Welcome to the first of a weekly review series of 52 protein bars. Over the next 52 weeks I’ll be reviewing the nutritional quality, ideal application, and taste of protein bars available in Australia to help hikers make more informed snack choices.
The main reason people buy protein bars is to increase their protein intake, but they’re certainly not all made equal. Some are delicious but not nutritious, and vice versa. Some people choose protein bars to aid in weight loss while increasing their protein intake. The mission here is to provide a series of reviews to help people understand what they should be looking for in protein supplements for hiking.
While I’m generally less concerned about the taste of protein bars and more about their often long lists of unrecognisable ingredients, taste matters too.
If a bar tastes bad or is too dry, you’re not going to want to eat it. And that’s important. Just think about all those packets of sultanas you’ve toted around only to return home and throw away. Not only is it a waste of food, but it’s taken up space in your pack that could have been filled with a delicious high-quality protein supplement to help your performance.
So, which bar is up first?
The first bar I’ve tasted & reviewed is the new salted caramel-flavoured protein bar from Bulk Nutrients. It promises to be the ultimate guilt-free treat, but is this high-protein bar actually the ideal post-exercise snack?
Through analysis of product packaging, the ingredients list, nutritional implications, and the bar itself, let’s find out!
Use the below hyperlinks to jump to the section of the protein bar review that interests you. If you don’t care about the details, head to the ‘Key Takeaways’ section to get the main points.
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What to Look for in a Protein Bar
When selecting a protein bar, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose a product that meets your dietary needs and preferences. Here are some key things to look for:
Protein Content: The primary reason for consuming protein bars is to boost your protein intake. Aim for a bar that contains at least 15-20 grams of protein to support muscle repair and growth. This amount is generally sufficient to help you meet your daily protein needs, especially if you’re active.
Protein Source: The type of protein used in the bar can significantly impact its effectiveness. Whey protein isolate and whey protein are popular choices due to their high bioavailability and rapid absorption, making them ideal for post-exercise recovery. Soy protein is another excellent option, especially for those following a plant-based diet. If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based proteins, look for bars made with pea protein, rice protein, or hemp protein.
Plant-based proteins are just as good a choice as animal-based Ingredient Quality: Opt for protein bars with wholesome ingredients and minimal artificial additives. Natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit are preferable over artificial sweeteners. Avoid bars with high amounts of added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives. The cleaner the ingredient list, the better it is for your health.
Macronutrient Balance: A well-balanced protein bar should contain a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This balance helps keep you full and satisfied, providing sustained energy throughout the day. Look for bars that offer a good ratio of these macronutrients to support your overall nutrition.
Allergen Concerns: If you have food allergies or sensitivities, it’s crucial to read the label carefully. Choose bars that are free from common allergens like nuts, gluten, or dairy. Many brands offer allergen-free options, so you don’t have to compromise on your dietary needs.
Certifications: Look for protein bars that are certified by reputable organizations like the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) or the National Science Foundation (NSF). These certifications ensure that the product meets high standards of quality and safety.
By considering these factors, you can select a protein bar that not only supports your fitness goals but also aligns with your dietary preferences and health needs.
Bulk Nutrients Protein Bar Review First Impressions
Protein Bar Packaging
As far as protein bars go, the packaging looks appealing. It isn't doused in crazy colours and the key details are easily visible. The picture of the protein bar on the front closely resembles what the actual bar looks like, which isn't always a guarantee.
Protein Bar Quick Details
Price
$3.75 per bar or $39 for a protein bar multi-pack of 12
Flavours
Salted Caramel, Choc Fudge, or Chocolate Brownie flavour.
Protein Bar Production & Ethics
This new bar from the Aussie-owned and operated company Bulk Nutrients is 'made in Australia from less than 10% Australian ingredients'. A fact conveniently placed in small font underneath the fold on the back side of the packet.
This takes the shine away from my initial positivity about it being a locally made Australian product, because in reality, less than 10% of it is, despite the font size of the phrase 'Aussie Owned and Operated' being the second largest text on the entire packet.
Bulk Nutrients is well aware consumers are keen to support local brands and despite this being a successful marketing technique, this deliberate misdirect feels disingenuous.
