Maxine's Burn High Protein Bar Choc Caramel Crunch
Maxine's Burn High Protein Bar Choc Caramel Crunch: independently scored 10.0/10 on Protein Score and 8.0/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
14g protein per serve · 143 cal · 1.7g sugar · 115mg sodium · 40g serve.
Overview
This isn't your average lunchbox snack masquerading as a protein bar. Maxine's has packed a genuinely dense protein hit into a small 40g format, making it one of the more efficient bars in the supermarket aisle for getting a protein top-up without a high calorie cost. The ingredient list reveals how it gets there. A blend of soy protein isolate, whey concentrate, casein, and whey isolate does the heavy lifting. To keep the sugar figure down to a tiny 1.7g per bar, the recipe leans on sweeteners, including the sugar alcohol Maltitol (E965) and sucralose. The "Burn" name comes from added green tea, green coffee, and white kidney bean extracts. Compared to the typical protein snack we see, this bar delivers significantly more protein per 100g (35g vs a 27g average) and less than half the sugar. The trade-off is the ingredient count, which at 27 is higher than the category average of 22, signalling a more complex, functional product. We see this as a purpose-built snack for someone tracking their macros closely. It's a portable, convenient option for a post-gym commute or an afternoon desk drawer emergency when you need protein first and foremost.
Protein Score: 10.0/10
Looking at the protein bar shelf, this bar's protein density stands out immediately against the field. It delivers an impressive 9.8g of protein for every 100 calories, a metric that pushes it well ahead of more snack-oriented bars and earns it a Protein Score/10. The 14g of protein is packed into a compact, sub-150 calorie bar. This makes it a highly efficient format for a protein top-up without consuming the calorie budget of a full meal or a larger, more indulgent bar. It comfortably clears the bar for a genuine protein snack, rather than just a sweet treat with a sprinkle of protein. Its protein comes from a sophisticated blend of soy, whey, and casein. This combination provides a varied absorption rate, a feature more common in protein powders than in snack bars. It's a smart choice for satiety, suiting someone who needs a snack that feels substantial, not a light bite.
Clean Score: 8.0/10
To keep sugar down to just 1.7g per bar, this recipe leans on the sugar alcohol Maltitol (E965) and the artificial sweetener sucralose (E955). This formulation, alongside a 27-ingredient list containing functional extracts, results in a Clean Score/10, which is just ahead of the category average. The additive list includes two emulsifiers - soy lecithin (E322) and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E476) - to maintain a consistent texture and bind the chocolate coating. While it contains no artificial colours or preservatives, the overall ingredient count is higher than the typical bar we analyse, reflecting its positioning as a highly functional, rather than whole-food, product. This isn't a simple snack made from a handful of kitchen ingredients. It's a purpose-built bar for those who prioritise the macronutrient outcome - high protein, low sugar - over a shorter, simpler ingredient list. The trade-off for the strong nutritional numbers is a higher degree of processing.
Wins
- Delivers a solid 14g of protein in a small 40g bar.
- Extremely low sugar content at only 1.7g per serve.
- Under 150 calories, making it a calorie-aware option.
Watch outs
- A long list of 27 ingredients signals a highly processed bar.
- Contains Maltitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive upset.
- Relies on a soy protein isolate base, which some users prefer to avoid.
Ingredients
Maxine's Protein Blend (Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Calcium Caseinate (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk)), No Added Sugar Protein Milk Chocolate (20%) (Cocoa Solids, Sweetener (Maltitol), Milk Solids, Soy Protein Isolate, Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin, 476), Natural Vanilla Flavour), Maltitol, Glycerine, Polydextrose, Canola Oil, Inulin, Tapioca Starch, Flavours, Cocoa Powder (0.6%), Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Salt, Green Tea Extract, Green Coffee Bean Extract, White Kidney Bean Extract, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Sweetener (Sucralose).
27 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I buy Maxine's Burn protein bars?
- Maxine's Burn bars are catalogued in the health food aisle at Coles supermarkets. They may also be available directly from the brand's Australian website or other supplement retailers, so it's worth checking online if you can't find them in-store. We recommend checking the Coles website for local store availability.
- Will the sweeteners in this bar cause stomach issues?
- It's possible for some people. This bar uses Maltitol, a sugar alcohol, to keep the sugar content low. While effective, Maltitol can cause digestive issues like gas or bloating in sensitive individuals, especially when consumed in large amounts. If you know you're sensitive to sugar alcohols, we'd suggest starting with half a bar to see how you go.
- Is this bar filling enough for a proper snack?
- Yes, for its size, it's quite a satisfying snack. The 14 grams of protein and a decent amount of fibre for a 40g bar contribute to satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer than a typical chocolate bar would. It's not substantial enough to replace a meal, but it serves well as a tide-me-over snack to curb afternoon hunger.
- How does this bar compare to others in the protein snack aisle?
- This bar is more of a functional protein snack than an indulgent, chocolate-bar-style treat. Its protein content of 35g per 100g is well above the category average of 27g, and its sugar content is significantly lower. This makes it a stronger choice if your main goal is the protein hit, but perhaps less so if you're just chasing taste.
- Who is the Maxine's brand and is it Australian?
- Yes, Maxine's is an Australian brand. It is owned by the company Aminoactive and focuses specifically on sports supplements designed for women. The product range is formulated to support general fitness and toning goals, rather than pure bodybuilding. For more specific details on the company history, the brand's own website is the best source of information.