Bounce Gluten Free Cashew Caramel Protein Energy Ball
Bounce Gluten Free Cashew Caramel Protein Energy Ball: independently scored 6.3/10 on Protein Score and 6.2/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
10.1g protein per serve · 170 cal · 11.9g sugar · 160mg sodium · 40g serve.
Overview
As a protein 'ball', this format signals a whole-food anchor, and Bounce delivers with a base of cashews, dates and almonds. It feels more like pantry-made food than a lab-designed bar, which is its core appeal. The trade-off is a higher sugar load, coming from dates, brown rice syrup and grape juice, which gives it a distinct caramel-like sweetness and a chewy, satisfying texture. Compared with its Peanut Protein Ball sibling, this Cashew Caramel version follows the brand's pattern of fruit-and-nut-sweetened snacks. With 29.8g of sugar per 100g, it is significantly sweeter than the typical protein snack we track, which sits closer to an average of 10.6g. The protein, at 25.3g per 100g, is also just shy of the 27g category benchmark, framing this product firmly as a snack with benefits, rather than a protein-first bar. We see this as a solid choice for a desk-drawer snack or something to throw in a bag for an afternoon slump. The 10.1g of protein is a useful top-up, and the whole-food ingredients provide a more satisfying chew than many of the airy, whipped bars in the aisle. It's a convenient step-up from a standard confectionary bar for someone wanting a bit more substance.
Protein Score: 6.3/10
The 10.1 grams of protein in this 40g ball comes with a notable 11.9 grams of sugar. This trade-off between fuel and sweetness is the core story here, landing the ball a 4.7/10 that trails the rest of the field. That protein hit is more than double what you'd find in a standard muesli bar, but it's less than half the 20-30g common in dedicated, post-workout protein bars. For a 168-calorie snack, the protein-per-calorie density is moderate, not exceptional, which is what holds the score back compared to leaner alternatives. On the shelf, this isn't the snack to reach for if maximising protein intake is the only goal. It is better understood as an energy ball with a useful, but not category-leading, protein boost for general snacking.
Clean Score: 6.2/10
This is a minimally processed snack built on a whole-food base of fruit and nuts. With a relatively short ingredient list for its category, it earns a 6.5/10 for clean formulation, which sits right on the average for the protein snacks we've analysed. The 15-ingredient list is leaner than the category average of 22. The score is pegged to the average due to the inclusion of additives like vegetable gum (guar gum) and mineral salt (calcium carbonate). These are common for improving texture and stability but move it away from being a pure whole-food product. Ultimately, Bounce uses whey protein within a date-and-nut base, successfully avoiding artificial sweeteners, colours, or preservatives. For shoppers prioritising recognisable ingredients over the lowest possible additive count, it's a solid and widely available choice in the supermarket aisle.
Wins
- A solid 10.1g of protein from whey and nuts.
- No artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives.
- Whole-food base of cashews, dates and almonds.
Watch outs
- 11.9g of sugar per 40g ball is high.
- Protein density is lower than dedicated recovery bars.
- Contains whey, so not suitable for plant-based diets.
Ingredients
Fruit and Nut Blend 42% (Cashews 20%, Dates, Almonds), Whey Protein 22%, Brown Rice Syrup, Grape Juice, Tapioca Starch, Natural Flavours, Vegetable Gum (Guar), Sea Salt, Vanilla Extract, Rosemary Extract, Mineral Salt (Calcium Carbonate), Sunflower Lecithin.
15 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I buy Bounce Protein Balls in Australia?
- Bounce Protein Balls are widely available in major Australian supermarkets. They are currently catalogued at both Coles and Woolworths, making them easy to find during a regular grocery shop. They may also be available direct from the brand's website or other specialty retailers. We'd suggest checking the snack or health food aisle.
- How much sugar is in the Cashew Caramel Bounce ball?
- This ball contains 11.9g of sugar in a single 40g serve. The sweetness comes primarily from dates, brown rice syrup, and grape juice, rather than refined white sugar or artificial sweeteners. While it offers more protein than a typical muesli bar, its sugar content is also higher, placing it in the category of an energy-rich treat. We'd factor it in as a sweet snack, not just a protein top-up.
- Is this Bounce ball a good post-workout snack?
- In our view, it's more of an energy snack than a dedicated post-workout recovery tool. The 10.1g of protein is a useful contribution, but serious recovery bars typically offer 20g or more to support muscle repair. The higher sugar content also makes it better suited for quick energy before activity or as a general satisfying snack. If you're looking for a serious post-gym refuel, we'd suggest a higher-protein, lower-sugar option.
- How does this compare to other Bounce protein balls?
- This Cashew Caramel flavour sits alongside others in the range, like the brand's Gluten Free Peanut Energy Protein Ball. The Peanut version has slightly more protein per 100g (29.1g vs 25.3g). Both follow a similar nutritional philosophy, using a base of nuts and fruit for texture and sweetness, with a boost from whey protein. The choice between them often comes down to flavour preference as their profiles are quite similar.
- Is Bounce an Australian company?
- Yes, Bounce is an Australian brand. According to our verified brand information, the company was founded in Australia in 2004 and its products are made locally. This local origin story is a key reason for its strong presence in Australian supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths. For more detailed company history, the brand's own website is the best source of information.