Mushashi Chocolate Protein Wafer Bar Reviewed & Taste Tested

Welcome to the latest instalment of my 52 Bars in 52 weeks protein bar review series. This week I taste-tested the 40g Mushashi Chocolate Protein Wafer Bar.

Mushashi has been around since 1987 and exists to support the performance of elite to everyday athletes. It's a pretty big range of needs they’re addressing there. The brand takes it’s name from Japanese philosopher and swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, a man dedicated to the pursuit of elite physical performance. His most famous quote is:

‘Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.’

Perhaps it’s this that inspired the inclusion of the ‘Mushashi Way’ mantra which is written on the packaging of each of their products. Either way, I like it, and the name is a strong way to communicate brand values. 

Based on their mission I was expecting this Chocolate Wafer Protein Bar to be a high-protein masterpiece, but at only 11g of protein, it’s not quite there. In addition, the amount of processed ingredients and potential allergens mean it hasn’t sacrificed protein content for other nutritional benefits. It’s not my first choice for a protein bar, but thanks to the flavour, it’s not my last either.

Here’s why. 

Mushashi Chocolate Protein Wafer Bar First Impressions

Protein Bar Quick Details

Price

RRP: $4.00 per bar, available at Woolworths

Flavours available

Cookies & cream, white chocolate, vanilla, and choc mint. 

Protein Bar Packaging

This is another really well-packaged bar. Black and white provide easy contrast for readability and help the brand name stand out in red. If we’re thinking of colour psychology, red stimulates hunger so that choice makes sense. 

The nutrition information panel and ingredients list are both prominently displayed on the back of the bar, which is excellent. The inclusion of the phrase ‘flavoured protein bar’ underneath the ingredients list box is a little odd. I’m not sure what it’s doing there or what purpose it’s serving. I doubt it’s a regulatory requirement as I haven’t seen it elsewhere. 

But what I really adore about this packaging is the inclusion of the brand mantra, ‘The Mushashi Way’. It’s been included out of the way, under the fold, so the average hungry hiker is unlikely to notice it at all, but I like that it communicates what Mushashi is all about – it’s a cool touch. 

Protein Bar Nutritional Claims

• 11g protein per serving

• 2.0g BCAAs

This bar doesn’t make a lot of claims on the front of the packet, which is interesting. Also interesting is how small and indiscreetly placed the claims are.

The biggest word on the packaging is ‘wafer’ so Mushahi is hoping to stand out from a textural perspective rather than purely the protein content like most other bars in this category. 

Protein Bar Taste Test

Protein Bar Appearance

The image of the bar on the packaging doesn’t actually look appealing to me. It’s overly glossy and makes the bar look plastic. Despite this, it is very close in appearance to the bar itself.

The inclusion of a couple of squares of milk chocolate seems quite redundant and unnecessary (they certainly aren’t included in the packet!) I don’t know why so many brands feel the need to demonstrate the ingredients alongside the item, especially when it’s something so ubiquitous as chocolate. But I digress. 

Note the melted fingerprint on the right hand side from the half a second I grabbed it to place it for this photo

Protein Bar Aroma

This chocolate protein bar from Mushashi has a rich creamy milk chocolate smell – emphasis on the creamy. It smells slightly artificial.

Protein Bar Texture

The four layers of dry crumbly wafer are the first thing you notice upon biting into this bar (not specifically four, I only know that from looking at the bar!) . It’s surrounded by thick but light layers of smooth chocolate that immediately melt, leaving you wanting more. 

The wafer is light and crisp with a gentle crunch. Overall the texture is quite varied and interesting, and the bar disappears very quickly with minimal chewing required. 

Note that this protein bar is especially prone to melting. Even at room temperature, my fingers were coated in chocolate just taking it out of the wrapper.

Protein Bar Flavour

The taste of creamy milk chocolate hits you immediately alongside the crispy wafer and protein cream filling between each layer as you crunch through. Both flavours are very pronounced and strong, but are well-balanced and complementary. 

This protein bar would be the perfect choice for sweet tooths chasing a sugar hit. It doesn’t taste healthy and is definitely one I’d reserve for dessert or as a reward after a particurly tough section on the trail. 

Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 4.5/5

I only deducted half a point due to the artificial flavour. Otherwise, it tastes absolutely divine.

Protein Bar Digestibility

No issues detected with this bar. But I do have a gripe. The packaging has no mention of any warnings about potential gastrointestinal distress or consumption warnings. 

But, if you go to the Mushashi website and look up this chocolate protein wafer bar, and check out the ingredients, you’ll notice the line ‘Excess consumption may have a laxative effect’. 

Not happy Jan. If that’s the case it absolutely should be on the packaging of the bar itself. Who aside from people reviewing the product or those who buy in bulk online is likely to actually go to the effort of checking the ingredients on the website when they are already listed on the packaging? Just about no one. 

