Welcome to the latest instalment of my 52 Bars in 52 weeks protein bar review series. This week I taste-tested the mysterious +SUM Salted Caramel Protein Bar. Why so mysterious?
Because I can't find anything about the brand +SUM (Plus SUM / Plussum?) anywhere online. There's no brand landing page, no mention of the brand on product listings on distributor sites like Woolworths, and despite trawling social media, +SUM is pretty absent there too.
Colour me curious. I'm amazed a brand is able to survive these days without a social media presence, let alone without a website.
It also makes me wonder if it's being produced by a larger brand, like a Musashi or Body Science to hit a different market segment while making use of their existing manufacturing and logistics supply chains in order to keep costs down.
But I digress. Who made it is still relevant, but it's also unlikely to change if you'll buy the bar or not.
+SUM Salted Caramel Protein Bar First Impressions
Protein Bar Quick Details
Price
RRP: $4.00 per bar, available at Woolworths
Dietary consideration
Gluten-free, suitable for vegetarians
Flavours available
Cookies & Cream, Choc Hazelnut (plant-based), Peanut Butter Crunch (plant-based)
Protein Bar Packaging
I liked the packaging on this mystery bar. It's plain, has high contrast and there's no fluff or swirly fonts that are difficult to read. The word 'protein' appears five times on the front side of the packaging so there's no mistaking this for a simple energy bar.
The contrast between the dark grey/black and mustard yellow make it stand out on the shelf.
I don't like that the nutrition information panel is hidden under the fold on the back of the bar. The sides of the packaging are stuck together pretty good so if you wanted to read the panel in the supermarket you actually have to rip some of the packaging to do so.
Aside from being annoying and unnecessary, I always pause to wonder why a brand would want to make it difficult to read this label. Whatever the reason, the outcome isn't a great look.
What I do like about the nutrition panel is that the key macronutrients have been highlighted for ease of a quick glance... except for fat – interesting. I'll come back to this later on.
Finally, part of me always cringes when I see an image of the inside of a product on the outside of the packaging. Mainly because it's so rare that the physical product actually resembles what's pictured that it's just a bit embarrassing.
Was that the case for this +SUM bar? Keep reading and you'll find out!
Protein Bar Nutritional Claims
17g protein per serving
Under 3g of sugar per serving
Gluten free
Very high fibre (seems odd not to specify the measurement when +SUM have been so explicit about the amount of grams of protein and sugar – red flag? Maybe it's actually low? Odd.
Protein Bar Taste Test
Protein Bar Appearance
If you've been following these reviews each week you might have noticed this is a new addition (it won't be regular but I'll chuck it in when it's relevant). In this case, I'm adding it because this protein bar might be the first product I've come across that legitimately exactly matches its likeness on the product packaging.
Seriously.
Look at it.
Now that's impressive.
McDonalds needs to talk to these guys. (Whoever the long coat, dark sunglass-wearing mystery folk behind +SUM are). The burger world needs this.
Protein Bar Aroma
As soon as I cracked open the packaging there was an immediate sickly sweet, very artificial caramel smell. Not an appealing start, unless you love sugar.
Protein Bar Texture
Biting into each end of this bar (translation, the part with the most surface area of external chocolate coating) was very similar to biting into a Mars or Snickers Bar.
The main difference was the absence of that satisfying chocolate crack as you break through the surface, and less interior resistance.
The middle of the bar was very mushy and soft with irregular tiny pops of crunch provided by morsels of protein crisp. The main, chocolatey part of the par dissolves slowly as you chew. It's very slow for a dissolve, and I almost didn't use that word, but you really don't notice it disappearing until all of a sudden it's gone.
In fact, if any protein bar resembled a French exit (where you leave a party without saying goodbye to anyone) it'd be this one. Blink and you'll miss the existence of the bulk of the bar altogether.
All too soon you're left with nothing but a solid chunk of smooth caramel to enjoy.
Protein Bar Flavour
Admittedly, after the sickeningly sweet aroma, I didn't have high hopes for the taste test. But I was amazed to discover that aroma aside, it wasn't overly sweet. On the contrary, the flavour was really well balanced. Silky smooth, creamy caramel with just the right amount of sweetness was complemented by a milk chocolate backup dancer who showed up just often enough to avoid overshadowing the lead.
Interestingly for a salted caramel protein bar, there wasn't a hint of salt. This is pretty odd, as salt is normally one of the key highlights of a salted caramel bar. It's kind of in the name... Sea salt is in the ingredients list (although it's the very last one in a long list) so it's clearly a deliberate choice to keep it deep, deep in the background.
