition of your saliva (getting technical here guys, bear with me), this bar remains stubbornly dry. It actually felt like it made my mouth drier than before I started eating. 'Is this protein bar masquerading as a mop?' was the comment I made in my notebook.
Reading back on my notes before I had a second person taste the bar, I worried I'd been a tad dramatic. But they also recoiled during their first bite, describing the bar as 'hazelnut infused cardboard'.
Instantly validated.
Case closed.
This bar is dry.
And it's not good.
Protein Bar Flavour
Since I've already hit you with the line about it tasting like cardboard, I'm sure you know I'm not about to rave about the flavour. If I hadn't already smelt the chocolate and read the flavour on the packet I definitely wouldn't have picked that it was a 'chocolate' protein bar. It was undetectable.
The flavour was super bland until you've chewed and swallowed the bulk of the relatively flavourless chocolate section (most of it) and are left with a scant amount of hazelnut. I have never been so thoroughly disappointed by a 'chocolate' protein bar before. Normally the problem is chocolate overload, not complete and utter absence.
However, with each successive bite, I noticed that a chocolate flavour began to build, and it got more delicious the more you ate. Do the other food companies know about this? It feels like a secret weapon.
Alas, I don't think it's been well-optimised in this case. I had a great flavour-building experience because I took many small bites while testing. The second taster I shared this bar with demolished it in three bites and thoroughly hated it – remember the cardboard?
Yep, certainly not a glowing endorsement.
Protein Bar Digestibility
Despite the dryness, the bar was oddly moreish, mainly because the flavour increased slowly with each bite. No digestive discomfort was noticed.
Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 2.5/5
Initially, I gave this bar a 2/5 because it was so dry and so flavourless as to make you wonder what exactly you were eating it for. But then I experienced the flavour build and it was increasingly nice with each bite.
Despite my experience, it's clearly dependent on how quickly you eat the bar, and most hikers aren't taking 1cm bites and chewing mindfully. We're gobbling quickly on a break and continuing on. I settled on 2.5 as the odd person who eats slowly will probably really like it.
Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients List
INGREDIENTS: Protein Blend (22%) (Soy Protein Crisps, Faba Bean Protein), Hazelnuts (20%),Rice Malt Syrup, Almonds, Tapioca Fibre, Humectant (Glycerine From Palm**), Cocoa Powder^(4.0%), Sunflower Oil, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin),Natural Flavours.
May Contain Cashew, Egg, Milk, Sesame, Gluten, Lupin, Walnut, Peanut. Contains Soy, Almond, Hazelnut
Protein sources: Soy Protein Crisps, Faba Bean Protein
Fibre source: Tapioca Fibre
Carbs source: Rice Malt Syrup, Tapioca Fibre
Healthy Fats: Hazelnuts, Almonds, Sunflower Oil
If you're wondering what the 'Humectant' is, let me explain. Glycerine is a clear odourless liquid that is commonly derived from palm oil. The description 'From Palm' is admittedly a bit of a strange way to say that, presumably because of negative consumer sentiment surrounding palm oil.
Ultimately, it's from a natural source. Humectants are used to help retain moisture and extend shelf life. It isn't a significant source of protein, fibre, or fat, and has been added for texture.
Nutrition Information Panel
This 40g Coles PerFORM Protein Bar packs 180 calories, 10.8g of protein, 11.1g of carbohydrates, 9.68g of total fat, and 3g of dietary fibre per serve. It's pretty balanced across the board. Let's take a closer look.
Protein
With 10.8g of protein per serve (27g per 100g), this bar provides a moderate protein boost. While it falls short of being 'high-protein' by serving size, it’s still a respectable amount for a snack this size. The protein is derived from a blend of soy protein crisps and faba bean protein, offering a good mix of plant-based, sustainable protein sources. These are ideal for muscle recovery after a hike or to stave off hunger during an active day. However, for those needing a higher protein intake, you might consider supplementing with additional protein-rich snacks like nuts or a high-protein meal.
Carbohydrates
At 11.1g of carbs per bar (27.7g per 100g), this will give you an energy boost without spiking your blood sugar. The carbs come primarily from rice malt syrup and tapioca fibre, which are absorbed at a steady pace – helpful for hikers needing sustained energy. Compared to some other protein bars, this is slightly higher in carbs but not excessive. Given you'll be burning a tonne of calories hiking and need carbohydrates this is a plus.
Fibre
The 3g of dietary fibre per bar (7.5g per 100g) is a nice touch, placing it in the moderate-fibre category. The fibre content, primarily from tapioca fibre, can help with digestion and keep you feeling full longer. While it’s not a high-fibre bar, it provides a meaningful contribution to your daily fibre intake, especially important when hiking, where digestive health can take a hit due to limited food variety.
Fat
With 9.68g of total fat (24.2g per 100g), including 1.36g of saturated fat, this bar leans towards the higher end of fat content for protein bars. Again – not a huge deal as your body needs it on the trail. The fats come from natural sources like hazelnuts and almonds, which are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and a smaller contribution from sunflower oil. These healthy fats are a concentrated source of energy, which is crucial for sustained activity on the trail. The fat profile supports satiety, making it a good snack to keep hunger at bay.