There's plenty of space on the packaging for this disclaimer too

Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis

Ingredients List

Chocolate: Protein Milk Chocolate (30%) (Cocoa Butter, Sweeteners (Erythritol, Steviol Glycosides), Milk Solids, Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa Mass, Inulin, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Flavour), Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk) (26%), Vegetable Oils [Vegetable Oils, Antioxidant (319)], Wheat Flour, Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Wheat Starch, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Cocoa Mass, Flavours, Salt, Colour (150c), Raising Agent (Sodium Bicarbonate).

Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat, Gluten.

May contain Sesame, Peanut, Hazelnut, Almond. 

• Protein sources: Soy protein isolate, whey protein concentrate (milk)

• Fibre source: Inulin

• Carbs source: Milk solids, wheat flour, wheat starch, sugar

• Healthy Fats: Cocoa butter, vegetable oils

Nutrition Information Panel

In every 40g of the Mushashi Chocolate Wafer Protein Bar, you'll score 203 calories, 11.6g of protein, 9.1g of carbohydrates, 13.2g of fat, 59mg of sodium, and 4.1g of sugar. No idea how much fibre you’ll get as it hasn’t been disclosed – disappointing.

Protein 

The protein sources used in this bar – soy protein isolate and whey protein concentrate – are high-quality and provide a complete amino acid profile, making them effective for muscle recovery and maintenance. 

Note that the presence of milk and soy can be a problem for hikers with allergies or intolerances. 

I really like the mention of leucine, isoleucine, and valine content too. These proteins are known as BCAAs, or 'branched chain amino acids' which just refers to their chemical structure. They're metabolised by the body in your muscles, rather than your liver, which means they're faster acting than other proteins. The trio are commonly included in gym supplements to help fast recovery.

Carbohydrates 

The carbohydrates in this bar come from sugar, wheat flour, wheat starch, and inulin. While inulin provides some prebiotic fibre, the inclusion of sugar and refined wheat flour are more likely to lead to energy spikes followed by a crash. Though given the small amount of total carbohydrates, this isn’t a huge concern. 

Fat

The fats in this Mushashi protein bar come from vegetable oils and cocoa butter, with the latter being a healthier option due to its naturally occurring nutrients. But, vegetable oils with added antioxidants (319) are a processed fat. While the overall fat content supports energy density (good thing!), the quality could be improved by using healthier fat sources.

Sugars 

The sugar in this protein bar primarily comes from added sugars and milk solids, contributing to its sweet taste. While added sugar provides quick energy (and we want on the trail), it displaces other more nutrient dense ingredients and can lead to an energy slump later on. Don’t avoid it because of the sugar, but be mindful that you should have something like an oat bar at the same time to provide you with long lasting energy. 

Sodium 

Sodium is present in the bar as part of salt and other additives, such as the raising agent (sodium bicarbonate). We need this for hydration and muscle function. It’s pretty low, which is awesome as most hikers will be satisfying their sodium needs with electrolytes. 

Conclusion

This Mushashi Chocolate Wafer Protein Bar tastes phenomenal which means it’s most likely going to get eaten and won’t be hanging around your pack until the last night when you’re eating your way through everything that was previously unappealing. 

However, its presumably low fibre content (why else wouldn’t it be noted!) and lack of disclosure about potential gastrointestinal side effects on the packaging are drawbacks. Additionally, the moderate sugar content makes it more of an indulgent option than a staple protein bar for hiking. For extended adventures, this bar is more of a sidekick option to more nutrient-dense, whole-food snacks.

For example, if I was eating this bar on a snack break, I’d be mindful that it’s mainly providing me with fast energy, and pair it with an oat or energy bar that’ll give sustained output for a few hours as well. 

Key Takeaways Mushashi Chocolate Wafer Protein Bar

Protein Bar

• Cost per bar: $4.00

• Cost per 100g: $10.00

• Cost per gram of protein: $0.34

Flavour

4.5/5

Consumption Recommendation

Pair with fibre-rich and nutrient-dense snacks for optimal trail nutrition. Focus on energy-dense snack bars and high-carbohydrate meals. 

Don’t forget that this bar melts easily, so keep it cool on hot hikes to avoid a sticky mess.

Protein Bar FAQs

Where can you buy Mushashi Protein Bars?

I've found this one at Woolworths and Coles, plus online at the Mushashi website. 

Can I eat Mushahi protein bars daily? 

While the Mushashi bars provide a convenient protein source, they also contain added sugars, processed ingredients, and relatively high saturated fats, which I wouldn’t aim to eat regularly. I’d treat this as an occasional snack bar. You can eat one per day technically. 

Does this bar provide enough protein for hikers?

At 11g of protein, it will help muscle repair and recovery on the go, but for tough days on the trail, you'll need to supplement with additional high-protein foods/snacks as well as energy bars for increased carbohydrates. For day walks or snacks around home, it's perfect.

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.

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 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 Mushashi Protein Bar from Woolworths. My opinions are my own. And Mushashi, if you’re reading this, I’d love to try some more of your products as I’m tipping this bar works in tandem with other items in your product line.