BSc High Protein Mellow Bar Salted Caramel
BSc High Protein Mellow Bar Salted Caramel: 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. Where many protein bars are dense, chewy and functional, this one aims for a lighter, softer, more confectionary-like experience. It's a snack designed to feel like a treat first and a protein source second, sitting in the lunchbox and desk-drawer space. At 34g of protein per 100g, it sits comfortably above the 27g category average for protein bars we track. This Salted Caramel version sits alongside the brand's High Protein Mellow Bar Banana, matching it on protein and sugar content. It's a clear signal that this 'Mellow' sub-range is about a specific texture and a moderate protein hit, rather than chasing the highest numbers in the BSc lineup. That soft texture is achieved through a long list of 24 ingredients, including humectants like glycerol, sweeteners like maltitol and sucralose, and multiple protein sources including milk proteins and collagen. It's a highly processed bar built for a specific taste and mouthfeel, and the trade-off is a less-than-clean ingredient panel.
Protein Score: 8.2/10
This bar lands as a solid, if not top-tier, protein option in a crowded field. The 17g of protein in a 50g bar is a useful top-up for most people, earning a 7/10 that puts it ahead of the category average. It's a reliable number for a snack-sized bar. It delivers more than triple the protein of a standard muesli bar, but falls short of the 20-30g hit from more dedicated, recovery-focused protein bars. This isn't the bar you'd grab for serious post-workout repair, but it's a significant step up from a regular chocolate bar. The 8.3g of protein per 100 calories is a decent return, making it a calorie-conscious way to get a protein boost without the density of a heavier bar. For a quick afternoon snack that contributes to your daily protein target, it does the job well.
Clean Score: 6.9/10
The use of sweeteners like maltitol and sucralose, plus emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin, 476), pulls this bar's score down. With 24 ingredients and seven additives on the list, it earns a 5.8/10. This trails the typical product in this category for ingredient simplicity. These additives are doing a job: creating the soft, 'mellow' texture and keeping the sugar count to just 1.4g per bar. It's the common trade-off for a shelf-stable, confectionary-style protein snack that still delivers on sweetness without the associated sugar load. The use of collagen and gelatine also contributes to the unique, less-chewy bite. While it's not a whole-food snack, the ingredient list is typical for this kind of processed bar. It's built for convenience and taste over a minimalist ingredient panel. If you're comfortable with sugar alcohols and a longer list of ingredients to get a better texture, it's a fair trade.
Wins
- A solid 17g of protein in a convenient 50g bar.
- Just 1.4g of sugar per serve.
- Softer texture than many dense, chewy protein bars.
Watch outs
- Contains sugar alcohol (maltitol) which can cause digestive upset.
- Lower protein density than other bars in the BSc range.
- A lengthy list of 24 ingredients, including several additives.
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
- Will the sweeteners in this bar cause stomach issues?
- It's possible for some people. This bar contains maltitol, a type of sugar alcohol (polyol) used to provide sweetness without sugar. For many, it's fine, but for others, sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas or a laxative effect, especially when consumed in large amounts. If you know you're sensitive to them, you might want to skip this bar. If you're unsure, we'd suggest starting with one to see how you tolerate it.
- Is this a good bar for post-workout recovery?
- It can be a decent option in a pinch. The 17g of protein is a useful contribution towards muscle repair after exercise. However, some athletes or regular gym-goers might prefer a product with 20-30g of protein for a more substantial recovery aid. Think of this as a convenient, on-the-go top-up when a protein shake or a higher-protein meal isn't practical, rather than a primary recovery tool.
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, for most people it should be. At 206 calories, it's more substantial than a piece of fruit or a light yoghurt. The combination of 17g of protein and 17.5g of fat per 100g helps with satiety, making it effective at curbing hunger between meals. It's a good fit for an afternoon slump but isn't substantial enough to replace a full meal. We'd grab it to bridge the gap to dinner.
- Where can I buy the BSc High Protein Mellow Bar?
- This bar is widely available in major Australian supermarkets. We have it catalogued as being stocked at both Coles and Woolworths on their shelves and online. It's also possible the brand sells it directly from their own website. Given its placement in the main supermarkets, it's one of the easier protein bars to find when doing your weekly shop.
- How does this Mellow bar compare to other BSc protein bars?
- This 'Mellow' bar is positioned as a lighter, softer-textured option within the broader BSc range. It has 34g of protein per 100g, which is less dense than the brand's core 'High Protein' bars that can have over 50g of protein per 100g. The trade-off is a more confectionary-like, less chewy experience. If you prioritise a softer bite over the absolute highest protein number, this is the one you'd choose from their lineup.