Carman's Dark Choc Cherry & Coconut Muesli Bars Limited Edition
Carman's Dark Choc Cherry & Coconut Muesli Bars Limited Edition: independently scored 7.6/10 on Protein Score and 6.6/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
2.2g protein per serve · 156 cal · 10.9g sugar · 6mg sodium · 35g serve.
Overview
This limited edition bar from Carman's is firmly in the snack aisle, not the sports nutrition section. With whole-grain oats and fruit on the label, it presents as a wholesome choice, but the 10.9g of sugar per small 35g bar tells a different story. It's a sweet, convenient snack that fits easily into a lunchbox or desk drawer. Compared with the brand's Cranberry & Blueberry Oat Slices, this Dark Choc Cherry & Coconut version has slightly less protein and more sugar. This pattern is common in the Carman's range, where the dedicated protein bars are separate from the brand's classic oat-based muesli bars and slices, which lean more towards taste and texture. In the broader protein snacks category, this bar doesn't really compete. Its 6.3g of protein per 100g is a long way from the 27g category average we track. The ingredient list starts with oats, but the 25% dark chocolate compound has sugar as its primary component, followed by more glucose, honey, and sugar-infused fruit. We see this as a treat-aisle product with a health halo, rather than a functional food. Ultimately, this bar is for someone who wants a Carman's muesli bar, with all the familiar flavour and texture that implies. It's not for the person seeking a post-gym protein hit or a low-sugar snack to get them through the afternoon. It's a choice you make with your eyes on the taste, not the numbers.
Protein Score: 7.6/10
Shoppers tend to grab this bar for the flavour, not the protein, and the numbers show why. It delivers just 1.4g of protein for every 100 calories, its protein density is among the lowest in the snacks category. This earns it a Protein Score/10. That translates to just 2.2g of protein in a 35g bar. This is typical for a standard supermarket muesli bar, but it's a fraction of the 15-25g you'd find in a dedicated protein bar. You would need to eat about ten of these bars to get the same protein hit as a single, average protein bar, which is not a practical approach. Stacked against the hundreds of snacks we've analysed, this bar trails the field significantly on protein content. It sits far below the category average, making it a poor choice for anyone specifically looking to increase their protein intake. We'd skip this if protein is your main goal.
Clean Score: 6.6/10
A fairly standard supermarket snack bar ingredient list lands this bar a mid-range score for clean formulation. The presence of multiple sugar sources and an emulsifier, balanced against a lack of artificial additives, results in a Clean Score/10. The ingredient list totals 27 items, which is slightly higher than the category average of 22. While it starts with whole grain oats, the list also includes a compound chocolate with sugar as its first ingredient, plus glucose syrup, more sugar in the dried fruit, and honey. This layering of sweeteners is common in the snack bar aisle to achieve a specific taste and texture. On the plus side, the bar is free from artificial sweeteners, colours, and preservatives. The only additive noted is a soy-based emulsifier (Soy Lecithin) in the chocolate compound. This is what keeps the score from being lower, but it still lags the category average, indicating a more processed product than a simple mix of oats and fruit.
Wins
- Whole grains (26% oats) as the first ingredient.
- Under 160 calories for a portion-controlled snack.
- Free from artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives.
Watch outs
- Just 2.2g of protein per 35g bar.
- Contains over 10g of sugar in a small bar.
- A long list of 27 ingredients, including multiple sugars.
Ingredients
Whole Grains (Oats 26%, Buckwheat), Dark Choc Compound 25% (Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Cocoa Solids, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Salt, Natural Flavour, Milk), Glucose, Fruit 13% (Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Cherries 5% (Cherries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Coconut 1.5%), Honey, Puffed Rice, Seeds 3.5% (Sunflower, Pepitas, Sesame), Sunflower Oil, Oat Fibre, Food Acid (Citric Acid), Natural Flavours.
27 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Carman's Dark Choc Cherry & Coconut bar a high-protein snack?
- No, this is not a high-protein snack. Each 35g bar contains only 2.2g of protein, which is more in line with a standard muesli bar than a dedicated protein product. For context, many protein bars on the market offer between 15g and 25g of protein per serve. This bar is better viewed as a sweet treat with a small amount of protein. If you are looking for a snack to support muscle recovery or to keep you full for longer, we'd suggest looking at options with a higher protein content.
- How much sugar is in this muesli bar?
- Each 35g bar contains 10.9g of sugar. This sweetness comes from a variety of sources in the ingredient list, including the dark chocolate compound, glucose syrup, honey, and added sugar in the dried cranberries and cherries. While it contains no artificial sweeteners, the total sugar content is significant for its small size. This places it firmly in the category of a sweet treat, rather than a purely functional or health-focused snack. We think it's one for occasional enjoyment rather than a daily staple.
- How does this compare to other Carman's bars?
- This bar is part of Carman's more traditional muesli bar and slice range, which prioritises taste and texture over protein content. Compared to the brand's Cranberry & Blueberry Oat Slices, this version has slightly less protein and about 3.5g more sugar per 100g. Carman's also produces a separate range of dedicated protein bars, which offer significantly more protein. It's important to read the label to know which range you're buying from. This one is a snack, not a supplement.
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- As a light snack, this bar might tide you over for a short while, but it's unlikely to be very filling for most people. It contains 156 calories and a small amount of fibre from the oats, which helps with satiety. However, the high sugar content and low protein mean it may not prevent hunger for long. In our view, it's best suited for a quick energy boost or to satisfy a sweet craving, rather than as a substantial snack to bridge a long gap between meals.
- Where can I buy Carman's Dark Choc Cherry & Coconut Muesli Bars?
- This product is a mainstream supermarket item. It is catalogued at major Australian retailers including Coles and Woolworths, where you'll typically find it in the muesli bar or snack aisle. As it's a limited edition flavour, availability may vary between stores and over time. These products may also be available directly from the brand's website, which is worth checking if you can't find it on supermarket shelves. We haven't independently verified stock at any specific retailer.