BSc High Protein Low Carb Bar Dark Choc Cookie
BSc High Protein Low Carb Bar Dark Choc Cookie: independently scored 9.4/10 on Protein Score and 6.7/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
19.6g protein per serve · 203 cal · 2.4g sugar · 186mg sodium · 60g serve.
Overview
This Dark Choc Cookie bar sits in a crowded field of BSc protein snacks, offering a softer cookie-style format. Compared with the brand's High Protein Mellow Bar Salted Caramel, it has slightly less protein and a touch more sugar, showing the small trade-offs between flavours in the range. Its 32.7g of protein per 100g is comfortably above the 27g category average for protein bars, making it a genuinely high-protein option. Sugar is kept low at just 4g per 100g, well under the category average of 10.6g, but this is achieved using a blend of sugar alcohols like maltitol and sorbitol. The protein comes from a mix of whey, soy, and hydrolysed collagen, a common strategy to achieve a specific texture and macro profile. With 38 ingredients in total, including multiple humectants, sweeteners, and bulking agents like polydextrose, it's a highly processed bar. We see this as the trade-off for a shelf-stable, low-sugar, high-protein cookie format that still tastes indulgent. It's a solid choice for a glovebox or gym bag when you need a substantial protein hit and aren't scrutinising the ingredient list too closely. The 203 calories make it a filling snack, not just a light bite.
Protein Score: 9.4/10
On the shelf, this bar stands out as a genuine post-workout option, not just a snack with a sprinkle of protein. The 19.6g of protein per 60g bar is substantial, clearing the benchmark for a dedicated protein bar and earning an 8.3/10. It delivers a strong 9.6g of protein for every 100 calories. Stack it against a standard muesli bar, which typically offers only 2-5g of protein, and the difference is clear. This isn't just a sweet treat; the protein load is functional and designed to support recovery goals, making it a legitimate choice for someone leaving the gym. The protein density is above the category average. The trade-off is that the protein isn't from a single premium source, instead blending whey, soy, and collagen. For shoppers purely focused on the total protein number, it's a strong performer.
Clean Score: 6.7/10
The 38-ingredient formula, this bar's list is significantly longer than the category average of 22, pointing to a high degree of processing. This complexity, including eight additives, results in a Clean Score/10, which trails the typical product in this category. The score is primarily influenced by the sheer volume of ingredients used to create a low-sugar, high-protein, soft-textured cookie. This includes multiple sweeteners like Erythritol (E968), Maltitol, and Sorbitol, plus humectants, bulking agents like Polydextrose, and citrus fibre to manage mouthfeel and shelf life. While it avoids artificial sweeteners in favour of natural ones like stevia, the overall formulation is far from a whole-food approach. This bar suits someone prioritising macros over a simple ingredient panel. It's a product of food science designed to hit specific nutritional targets.
Wins
- Delivers a strong 19.6g of protein in a single 60g bar.
- Keeps sugar low at just 2.4g per 203-calorie serve.
- High in fibre with 12.8g per 100g for added satiety.
Watch outs
- A long list of 38 ingredients points to heavy processing.
- Contains multiple sugar alcohols which can cause digestive upset.
- Uses a blend of dairy and soy proteins, not a pure whey isolate.
Ingredients
BSc Protein Blend (Dairy Blend (Whey Protein Isolate (Milk), Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Calcium Caseinate (Milk)), Soy Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Crisps, Hydrolysed Collagen), No Added Sugar Dark Choc 20% (Vegetable Fat, Sweetener (Erythritol), Cocoa Solids 10%, Soy Protein Isolate, Inulin, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour, Intense Sweetener (Steviol Glycosides), Salt), Polydextrose, Vanilla Paste 8% (Invert Sugar, Humectant (Sorbitol, Glycerol), Concentrated Pear Puree, Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Sunflower Oil, Citrus Fibre, Natural Flavour, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Firming Agent (Calcium Lactate), Natural Colour (Titanium Dioxide)), Sweetener (Maltitol), Humectant (Glycerol), Sweetener (Sorbitol), Glycine, Sunflower Oil, Cocoa Powder, Flavour, Salt, Natural Flavour, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Antioxidant (Vitamin E), Sweetener (Steviol Glycosides).
38 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Will the sweeteners in this bar cause stomach issues?
- They might for some people, yes. This bar contains several sugar alcohols, including Erythritol (E968), Maltitol, and Sorbitol, which are used to provide sweetness without adding sugar. For some individuals, these ingredients can cause bloating, gas, or a laxative effect, particularly when consumed in larger amounts. If you know you're sensitive to sugar alcohols, you might want to approach this bar with caution. We'd suggest trying one and seeing how you feel before committing to a multi-pack.
- Is this bar better for pre- or post-workout?
- This bar is best suited for post-workout recovery. With 19.6g of protein per serve, it delivers a substantial hit to aid muscle repair after a training session. While you could eat it beforehand, the high protein and fibre content might feel a bit heavy during a workout. Its lower sugar content means it's not designed as a rapid energy source for pre-training fuel. We'd keep this one in the gym bag for the trip home.
- Is this protein bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, at 203 calories per 60g bar, it's a substantial snack. The combination of high protein (19.6g) and high fibre (12.8g per 100g) makes it quite satiating compared to a standard chocolate or muesli bar. It's designed to tide you over between meals or after a workout, not just as a light bite. We think it's a good option for an afternoon slump when you need something with more substance to chew on.
- Where can I buy the BSc Dark Choc Cookie protein bar?
- This BSc protein bar is catalogued in the snack aisle at Woolworths supermarkets. As stock can vary by location, it's always a good idea to check your local store. The brand may also sell it directly from their own website, which is worth checking for multi-pack deals or other flavours. We haven't verified its availability at other retailers.
- How does this compare to other BSc protein bars?
- This Dark Choc Cookie bar holds its own within the broader BSc range. For context, it's nutritionally similar to some of the brand's other soft bars. When compared to the High Protein Mellow Bar in Salted Caramel flavour, this cookie version has about 1.3g less protein and 1.2g more sugar per 100g. This highlights the small nutritional trade-offs that can exist between different flavours and formats from the same brand. We'd choose based on your preference for flavour and texture.