BC Snacks 2x Protein Bar Dark Chocolate Almond
BC Snacks 2x Protein Bar Dark Chocolate Almond: independently scored 10.0/10 on Protein Score and 8.8/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
23.6g protein per serve · 298 cal · 2.1g sugar · 123mg sodium · 80g serve.
Overview
BC Snacks' protein bar lineup is a crowded field, but this Dark Chocolate Almond version carves out a spot at the top end. It's a dense, no-nonsense bar aimed squarely at the serious protein crowd, not the lunchbox-filler market. Compared with the brand's own High Protein Bar Dark Chocolate Almond, this '2x' version packs an extra 1.0g of protein per 100g for a tiny bit more sugar. On the shelf, its protein density sits comfortably above the 27g per 100g we typically see in the protein bar category, while its sugar content is well below the 10.6g average. The protein comes from a blend of whey concentrate and soy isolate, a common duo for balancing texture and cost. Humectants like glycerol and maltitol, plus polydextrose for fibre, are doing the work to create a soft, chewy texture without using sugar. We think it's a solid performer for the macros, provided you're okay with the sugar alcohols.
Protein Score: 10.0/10
This bar represents the higher end of the BC Snacks protein range, delivering a density that outpaces most of its siblings. The 23.6g of protein in a single 80g bar is a substantial serve that earns a 9.1/10, clearing the category average with ease. Stack this against a standard muesli bar, which might offer 2-5g of protein, and the difference is stark. This is a dedicated protein product, not a snack with a protein claim tacked on. Its protein-per-calorie ratio of 7.9g per 100kcal is efficient, meaning more of what you're paying for in the calorie budget is protein. This makes it a legitimate post-workout option or a way to hit a macro target between meals. It's not a light snack; the calorie load is significant, but the protein hit justifies the cost for those who need it most.
Clean Score: 8.8/10
BC Snacks generally keeps its ingredient lists reasonably tight for this category, and this bar is no exception. With 18 ingredients, it lands ahead of the typical product we see, earning an 8.6/10. The score reflects a formulation that avoids artificial sweeteners, colours, and preservatives. The main trade-off for keeping sugar low is the use of sugar alcohols, specifically Maltitol (965), alongside humectants like glycerol. These are necessary to create a palatable, sweet, and chewy bar texture without resorting to actual sugar. One emulsifier, soy lecithin, is also present to hold it all together. While it's not a whole-food bar, the ingredient panel is focused and functional. For a shelf-stable, high-protein snack, this represents a cleaner profile than many alternatives that rely on a longer list of additives to achieve a similar taste and texture.
Wins
- A substantial 23.6g of protein per 80g bar.
- Contains no added sugar, using maltitol for sweetness.
- A solid 11.5g of fibre per 100g.
Watch outs
- At 298 calories, it's a dense snack.
- Contains maltitol, which can cause digestive issues for some.
- Uses a blend of whey and soy protein, not a pure whey isolate.
Ingredients
Protein Blends (30%) (Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Soy Protein Isolate (Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin))), No Added Sugar Dark Chocolate (20%) (Cocoa Solids, Sweetener (Maltitol), Soy Protein Isolate, Milk Fat, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour), Humectants (Glycerol, Maltitol), Polydextrose, Almonds (5%), Maize Starch, Cocoa Powder (1%), Butter (Milk), Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Citrus Fibre, Natural Flavour.
18 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, for most people this will be a very satisfying snack. It packs 298 calories and a decent amount of fibre, which both contribute to satiety. The high protein content also helps you feel fuller for longer compared to a carb-heavy snack with similar calories. We'd consider it a substantial snack, not a light bite.
- Is this a good bar for after a workout?
- Yes, it's a strong option for post-workout recovery. The 23.6g of protein per bar is a significant serve that's well within the range needed to support muscle repair after exercise. The protein comes from a blend of whey and soy, which are both effective. It's a convenient way to get your protein in on the go, straight from the gym bag.
- Will the sugar alcohols in this bar cause stomach issues?
- It's possible for some people. This bar uses maltitol as a sweetener to keep the sugar content low. Maltitol is a sugar alcohol (a polyol) that can cause digestive discomfort like gas or bloating in sensitive individuals, especially when consumed in large amounts. If you know you react to polyols, you might want to test your tolerance with a small amount first.
- How does this '2x Protein' bar compare to other BC Snacks bars?
- This bar sits at the higher end of the brand's protein offerings. For instance, compared to the brand's High Protein Bar Dark Chocolate Almond, this '2x' version has 1.0g more protein per 100g. It shows a consistent focus across the range on delivering high protein with low sugar, though the exact macros vary slightly between flavours. We'd grab this one for the highest protein hit in the almond lineup.
- Is BC Snacks an Australian brand?
- The brand has a local history, but not in protein bars. BC Snacks was a defunct Australian brand of potato crisps, previously under the ownership of The Smith's Snackfood Company. The name has been revived for this range of protein products. For more detailed company history, the brand's own website would be the best source of information.