BSc High Protein Low Carb Bar Dark Choc Berry
BSc High Protein Low Carb Bar Dark Choc Berry: independently scored 8.8/10 on Protein Score and 6.1/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
17.7g protein per serve · 202 cal · 5g sugar · 175mg sodium · 60g serve.
Overview
This is a classic supermarket protein bar, built to deliver a flavour-forward experience without completely sacrificing the macros. The Dark Choc Berry flavour aims for indulgence, positioning it as a smarter swap for a chocolate bar rather than a hardcore recovery product. On the numbers, it performs well, landing with more protein and less sugar than the typical protein bar we see. Its 29.5g of protein per 100g sits comfortably above the category average of 27g, while the 8.4g of sugar per 100g is neatly below the 10.6g average. It's a balanced profile for a convenient, shelf-stable snack. Compared with their Soft Protein Bar Banana Chocolate, this Dark Choc Berry version has a fraction more protein but also contains 4.5g more sugar per 100g. This highlights a pattern across the wider BSc range, where different bars are tuned for different balances of flavour, texture and nutritional goals. Ultimately, this bar is about convenience and taste. The 41-ingredient list, packed with sweeteners, humectants and fibres, is what delivers the soft texture and berry flavour. It's a trade-off many are happy to make for a protein-focused snack that's easy to find and easy to eat.
Protein Score: 8.8/10
Is this bar a genuine protein source or just a glorified chocolate bar? The 17.7g of protein per 60g serve provides a clear answer: it's a functional snack that earns its 7.3/10 score. Its protein-per-calorie density is solid, making it a legitimate choice for a post-workout top-up or an afternoon slump. This performance puts it ahead of the typical product in the protein snack aisle. While not hitting the 20g+ heights of more dedicated bars, it comfortably out-muscles standard muesli bars and delivers a meaningful protein dose for its sub-200 calorie footprint. The protein blend itself is a mix of whey, milk and soy proteins, plus hydrolysed collagen. Stack this against some of BSc's higher-protein options and you'll notice this bar prioritises a softer, more confectionary-style experience. The trade-off is a lower overall protein density compared to others in the brand's lineup, positioning this as a flavour-first choice for the everyday shopper, not just the gym regular.
Clean Score: 6.1/10
To achieve a soft, chewy texture and sweet berry flavour without a huge sugar load, this bar relies on an extensive list of ingredients. With 41 ingredients, including multiple sweeteners, emulsifiers, and humectants, it lands a 4.9/10. The score reflects a product at the more processed end of the spectrum. The list features polydextrose for fibre, humectants like glycerol and sorbitol (E420) for moisture, and sweeteners like maltitol (E965), erythritol (E968) and stevia (E960). While this cocktail keeps the added sugar figure from blowing out, it pushes the ingredient count to nearly double the category average of 22, dragging its score below the field. This level of processing is common in shelf-stable bars designed for taste and texture. It's the price of convenience for a snack that doesn't need refrigeration and holds its form in a gym bag. However, it trails the field on our clean ingredient criteria, which will be a dealbreaker for those prioritising whole foods.
Wins
- Delivers 17.7g of protein in a convenient 60g bar.
- Protein density of 8.8g per 100 calories is efficient.
- Higher in protein than the average bar in its category.
Watch outs
- A long list of 41 ingredients points to heavy processing.
- Contains multiple sugar alcohols, including maltitol and sorbitol (E965, E420).
- Contains added sugar, unlike some other bars in the BSc range.
Ingredients
BSc Protein Blend (Dairy Protein Blend (Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Milk Protein Concentrate), Soy Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Crisps, Hydrolysed Collagen), No Added Sugar Dark Choc 20% (Vegetable Fat, Sweetener (Erythritol, Steviol Glycosides), Cocoa Solids 10%, Soy Protein Isolate, Inulin, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour, Salt), Polydextrose, Sweetener (Maltitol), Berry Paste 8% (Fruit (Apple Puree, Cherry Puree (6%), Elderberry Juice), Humectants (Sorbitol, Glycerol), Invert Sugar, Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Sunflower Oil, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Citrus Fibre, Natural Flavour, Firming Agent (Calcium Lactate), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid)), Humectant (Glycerol), Sweetener (Sorbitol), Berry Bites 2.5%, Glycine, Strawberry Kibble 2%, Natural Flavour, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Colour (Carmine), Antioxidant (Vitamin E), Sweetener (Steviol Glycosides).
41 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Will the sweeteners in this bar cause stomach issues?
- This bar contains several sugar alcohols, including Erythritol (E968), Maltitol (E965) and Sorbitol (E420), which can cause digestive upset for some people. These ingredients are used to provide sweetness without the calories of sugar, but they are not fully absorbed by the body. The likelihood of a reaction varies from person to person. If you know you're sensitive to sugar alcohols, you might want to start with half a bar. For most people, one bar should be fine, but we wouldn't suggest eating multiple in one sitting.
- How does this compare to other BSc protein bars?
- This Dark Choc Berry bar is a mid-range option in the BSc lineup, balancing flavour with function. For instance, it has slightly more protein than the brand's Soft Protein Bar Banana Chocolate, but also a higher sugar content. BSc also produces higher-protein bars, some with over 50g of protein per 100g, which are more targeted at serious recovery. This bar sits as a more accessible, flavour-focused option. We think it's a good starting point if you find other bars in the range too dense or less palatable.
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, for most people this should be a satisfying snack. It packs 202 calories, 17.7g of protein, and a decent amount of fibre from ingredients like polydextrose. The combination of protein and fibre is known to help with satiety, making it more filling than a typical chocolate bar with similar calories. It's a solid choice to bridge a meal gap in the afternoon, but we wouldn't consider it substantial enough to replace a proper meal like lunch.
- Where can I buy the BSc Dark Choc Berry protein bar?
- This bar is catalogued in major Australian supermarkets, including Coles. You can typically find it in the health food aisle alongside other protein bars and snacks. It may also be available to purchase directly from the brand's website or other online health and supplement retailers. Availability can vary by store location, so it's always worth checking the supermarket's app or website for local stock. We'd suggest looking in the health aisle first.
- Is this better as a pre-workout or post-workout snack?
- It can work for both, but it's arguably better suited for post-workout. The 17.7g of protein is a solid contribution towards muscle repair after exercise. For pre-workout fuel, you'd typically look for more carbohydrates for fast energy, and this bar is relatively low in carbs. That said, its convenience makes it a practical option to throw in a gym bag for either occasion. We'd grab it for a post-session top-up on the way home from the gym.