Overall, I really enjoyed this protein bar and it was one of the rare few that I've come across that was frustrating to eat slowly! Always a good sign.
Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 4.5/5
This very nearly got a 5/5 for flavour but the lack of salt and the ever-so-slight metallic tinge accompanying each bite resulted in the drop to 4.5.
Protein Bar Digestibility
I had no issues with this bar, but you should note that some of the ingredients can have a laxative effect so it's not recommended to consume more than one bar per 24 hours.
Whenever I see this warning I tend to avoid taking them on the trail until I've tried them at home first, and even then, I prefer to save them for when I'm around camp...just in case.
Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients List
Protein Blend (27%) (Calcium Caseinate (Milk, Emulsifier (471)), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Emulsifier (322 Soy), Cocoa Soy Protein Crisps, Soy Protein Isolate), Humectant (1200, 422), No Added Sugar Milk Choc (20%) (Sweetener (965), Vegetable Fat, Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa Powder, Emulsifier (322 Soy), Milk Solids (5%), Natural Flavours), Sweetener (965), Inulin, Corn Fibre, Peanut Paste, Vegetable Oil, Natural Flavours (Salted Caramel, Caramel, Chocolate), Tapioca Starch, Natural Colour (Caramel I), Coconut Oil, Cocoa Powder, Emulsifier (322 Soy), Sea Salt (0.5%).
Contains: Milk, Peanuts, Soy
May contain: Pecan, Sesame, Cashew, Brazil Nut, Lupin, Walnut, Almond, Macadamia, Pine Nut, HazelNut, Tree Nuts, Pistachio
Protein sources: Protein Blend (Calcium Caseinate, Whey Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa Soy Protein Crisps)
Fibre source: Inulin, Corn Fibre
Carbs source: Tapioca Starch, No Added Sugar Milk Choc (includes milk solids and sweetener), Peanut Paste
Healthy Fats: Coconut Oil, Vegetable Oil, Peanut Paste
Not sure what Tapioca Starch is?
Tapioca starch is a carbohydrate extracted from the cassava root – like a potato but has more calories and far fewer vitamins & minerals. It's most commonly used as a thickener, binder, or gluten-free flour substitute.
While low in nutrients it's easily digestible and free from allergens like gluten. How healthy it is depends on the amount you eat. It's fine in moderation, like in the occasional protein bar on a hike.
Nutrition Information Panel
In every 60g of this Salted (allegedly...) Caramel Protein Bar you'll score 210 calories, 17g protein, 3.5g carbohydrates, 7g fat, 11.3g of fibre, 185mg of sodium, and a paltry 1.9g of sugar. Pretty darn good. But also interesting.
Remember how +SUM neglected to mention the grams of fibre on the packaging? Whyyyyy? 11.3g of fibre per serving is fantastic.
The only reason I can think of is that the average consumer might not be aware of what amount of fibre is a good amount so they left it for simplicity. But still. Whoa. Very impressed with that.
Protein
This +SUM Salted Caramel Protein Bar provides 17g of protein per 60g serving (approximately 28g per 100g). While not classified as a high-protein snack, it's pretty close and it offers a decent amount of protein for those seeking a moderate protein boost, especially during or after physical activity.
The protein is a mix of calcium caseinate, whey protein isolate, and soy protein isolates, delivering both animal-based and plant-based proteins. These protein sources work well for muscle repair, though for optimum recovery I'd still pair this with a handful of nuts.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrate content in this whey protein bar is pretty low at 3.5g per 60g serving (roughly 5.8g per 100g), which doesn't make it the best choice for eating as a snack during your hike (it's better suited for recovery).
Despite the carbohydrates coming from sources like corn fibre, tapioca starch, and peanut paste, which provide a more sustained, gradual release of energy, the carb content isn't high enough to rely on for energy during your hike.
But this slow release, and small quantity, makes it an ideal amount to support the high protein for optimal muscle recovery overnight.
Fibre
This bar offers a significant 11.3g of fibre per 60g serving (around 18.8g per 100g), which is relatively high for a snack bar. The primary fibre sources are inulin and corn fibre, both of which contribute to digestive health and help keep you feeling full for longer periods.
A high-fibre content is particularly beneficial on the trail, as it aids digestion and promotes satiety, preventing unnecessary snacking during long hikes. If you're eating a lot of dehydrated or freeze-dried meals that you wouldn't normally eat, fibre also helps counteract and mitigate bloating and constipation.