Good to see they are using the Australian Recycling Label, however, the bin symbol tells us the packaging is not recyclable.
Protein Bar Nutritional Claims
Nutritional claims on product packaging are what help us to quickly select a product in the supermarket aisle. These signal the key benefits.
In the highly competitive market of protein supplementation, most consumers base their decisions on how much protein is in the protein shake, powder, or bar. But that’s not the only factor to watch out for.
This is what Bulk Nutrients says their bar offers:
High in protein
Low in sugar
Low in carbs
High in fibre
Protein Bar Taste Test
Protein Bar Aroma
As soon as I cracked open the tiniest sliver of the packaging, I was immediately aware of a strong coconut caramel aroma. The bar smelled slightly sweet and enticing.
Protein Bar Appearance
The bar was covered in smooth milk chocolate, which was cracked in one place when I took off the wrapper. You can expect this on a hiking trip. Otherwise, the colouring was good. Inside the protein bar, the filling had consistent texture and colouring.
Protein Bar Texture
The bar is firm and hard with a relatively thin milk chocolate coating. The inclusion of chocolate chips provides a pleasing contrast to the chewy texture, enhancing the overall eating experience. On a day with mild spring weather in Melbourne, the protein bar stayed firm and cool to the touch, slightly cracking when I applied firm pressure to it. Bulk Nutrients advises that it will lose shape if exposed to the sun.
The layer of chocolate on the top of the bar is more than twice the thickness of the other three sides, which makes for a satisfying crack as you bite down. The bar is simultaneously dense and moist with a chewy texture, neither cracking, dissolving, or melting in your mouth. It has a very similar consistency to thick cookie dough.
The only way to reduce this in size is to chew repeatedly. As my partner commented, ‘You shouldn’t take big bites, because if you do, you’ll end up chewing like a giraffe’. By that, he means it genuinely takes work to get this down and you will be focussing on chewing to break it down, despite the smooth consistency.
It’s not a bar you can knock back quickly.
Protein Bar Flavour
Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing):Â 3/5
Despite the protein bar being literally shrouded in milk chocolate, you don't taste this beyond the first few seconds of your first bite. The milk chocolate flavour melts away almost immediately and I was pleasantly surprised to be left with a creamy caramel coconut taste instead.
Despite the ingredients list – we'll get there in a moment – this protein bar doesn't taste overly sweet or like artificial sweeteners. It's sweet, sure, but not overwhelmingly so like protein bars with similar ingredients tend to do.
The salted caramel flavour was pleasant, but by the time I'd finished the bar, I'd had enough and was happy that there wasn't more to eat. Not because it was bad, but it wasn't moreish due to the density of it. It's not the best protein bar I've tasted but it's also nowhere near the worst.
Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis
Nutritional Panel
Pros: High protein, low sugar, and high fibre indicate it should be good for muscle maintenance, helping you feel full, and have consistent digestion.
Cons: The high saturated fat content (over 85% of total fat) can be problematic for cardiovascular health if not balanced with healthier fats. The reliance on sugar alcohols (4.6g of sorbitol, 7.8g of glycerol, and 2.7g of erythritol)Â may cause unpleasant gastrointestinal effects. 258mg sodium is generally fine, but could be problematic if added to a diet already high in sodium.
Ingredients List
Here is the ingredient list for the Bulk Nutrients Salted Caramel Protein Bar:
No Added Sugar Milk Compound 20% (Vegetable Fat, Sweetener (968), Milk Solids 15%, Inulin, Cocoa Solids 5%, Emulsifier (Soy 322), Natural Flavour, Intense Sweetener (960), Monk Fruit (Sweetener), Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Isomalto-Oligosaccharide (Soluble Fibre), Humectant (Glycerol), Milk Protein Concentrate, Sweetener (Sorbitol), Hydrolysed Collagen, Coconut Oil, Natural Flavour, Salt 1%, Natural Colour (150a), Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Antioxidant (Vitamin E), Sweetener (Steviol Glycosides).Contains: Milk, Soy. May contain: Peanut, Sesame, Tree Nuts.
Ingredients List Analysis
The production of protein supplements like protein bars is a balance between making something delicious, something moreish to encourage repeat purchases, and something that will improve consumers' protein intake with high-quality ingredients.
