BSc High Protein Mellow Bar Banana
BSc High Protein Mellow Bar Banana: independently scored 8.2/10 on Protein Score and 6.9/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
17g protein per serve · 206 cal · 1.4g sugar · 140mg sodium · 50g serve.
Overview
The 'Mellow' in the name is the key to understanding this bar. It's not trying to be the most protein-dense brick in the aisle; instead, it delivers a softer, more confectionary-like texture that separates it from the super-chewy, jaw-working bars common in the category. This makes it a more approachable afternoon snack, though it comes with a lengthy ingredient list to achieve that texture and low sugar count. Compared to the broader market, its protein density of 34g per 100g sits comfortably above the category average for protein snacks we track, which is around 27g. However, the ingredient list is also slightly longer than average, clocking in at 24 ingredients versus the typical 22. This Banana bar is a direct flavour swap for the brand's High Protein Mellow Bar Salted Caramel, matching it with the same 34g of protein and 2.8g of sugar per 100g. Both are a distinct step down in protein density from BSc's main 'High Protein Bar' line, which packs over 50g of protein per 100g, reinforcing the Mellow bars as a lighter, softer option in the range. Ultimately, this bar lands as a texture-first choice. We see it as a solid pick for a desk drawer or glovebox, where convenience and a softer bite are the priority. The trade-off is a higher degree of processing and a list of additives that won't suit shoppers chasing a cleaner profile.
Protein Score: 8.2/10
A blend of milk proteins and collagen peptides provides the protein base here, a common combination for bars aiming for a specific texture alongside the macros. This formulation delivers a solid 17g of protein per 50g bar, earning a 7/10 and putting it ahead of the category average for protein density. That 17g of protein in a 206-calorie bar is a respectable return, making it a genuinely useful snack for topping up your daily intake. It sits in a middle ground, clearing the low single-digit protein of a muesli bar by a wide margin, without hitting the 25g+ heights of the most dedicated recovery-focused bars. Stack this against the brand's main high-protein line and you see the compromise. The 'Mellow' format trades some protein for a softer, less dense bite. It's a deliberate choice for the person who wants a protein-led snack that doesn't feel like a chore to eat.
Clean Score: 6.9/10
BSc's bars often walk a line between performance macros and a longer ingredient list, and this one is no exception. With a list of 24 ingredients and seven different additives, it earns a 5.8/10 for its clean profile, landing it below the average for the protein snack category. The score is primarily influenced by the use of artificial sweetener sucralose (955) and the sugar alcohol maltitol. These are joined by emulsifiers (soy lecithin, 476) and humectants like glycerol, all working to create a sweet, soft, and shelf-stable bar without a high sugar load. This level of processing is the cost of entry for a low-sugar bar with a soft, nougat-like texture that doesn't need refrigeration. While the additives are common and approved for use, their presence means this bar is better suited to someone prioritising macros over a whole-food ingredient list.
Wins
- Delivers a solid 17g of protein in a convenient 50g bar.
- Keeps sugar very low at just 1.4g per serve.
- Offers a softer texture than many dense, chewy protein bars.
Watch outs
- Contains 7 additives, including an artificial sweetener.
- Relies on a protein blend including collagen, not pure whey.
- Fibre is almost non-existent at less than 1g per bar.
Ingredients
BSc Protein Blend (Dairy Protein Blend (Milk Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate (Milk)), Collagen Peptide), Milk Compound Chocolate (20%) (Vegetable Fat, Sweetener (Maltitol), Milk Solids, Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa Solids, Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin, 476), Natural Flavour, Salt), Sweeteners (Maltitol Syrup, Sucralose), Humectant (Glycerol), Water, Vegetable Fat, Sunflower Oil, Gelatine (Beef), Natural Colour (Caramel I), Flavour, Salt, Cocoa Powder.
24 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I buy the BSc High Protein Mellow Bar?
- This bar is catalogued at major Australian supermarkets, including Coles and Woolworths. While those are the primary national retailers, you may also find it in supplement stores or available for purchase directly from the BSc brand website. Availability can vary by store location, so it's always worth checking the respective supermarket apps or websites for local stock. In our view, its wide supermarket presence makes it a convenient, easy-to-find option.
- Will the sweeteners in this bar cause stomach issues?
- This bar uses the sugar alcohol maltitol as a primary sweetener, which can cause digestive issues for some people. Maltitol is known to have a laxative effect, particularly when consumed in larger amounts, and can cause gas or bloating in sensitive individuals. It also contains the artificial sweetener sucralose. If you know you react poorly to sugar alcohols, you might want to approach this bar with caution. For most people, a single bar is unlikely to cause major problems.
- Is this a good post-workout snack?
- It can be, if you're in a pinch. The 17g of protein is a decent contribution towards muscle repair after a workout, and it's certainly better than a standard snack. However, dedicated athletes or those on a structured training program might prefer a bar with 20-25g of protein and some faster-acting carbohydrates. We'd frame this as a convenient option for a moderate session, but perhaps not the first choice for a heavy weights day.
- How does this compare to other BSc protein bars?
- This 'Mellow' bar is designed for a softer texture. It has identical protein and sugar content to its sibling, the High Protein Mellow Bar Salted Caramel. Compared to BSc's main 'High Protein Bar' line (like the Cookies & Cream or Choc Fudge flavours), this Mellow version has significantly less protein per 100g. It's a trade-off: you get a softer bite and easier chew in exchange for a lower protein density. Think of it as a snack-focused bar rather than a max-protein bar.
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- At 206 calories and with 17g of protein, it should be more satisfying and keep you fuller for longer than a typical chocolate bar of similar size. Protein is a key driver of satiety. However, it's worth noting the bar contains almost no dietary fibre, which also helps with feeling full. In our view, it works well as a snack to bridge a meal gap, but it won't feel as substantial as a bar with more whole-food ingredients like oats or nuts.