Sugars
The bar contains 2.36g of sugar per serving (5.9g per 100g), which is quite low. The sweetness comes from rice malt syrup, providing a controlled amount of quick energy. Hikers looking to avoid sugar crashes will appreciate this minimal sugar content, making it suitable for longer hikes or as part of a balanced meal plan.
Sodium
At 84mg of sodium per bar (210mg per 100g), this is on the low side but still contributes to replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat. For longer hikes or in hot weather, you should be consuming an electrolyte drink daily anyway, but if you forget, make sure you've got some meals with higher salt to ensure you replenish your micronutrients adequately.
Comparison to Similar Products
Compared to the Chief Nutrition Traditional Beef Protein Bar I looked at last week, this bar from Coles has:
Lower Protein: The Coles PerFORM bar has just 10.8g compared to 18.4g, but it’s still decent for a smaller snack.
Higher Carbs: 11.1g vs. 4.6g, making it more energy-dense for moderate-intensity activity.
Higher Fat: The Coles bar has more fat, largely from nuts, which adds satiety.
Moderate Fibre: The Coles bar includes 3g of fibre, compared to the Chief bar where fibre wasn’t specified.
Conclusion
The Coles PerFORM Protein Bar is a solid, affordable option for hikers seeking a balanced snack. Its mix of protein, moderate fibre, and healthy fats make it a filling choice for mid-hike fuel or recovery.
While the protein content isn’t as high as some bars, it’s a well-rounded option with natural ingredients like nuts and plant-based proteins.
For longer hikes, pair it with a higher-protein or carb-rich snack to ensure optimal energy levels and micronutrient intake for the trail. And take extra water – you'll want it to counteract the immediate thirst this bar creates.
Key Takeaways Coles Perform Chocolate Hazelnut Plant Protein Bar
Cost per bar: $2.30
Cost per 100g: $5.75
Cost per gram of protein: $0.21
Flavour
2.5/5
Consumption Recommendations
I won't be buying another one of these but flavour and texture aside, nutritionally there aren't any glaring problems.
Pair with a fruit or nut-based bar for a balanced trail meal.
Use it as a quick pre or post-workout protein boost.
Protein Bar FAQs
Where can you buy Coles Perform Chocolate Hazelnut Plant Protein Bar?
You can find the Coles Perform Protein Bars at... Coles! Shocking.
What makes this Coles Perform Chocolate Hazelnut Plant Protein Bar a good choice?
The Coles PerFORM Chocolate Hazelnut Plant Protein Bar is a solid snack choice for those seeking a convenient, plant-based source of protein. With 10.8g of protein per serve, it supports muscle recovery and satiety, making it great for hikers, gym-goers, or anyone needing a post-workout boost.
The bar is packed with healthy fats from hazelnuts and almonds, providing sustained energy, and contains a moderate 3g of fibre, which aids digestion. It also has a relatively low sugar content (2.36g per serve), making it ideal for avoiding energy spikes and crashes during physical activity.
Are they suitable for kids?
These bars can be suitable for older children or teenagers as an occasional snack, particularly if they’re active and need a protein boost. However, the calorie content (180 calories per bar) and protein level may not align with the needs of younger, less active kiddos.
Additionally, always check for potential allergens (e.g., soy, nuts) and consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure. Kids should generally rely on whole, nutrient-dense foods for their energy and protein needs rather than processed snacks. So should adults in an ideal world, but these bars are particularly useful on hikes when fresh food isn't possible.
Can I eat Coles Perform protein bars daily?
Yes, you can eat these bars daily. They make a convenient snack or protein source for active individuals and can be part of a balanced diet. However, variety is key to ensuring you get all the nutrients your body needs (especially on the trail), so it’s important to complement the bar with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other protein sources.
If you eat them every day, watch your intake of processed ingredients like rice malt syrup and glycerine, which are best consumed in moderation. I'd also eat one first to see how your body responds to it before loading up.
Can I use Coles Perform Chocolate Hazelnut Plant Protein Bars as a meal replacement?
While these bars are nutritionally balanced for a snack, they’re not an ideal meal replacement. At 180 calories, they lack the energy and nutrient density of a full meal. A balanced meal should include more substantial portions of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a range of vitamins and minerals that this bar alone cannot provide.
However, in a pinch — like during a hike or on a busy day — it can serve as a stopgap solution. If you anticipate the possibility of needing to use this as a meal on the trail, pair the bar with dried fruit, some dehydrated vegetables, and a handful of mixed nuts to better meet your nutritional needs.
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 10.8g of protein, it’s definitely not a bad choice and will only help you, but for tough days on the trail, you may want to have more than one or pair it with another high protein snack. For day walks or snacks around home, it's perfect.
Where can I find more protein bar reviews?
Follow @thehikersnutritionist on Instagram for regular protein bar reviews and flavour comparisons. Otherwise, stay tuned to this website each week for a new protein bar review every single 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 purchased this bar for $2.30 from Coles. My opinions are my own.
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