Protein Sources
Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC): Whey is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. WPC is a common choice for athletes because it's quickly absorbed, making it ideal for post-exercise recovery. It’s worth noting that the protein powder is listed after no less than eight sweeteners and additives. This is a huge red flag. If a product is marketed as a protein supplement, I expect the protein to be the first ingredient – and I certainly don’t like seeing multiple sweeteners precede it.
Milk Protein Concentrate: This combines casein and whey, offering both fast-digesting and slow-digesting proteins. It provides sustained amino acid release, which is useful for maintaining muscle mass and recovery over a longer period. Having both WPC and Milk Protein Concentrate complements the bar’s ability to offer immediate and longer-term muscle support. This is a good inclusion.
Collagen: Hydrolysed collagen isn’t a complete protein as it lacks essential amino acids like tryptophan. While it supports skin, joint, and connective tissue health, its benefits for muscle growth are limited compared to whey and casein.
Including collagen in a sports nutrition product can enhance joint recovery but typically it’s added to appeal to consumers focused on holistic or aesthetic health. I’ve got no problem with it, but it shouldn’t be considered a primary muscle-repair protein like whey protein concentrate or isolates.
*Not sure what whey protein isolate is? Check out the FAQs.
Sweeteners
This Bulk Nutrients protein bar contains multiple sweeteners, with several listed very early in the ingredients list – unfortunately, this is quite common in protein bars. Let’s break them down:
Sweetener (968) - Erythritol: This is a sugar alcohol that provides sweetness with few calories. It is generally well-tolerated in moderate amounts but can cause digestive issues like bloating and gas in larger doses. This is used in the combination of the 20% milk protein solids that form the first ingredient. Red flag.
Intense Sweetener (960) - Steviol Glycosides (Stevia): This is a natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the stevia plant. While it’s a common alternative to sugar, excessive consumption can lead to a bitter aftertaste.
Monk Fruit (Sweetener): Monk fruit is a natural, calorie-free sweetener that is less bitter than stevia. It’s used to add sweetness without raising blood sugar levels.
Sorbitol: Another sugar alcohol, sorbitol is commonly found in 'no added sugar' products. While it’s lower in calories compared to sugar, it can have a laxative effect when consumed in large amounts.
Take a look at the product packaging and you'll notice a warning near the nutrition information panel about 'excess consumption' potentially causing this laxative effect.
While other protein bars specifically recommend limiting consumption to one bar per day, this Bulk Nutrients bar doesn't provide any indication of what this excess consumption level might be. I don't like that, but we can assume limiting to one bar per day is a good idea.
The fact that four different sweeteners (erythritol, stevia, monk fruit, and sorbitol) are used in combination helps reduce the amount of each individual sweetener needed, which reduces bitter aftertaste and negative effects of each.
However, their early appearance in the ingredient list suggests that sweetness, rather than protein intake, is a primary focus of this protein bar.
Fibre Sources
Inulin: The third ingredient on the list, inulin is a type of prebiotic fibre. While it promotes digestive health and can aid in satiety, large amounts can cause bloating or discomfort for some individuals not used to eating much fibre.
Isomalto-Oligosaccharide (IMO): This is a soluble fibre that also acts as a prebiotic, aiding in digestive health and providing a mildly sweet taste without significantly impacting blood sugar.
The 60g protein bar contains 6.9g of dietary fibre – around 11.5%. This is fantastic for supporting digestive health and will help you meet the recommended daily intake for adults (25-30g fibre).
Colours
Natural Colour 150a: Also known as Class I Caramel Colouring. It's a common food additive used to produce a brown caramel colour. Caramel colouring is produced in four ways, divided into classes I-IV. If you're going to eat any of them, Class I is the least processed of the bunch as it doesn't involve the use of ammonia or sulphites. It's made by heating sugars to produce caramelisation to produce the desired colour. Short of using actual caramel, this is the next best thing.
If you're interested:
Natural Colour 150b - is made using sulphites and is found in caramel syrups and gravy.
Natural Colour 150c is made using ammonia and is often found in beer and soy sauce.
Natural Colour 150d is made using ammonia and sulphites and is commonly found in soft drinks like Coke.
