Welcome to the fourth article of a weekly review series of 52 high-protein bars. Over the next 48 weeks, I’ll review the nutritional quality, and taste of protein bars available in Australia to help hikers make more informed snack choices. For more about the project, click here.
This review is focused on the Fodbods Lemon Coconut Protein Bar. Fodbods is an Australian brand that makes snacks for individuals following a low FODMAP diet or with digestive sensitivities like IBS.
Their food is made so that it's easy to digest. The plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free ingredients in their protein bars make them suitable for people with a range of dietary needs.
But have they been able to make a protein bar that's both healthy and tastes good?
Let's find out.
Want to jump ahead? Click on the heading that interests you.
Fodbods Lemon Coconut Protein Bar First Impressions
Protein Bar Quick Details
Price
RRP: $4.50 per bar, available in boxes of x 10 for $45.00.
Flavours available
Banana Peanut, Double Chocolate, Peanut Choc Chunk, Hazelnut Mocha, Choc Mint (mini protein bar), Raspberry Coconut (mini protein bar)
Protein Bar Packaging
Fodbods product packaging is simple with muted colours and plenty of white space so it's easy to read.
Protein Bar Nutritional Claims
It boasts four messages on the front of the packet:
15g protein
Gluten-free
Plant-based
Protein Bar Taste Test
Protein Bar Aroma
It smells like you're about to eat a cheesecake. The aroma is a deliciously unique lemon-coconut combo.
Protein Bar Texture
The first bite is very dry but after a single chew, it's palatable.
Protein Bar Digestibility
I didn't feel overly full, or have any rumbles within the few hours after eating this bar. It was enough food for a snack, on the smaller side, but it hit the spot.
Protein Bar Flavour
Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 4/5
Interestingly you can't distinguish much, if any, flavour for the first few seconds. After that a very mild flavour with subtle undertones of lemon and coconut appear. The lemon is slightly stronger than the coconut. It's beautifully light and savoury. My favourite part is the little pops of salt.
I haven't had a protein bar quite like it before and as soon as it was finished I wanted another.
Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients List
Ingredients: Almonds, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Protein Blend (Pea and Rice), Organic Coconut, Soy Protein Crisps, Pure Lemon Oil, Himalayan Salt
Allergen warning: Contains Almond and Soy. Manufactured with equipment that also processes Peanuts and Sesame Seeds.Â
Protein Sources: The bar includes an organic protein blend of pea and rice proteins, as well as soy protein crisps, providing a plant-based source of complete protein.
Healthy Fats: Almonds and organic coconut contribute healthy fats that support satiety and energy levels.
Natural Sweeteners: Organic brown rice syrup is used for natural sweetness without refined sugars. This is good, but represents quickly absorbed energy.
Flavour Enhancements: Pure lemon oil and Himalayan salt add flavour without artificial additives.
Nutrition Information Panel
For a 50g bar, you’re looking at approximately 215 calories, 15.5g of protein, 16g of carbohydrates, and 9.8g of total fat, which provides a nutritionally-rich source of energy. The 2.9g of included fibre isn't huge, but it's better than nothing and will help provide some digestive benefits.
Protein Quality: This Fodbods protein bar provides 15.5g of protein, which is substantial for a 50g bar. The combination of pea and rice protein ensures a complete amino acid profile, complemented by soy protein crisps.
Protein Content: Each 50g bar contains 15.5g of protein. This means it's not classified as a high protein bar as it would need 20g total.
Carbohydrates: At 16.1g of carbohydrates per bar, including 11.7g of sugars, the protein bar offers a quick source of energy, which is beneficial for short-term energy bursts on hikes. The use of organic brown rice syrup as a carbohydrate source is better than refined sugars but still adds to the sugar content.
Fibre: The protein bar contains 2.9g of dietary fibre, which is moderate for a snack of its size. This amount of fibre supports digestive health and can help maintain energy levels over time by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates. For hikers, this is beneficial as it aids in satiety and helps sustain energy without causing rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar.
Healthy Fats: The bar contains 9.8g of fat, with 2.8g being saturated. Almonds and organic coconut contribute to healthy fats that provide sustained energy and support nutrient absorption, crucial during physical activity.
Sugars: With 11.7g of sugars, this protein bar has a moderately high sugar content relative to its size, but they're primarily from natural sources like brown rice syrup. This level is adequate for a quick energy boost but should be considered if watching sugar intake, especially for longer hikes where sustained energy is preferred over quick spikes.
Vitamins & Minerals: This Fodbods protein bar includes Himalayan salt, which provides trace minerals and sodium to help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. However, the absence of detailed micronutrient information means the bar may lack significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. This isn't a huge deal as this is a snack product designed to be eaten in combination with a balanced diet.
Conclusion: Overall this Fodbods protein bar is a great choice for hikers looking for a healthy pick-me-up on the trail that won't cause them discomfort.
*** Enter 'HIKE15' on the Fodbods website for a 15% discount ***
Key Takeaways Fodbods Lemon Coconut Protein Bar
Cost per bar: $4.50
Cost per 100g: $9.00
Cost per gram of protein: $0.29
Flavour & Texture
4/5
Consumption Recommendation
Often this is the place where I'll be writing that it's important to limit consumption to maximum one bar per day, but for the first time, I'm not.
These bars are made from natural ingredients and if you want to have one at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there's absolutely no reason why you shouldn't.
Where to buy Fodbods Lemon Coconut Protein Bar?
Check out the Fodbods website to buy a bulk pack of 10 protein bars. Enter 'HIKE15' at checkout to get a 15% discount.
Want to try some of their other flavours? Check out my article reviewing each of their protein bars, mini protein bars, buddies bars and nibbles to help you make your choice.
Protein Bar FAQs
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 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 reached out to the team at FodBods to ask for samples of their product range & 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.
Comments