These meals are typically low in fibre and your body is used to receiving a certain amount from fresh fruit and veggies, which are the first thing to disappear from your diet on multi-day hikes.
Fat
With 7g of fat per 60g serving (around 11.7g per 100g), the bar leans towards a moderate fat content, with 4.8g of that 7g being made up of saturated fat. Healthy fats from coconut oil and vegetable oil contribute to energy density, making this bar suitable for extended outdoor activities where energy demand is high.
The fat content helps promote fullness and sustained energy, but those mindful of saturated fat intake should note the bar's higher concentration compared to some alternatives. As an occasional random bar, I wouldn't be concerned, but I would steer clear of eating this daily.
Is this why +Sum neglected to highlight fat on the nutrition information panel? Jury is out on that, I'm really not sure why – especially when the carbohydrate content is so low by comparison.
Sugars
At just 1.9g of sugar per 60g serving (roughly 3.2g per 100g), this whey protein bar has a very low sugar content. The sweetness is derived from a combination of sweeteners like Steviol Glycosides (965) and natural flavours, making it suitable for those seeking to limit sugar in their diet while still enjoying a sweet treat.
The minimal sugar content is beneficial for avoiding the blood sugar spikes and crashes commonly associated with more sugary snacks, making it a good option for steady, balanced energy during outdoor activities. I will note that I'm not typically very concerned about a slight increase in sugar on the trail – you'll be using the energy it provides very quickly anyway.
Sodium
The sodium content is 185mg per 60g serving (around 308mg per 100g), a moderate amount that can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.
While it's not a substitute for electrolyte drinks during extended or intense exercise, it offers a decent boost to your sodium levels, which is helpful for preventing cramping or electrolyte imbalances on longer hikes or outdoor adventures, and can aid recovery.
Conclusion
The +SUM Salted Caramel Protein Bar is a well-rounded option for those seeking a low-sugar and moderate protein snack with a good amount of fibre. It has a low glycemic impact (which means it won't spike your blood sugar and you'll absorb energy from the protein, fats, and minimal carbs slowly), so it's an excellent choice for sustained energy on a hike. Note that I've used the word sustained and not adequate.
For a hiking snack break, you should pair this one with a carbohydrate-rich energy bar or additional calorie-dense snacks to ensure you've got enough energy to get going straight away. Fats and proteins take longer to absorb and process into energy than carbohydrates so it's important to have a hearty mix of all three for best performance.
If you're just eating this as a snack at home or on a rest day then it's totally fine to eat at whatever time of day. For more clarification, suss the 'consumption recommendation' section further down.
Key Takeaways Coles Perform Chocolate Hazelnut Plant
Protein Bar
Cost per bar: $4.00
Cost per 100g: $6.67
Cost per gram of protein: $0.23
Flavour
4.5/5
Consumption Recommendation
The low carbohydrate content coupled with the generous amount of protein and high fibre (which can get your digestive system moving), mean that I'd recommend eating this one as a post-hike snack.
It'll aid your recovery and provide you with slow-release energy over the next few hours as your body repairs and rebuilds your fatigued muscles.
If you want to eat it during your hike as a snack, that's fine, but I'd pair it with a higher carbohydrate energy or muesli bar to ensure you've got enough in the tank.
Protein Bar FAQs
Where can you buy +SUM Salted Caramel Protein Bar?
I've found this one at Woolworths so far. If you've seen it elsewhere, let me know in the comments and I'll update this.
Can I eat +SUM protein bars daily?
You can enjoy +SUM protein bars daily as part of a balanced diet, but they shouldn’t replace whole, nutrient-dense foods entirely. These bars are a convenient snack, providing a good protein boost, fibre, and energy, but they also contain processed ingredients and sweeteners.
Use them as a quick trail snack or post-hike recovery option, and balance them with trail mix, muesli bars, and whole grains to meet your nutritional needs for best performance on the trail. Note that the consumption limit on the packaging recommends limiting consumption to one bar per day as they may have a laxative effect.
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.
Does this bar provide enough protein for hikers?
At 17g 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 or supplement with additional high protein foods/snacks. 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 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 +SUM Protein Bar from Woolworths after being dazzled by the 'NEW' sticker adhered to the price tag. This is basically candy to a person who spends their spare time reviewing protein bars – there was no way I was leaving Woolies without one in my excited hands. My opinions are my own. This should be pretty obvious given I'm struggling to figure out who or what company even produces the bars but hey, I'm all about transparency. (Unlike +SUM...)
コメント