Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar Birthday Cake
Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar Birthday Cake: independently scored 9.0/10 on Protein Score and 5.7/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
15.6g protein per serve · 212 cal · 3.6g sugar · 91mg sodium · 60g serve.
Overview
Compared with some of its siblings, this Birthday Cake bar from Muscle Nation delivers a little less protein and a touch more sugar. It's a trade-off that clearly signals the product's intent: this is a flavour-first, texture-driven snack designed to satisfy a sweet craving, with a decent protein load as the functional bonus. Its protein density of 26g per 100g sits right around the category average we track for protein bars, while its sugar content is notably lower. The main departure is the ingredient list. At 50 items, it's more than double the length of a typical bar in this category, pointing to a highly engineered product built to deliver a specific, multi-layered dessert experience in a shelf-stable format. The presence of multiple sugar alcohols - including maltitol (965), sorbitol (420) and erythritol (968) - is what helps keep the sugar number down, but can be a flag for anyone with a sensitive stomach. We see this as a convenient, flavour-forward choice from the supermarket aisle for an afternoon slump, rather than a dedicated post-workout recovery bar where cleaner, denser protein might be the priority.
Protein Score: 9.0/10
Stacked against the brand's own Peanut Butter Cup, this bar offers a slightly lower protein density. The 15.6g of protein in a 60g bar is still a solid contribution for a snack this size, clearing the category average for protein bars and earning a 7.5/10. With 7.4g of protein for every 100 calories, its efficiency is well above a standard muesli bar, making it a functionally better choice for anyone tracking macros. It lands firmly in the 'protein-first' snack category, not just a sweet treat with a sprinkle of protein, which can't be said for many bars on the shelf. This isn't the bar you'd grab for maximum recovery after a heavy session; some of Muscle Nation's own 'High Protein' bars serve that purpose better. Instead, it's a solid all-rounder for curbing afternoon hunger or as a smarter swap for a chocolate bar when you're on the go.
Clean Score: 5.7/10
Sweeteners like sucralose (955) and maltitol (965), plus thickeners and emulsifiers, contribute to a long ingredient list that pulls the Clean Score down to 4.5/10. With 50 ingredients and 13 listed additives, it's one of the more heavily processed bars we've seen in the category. This level of processing is the trade-off for the bar's signature 'custard' layer, shelf stability, and low sugar count. Ingredients like glycerol, polydextrose, and various gums are what create the soft, multi-layered texture that mimics a dessert, a feat not easily achieved with a handful of whole foods. While it contains no artificial preservatives, the sheer volume of additives and sweeteners places it at the more indulgent end of the protein bar spectrum. For shoppers who prioritise a short, clean ingredient list, this bar will likely be a pass; it's built for taste and texture first.
Wins
- Delivers 15.6g of protein in a convenient 60g bar.
- Keeps sugar low at just 3.6g per 212-calorie serve.
- High in fibre, with 14.5g per 100g.
Watch outs
- A very long list of 50 ingredients.
- Contains multiple sugar alcohols, including maltitol and sorbitol.
- Lower protein density than other bars in the brand's own range.
Ingredients
Muscle Nation Peanut Flavoured Custard 26% (Double Choc Custard Powder (Milk Protein Isolate (69%), Cocoa (7.5%), Skim Milk Powder, Inulin, Coconut MCT Oil Powder, Flavours, Anticaking Agent (551), Thickener (Carboxymethyl Cellulose), Sweetener (Sucralose), Sodium Chloride), Sweetener (Maltitol), Humectant (Glycerol), Isomalto-Oligosaccharide (Soluble Fibre), Flavour), No Added Sugar Milk Choc 20% (Vegetable Fat, Sweetener (968), Milk Solids 15%, Inulin, Cocoa Solids 5%, Emulsifier (Soy 322), Natural Flavour, Intense Sweetener (960), Monk Fruit Sweetener), Caramel Paste 8% (Invert Sugar, Humectants (Sorbitol, Glycerol), Concentrated Pear Puree, Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Sunflower Oil, Citrus Fibre, Natural Colours (Caramel I, Titanium Dioxide), Gelling Agent (Pectin), Firming Agent (Calcium Lactate), Natural Flavour), Polydextrose, Humectant (Glycerol), Hydrolysed Collagen, Soy Protein Isolate, Peanuts 5%, Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Milk Protein Concentrate, Isomalto-Oligosaccharide (Soluble Fibre), Flavour, Sweetener (Maltitol), Peanut Butter 1%, Sunflower Oil, Natural Colour (150a), Salt, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour, Antioxidant (Vitamin E).
50 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Will the sugar alcohols in this bar cause stomach issues?
- It's possible for some people, yes. This bar contains several sugar alcohols, including maltitol, sorbitol, and erythritol, which are used to provide sweetness without the calories of sugar. For some individuals, these ingredients can cause digestive discomfort like bloating or gas, particularly when consumed in larger amounts. Maltitol and sorbitol are the most common culprits. If you know you're sensitive to sugar alcohols, we'd suggest starting with half a bar to see how you feel.
- Is this bar better for pre- or post-workout?
- We'd frame it more as a convenient everyday snack than a dedicated workout fuel. The 15.6g of protein is a solid amount for curbing hunger and contributing to your daily intake, but it's less than the 20-30g typically found in bars designed specifically for post-workout recovery. Its lower sugar and higher fibre content also mean it's not optimised for the fast-digesting energy you might want before a workout. Think of it as a great desk-drawer option for the 3pm slump.
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, for most people this should be a satisfying snack. It packs 212 calories and a high fibre content of over 14g per 100g, which both contribute to a feeling of fullness. The combination of protein, fibre, and fat makes it much more satiating than a simple sugary snack with similar calories. It's a good option to tide you over between meals, but it's not substantial enough to replace a proper meal.
- How does this compare to other Muscle Nation protein bars?
- This Birthday Cake bar is positioned more as a flavour-focused, dessert-style option within the Muscle Nation range. For instance, compared to the brand's Peanut Butter Cup, this bar has about 4g less protein and 2g more sugar per 100g. Other bars in their lineup, like the 'High Protein' series, offer a significantly denser protein hit, making them more suitable for post-workout recovery. This one prioritises the 'custard' texture and sweet flavour.
- Where can I buy the Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar?
- This bar is widely available in major Australian supermarkets. We have it catalogued as being stocked at both Coles and Woolworths, so you can typically find it in the health food or snack aisle there. Availability can vary by individual store location and stock levels. The bars may also be available to purchase directly from the Muscle Nation brand website, alongside their broader range of supplements and snacks.