Nutritional Analysis Summary
Protein Blend: Fast-digesting WPC is combined with slower-digesting milk protein concentrate and collagen proteins to support muscle recovery. The inclusion of collagen dilutes the bar’s muscle-repair potential, as collagen is not a complete protein.
Sweetener Load: Four different sweeteners have resulted in a low-calorie, sweet product without 'added sugar' - nice loophole. Excessive intake of sweeteners can cause digestive issues.
Colours: We're not going to see the disappearance of processed colourings anytime soon. They're used to ensure consistency and maintain consumer trust. The Natural Colour 150a used in this protein bar is the healthiest of all the classes of caramel flavourings.
Fibre: This bar delivers a healthy amount of fibre to support digestion and help you feel full. People who don't eat a lot of fibre might experience mild discomfort.
Nutritional Focus: The heavy use of sweeteners and the positioning of protein ingredients after them suggest that Bulk Nutrients is prioritising taste over maximising the potential protein content. For athletes focused on muscle recovery, this product may not be as effective as bars with a higher proportion of complete proteins like WPC or casein appearing earlier in the ingredient list.
Key Takeaways Bulk Nutrients Protein Bar
Price
Cheap, only $3.75 per bar.
Cost per 100g is $6.25
Cost per gram of protein is 19 cents.
Where to buy?
Flavour & Texture
3/5
Doesn't taste artificially sweet. The consistency is like cookie dough. It's dense and requires active chewing.
Portability
Pretty small bar given it provides 20g of protein. Is prone to melting pretty easily so I'd pack it away from your back so it doesn't melt as a result of your body heat.
Ingredients
Protein - varied blend including whey protein concentrate, casein, and collagen protein.
Fibre - healthy amount, good to help you feel full and stay regular.
Sweeteners - four different sweeteners is too many and could cause tummy upset.
Colours - short of using actual caramel, the most natural option has been used.
Sodium - be aware it's a moderate amount.
Consumption Recommendation
This bar is a fine choice for a protein boost or occasional post-hike snack. I wouldn't recommend eating it daily, but I also don't hike daily. It's not the ideal choice for people who normally react poorly to sugar alcohols, or who are trying to avoid saturated fat/have cardiovascular health issues.
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. WPI is especially popular for those wanting lean protein supplements with fewer calories, or those who are lactose intolerant.
Are Bulk Nutrients protein bars made in Australia?
Yes, Bulk Nutrients protein bars are made in Australia. Bulk Nutrients is an Australian company known for producing high-quality, affordable supplements and protein products, with a focus on local manufacturing and transparent sourcing of ingredients. Unfortunately in this case, the protein bar is made with less than 10% Australian ingredients.
How do you compare the taste of different protein bars?
My protein bar flavour rating system involves evaluating factors like flavour, texture, sweetness, and aftertaste. Bars are rated on a scale of 1-5, where I consider the overall flavour experience, how natural or artificial the taste feels, and whether the flavour complements the bar's nutritional profile. The texture is important, as is mouth-feel.
Too dry and you'll need to stop for fifteen minutes to chew it down and it's less palatable. If I'm reviewing a chocolate bar, I'll also consider how prone to melting it is as we don't have fridges out there! Dark chocolate bars are often the preference when it comes to this factor, though they are liked by fewer people as they can be more bitter.
What's the difference between Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Isolate?
Both are derived from whey, but differ in processing and nutritional content:
Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)Â is more highly processed than WPC, resulting in a protein with over 90% purity and minimal fat, lactose, and carbohydrates.
Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC): Contains about 70-80% protein, with more fats, lactose, and carbohydrates compared to WPI. It’s less processed but still a good protein source, offering a balanced nutrient profile for those who aren’t sensitive to lactose.
Which Whey is Better for Hiking Performance?
For hiking, WPC may be more suitable than WPI in the context of this protein bar. The slightly higher fat and carbohydrate content in WPC provides additional energy, which can be useful during long hikes when sustained energy is key.
Also, since hikes are more endurance-based, the immediate speed of protein absorption (a strength of WPI) is less crucial than overall nutrient balance. Therefore, WPC’s slower digestion and more diverse nutrient content can offer sustained benefits during physical exertion.
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