Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar Choc Fudge Brownie
Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar Choc Fudge Brownie: independently scored 9.3/10 on Protein Score and 6.3/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
17.4g protein per serve · 205 cal · 3g sugar · 122mg sodium · 60g serve.
Overview
Muscle Nation has a sprawling range of protein bars, and this Choc Fudge Brownie version leans right into the dessert-imposter space. It's designed to deliver the soft, dense mouthfeel of its namesake, using a combination of hydrolysed collagen, soy crisps, and multiple milk proteins to get there. The result is a bar that feels more like a confection than a typical chalky protein snack. Its 28.9g of protein per 100g sits just above the 27g category average for protein bars we track, making it a legitimate contender. The sugar number is also well managed, with its 4.9g per 100g coming in at less than half the 10.6g average. Compared with the brand's Peanut Butter Cup - Choc Peanut, this bar has 1.1g less protein and 0.9g more sugar per 100g, showing the slight nutritional trade-off for the fudgier format. The complexity comes from the ingredient list. To achieve the 'custard' texture and keep sugar low, the formula relies on a long list of humectants, thickeners, soluble fibres, and sweeteners including maltitol and sucralose. We see this as a clear choice: it's a snack for someone who wants a protein-heavy treat and is happy to accept the ultra-processed nature of the product to get it.
Protein Score: 9.3/10
This bar lands firmly in the 'proper protein snack' territory, not just a treat with a sprinkle of protein. The 17.4g of protein in a single 60g bar is a solid contribution, clearing the typical 2-5g you'd find in a standard muesli bar and earning it an 8/10. It sits comfortably above the category average for protein bars. For a 205-calorie snack, the protein efficiency is strong. It delivers 8.5g of protein for every 100 calories makes it a smart choice for anyone keeping an eye on their energy intake while trying to hit a protein target. It offers a satisfying chew without the calorie cost of many indulgent snacks. Stacked against the rest of the brand's own lineup, it holds its own, though it's not the most protein-dense option Muscle Nation offers. Shoppers chasing the absolute highest protein number might look towards their 'High Protein' designated bars, but for a balance of flavour, texture, and a meaningful protein hit, this is a very capable option.
Clean Score: 6.3/10
Muscle Nation's bars often prioritise a specific texture and flavour, which tends to push the ingredient count up. With 45 ingredients and 10 additives, this bar is a clear example of that philosophy in action, landing its Clean Score at 5.1/10. This sits below the average for the protein snacks category, which reflects its highly processed formulation. The ingredient list includes humectants like glycerol and sorbitol, a thickener (carboxymethyl cellulose), and an emulsifier (soy lecithin) to create the soft, shelf-stable fudge texture. Sweetness is achieved via a blend of sugar alcohols like Maltitol (E965) and Erythritol (E968), alongside the artificial sweetener Sucralose, which keeps the final sugar grams low. Ultimately, this bar is a trade-off. You get a convenient, high-protein snack that convincingly mimics a dessert, but you forgo the simplicity of a whole-food snack. It's a product for the shopper who understands and accepts that compromise to get a specific taste and texture experience without a high sugar load.
Wins
- Delivers 17.4g of protein in a single 60g bar.
- High in fibre with over 9g per serve.
- Just 3g of sugar per 205-calorie bar.
Watch outs
- A long list of 45 ingredients and 10 additives.
- Contains multiple sugar alcohols, including maltitol and sorbitol.
- Lower protein density than some of the brand's other bars.
Ingredients
Muscle Nation Double Chocolate 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)), No Added Sugar Dark Choc 20% (Vegetable Fat, Sweetener (968), Cocoa Solids 10%, Soy Protein Isolate, Inulin, Emulsifier (Soy 322), Natural Flavour, Intense Sweetener (960), Salt), Choc Paste 8% (Invert Sugar, Humectants (Sorbitol, Glycerol), Concentrated Pear Puree, Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Cocoa Powder (4.6%), Sunflower Oil, Wheat Fibre, Natural Flavours, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Firming Agent (Calcium Lactate)), Polydextrose, Humectant (Glycerol), Hydrolysed Collagen, Soy Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Crisps, Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Milk Protein Concentrate, Cocoa Powder 2.5%, Isomalto-Oligosaccharide (Soluble Fibre), Sweetener (Maltitol), Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavour, Salt, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Antioxidant (Vitamin E).
45 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Will the sugar alcohols in this bar cause stomach issues?
- This bar contains several sugar alcohols, including maltitol, sorbitol, and erythritol, which can cause digestive issues for some people. These ingredients are used to provide sweetness without adding sugar, but they can have a laxative effect, particularly if you're not used to them. In our view, the risk of stomach upset is a real consideration here. We'd suggest starting with one bar to see how you react before making them a daily snack.
- Is this bar better for pre or post-workout?
- With 17.4g of protein, it's a solid option for post-workout recovery if you need something convenient on the go. The protein hit is substantial enough to contribute to muscle repair after a gym session. While it contains carbohydrates, it's not specifically designed as a pre-workout energy source. We think it fits best as a convenient, protein-first snack to throw in your gym bag for the commute home.
- How does this compare to other Muscle Nation protein bars?
- This Custard Protein Bar is a strong performer, but it sits within a very broad range of options from the brand. Muscle Nation offers other bars, like those in their 'CRISP' or 'High Protein' lines, that pack even more protein per 100g. This version focuses heavily on a specific soft, fudge-like texture, which involves a slightly different nutritional profile and a longer ingredient list. If your main goal is maximising protein intake, you might compare it with their other bars on the shelf.
- Where can I buy the Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar?
- This protein bar is widely available in major Australian supermarkets. We've seen it catalogued at both Coles and Woolworths, so you should be able to find it in the health food or snack aisle there. It may also be available to purchase directly from the Muscle Nation website. Availability can vary by store location, so it's always worth checking the stock at your local supermarket.
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, for most people this should be a satisfying snack. It packs 17.4g of protein and a high amount of fibre, both of which contribute to satiety and help keep you feeling full between meals. At 205 calories, it's more substantial than a standard chocolate bar or muesli bar. We'd consider it a good fit for curbing an afternoon slump or as a tide-me-over snack, but not as a full meal replacement.