Protein-based snack bars are generally found in the health food and supplement section of supermarkets and have been formulated to offer a concentrated serving of protein in a convenient snack bar. 

Generally ultra-processed and made with myriad ingredients to create a palatable product, protein bars are more of a convenient way to get upwards of 15-20g of protein rather than a nutritious food. 

Like most food categories there a wide range of protein bars so here are the most well-known options rated according to calorie load and nutritional breakdown.

Aussie Bodies Lo Carb Whip’d Protein Bar, $10 from coles.com.au

Per 30g bar:

• 413kJ / 98cal
• 9g of protein
• 0.3g sugars

Although much smaller than many of the protein-based bars, nutritionally this is a strong option with a whey and soy protein base, for fewer than 100 calories and a decent 9g of protein. 

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BC High Protein Bars, $3.20 from coles.com.au

Per 40g bar:

• 624kJ / 142cal
• 11.1g protein
• 5g fat
• 1.8g sugars

With a base of soy protein and No Added Sugar, this is one of the lowest-calorie snack bars that still offers a decent amount of protein per serve. The main downside is the use of sugar alcohols to sweeten these bars which can cause some gut disturbance.

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Coles Perform Elite Whey High Protein Bar, $4 from coles.com.au

Per 60g bar:

• 608kJ / 145cal
• 17.9g protein
• 2.5g sugars

Offering a 27 per cent protein base, this high protein bar is relatively low in calories for the amount of protein, although there are plenty of processed ingredients used to create this bar.

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Quest Protein Bar, $4.80 from woolworths.com.au

Per 60g bar:

• 789kJ / 188cal
• 20g protein
• 1g sugars

With a 29 per cent protein base, and 20g of protein for fewer than 200 calories, this bar is one of the best-tasting options available in supermarkets. 

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Body Science High Protein Low Carb Bar, $4.50 from coles.com.au

Per 60g bar:

• 857kJ / 204cal
• 19.2g protein
• 2.5g sugars

Another good option thanks to its protein base, this bar ticks the box as a small meal offering 19g of good quality protein although the ingredient list is relatively long with plenty of processed ingredients.

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Fulfil Vitamin & Protein Bar, $6 from woolworths.com.au

Per 55g bar:

• 930kJ / 221cal
• 18.8g protein
• 1.5g sugars

With a similar number of calories as a small meal, this high protein bar has a base of chocolate and milk protein and is also sweetened with sugar alcohols and also has some added vitamins including Vitamin B12.

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Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar, $4.50 from coles.com.au

Per 60g bar:

• 869kJ (208cal)
• 18.2g protein
• 1.9g sugars

With a base of chocolate and chocolate custard, the ingredient list of this high-protein bar is certainly long and includes a range of highly processed ingredients.

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Famous Nutrition High Energy Protein Bar, $2.70 from woolworths.com.au

Per 60g bar:

• 1040kJ / 249cal
• 12g protein
• 16.7g sugars

One of the few protein bars available that also contains carbohydrates for energy, overall this bar is relatively low in protein for the number of calories and suits those who are keen to fuel endurance events.

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Musashi Deluxe Protein Bar, $4.50 from woolworths.com.au

Per 60g bar:

• 1070kJ / 254cal
• 22g protein
• 1.4g sugars

With a 33 per cent protein base, this bar offers a good amount of protein and has an ingredient list with fewer processed ingredients than many bars available. 

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Musashi High Protein P45 Bar, $6 from coles.com.au

Per 90g bar:

• 1410kJ / 336cal
• 45.5g protein
• 2.3g sugars

More of a meal than a snack, 45g of protein is on the high side, with the average person absorbing just 20-30g of protein per meal, but overall the nutritional profile is strong with a 54 per cent protein base and far fewer processed ingredients than many protein bars on the market.

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