Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar Choc Peanut Butter
Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar Choc Peanut Butter: 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 Muscle Nation's own Peanut Butter Cup, this Custard bar delivers 4.0g less protein and 2.1g more sugar per 100g, signalling a more flavour-first, dessert-style positioning. It's a soft, dense bar that leans heavily into the confectionary end of the aisle, a world away from the chewy, grainy texture of old-school protein snacks. The name gives the game away: a "Peanut Flavoured Custard" layer made from milk proteins and custard powder forms the core. This is supported by a complex blend of hydrolysed collagen, soy protein isolate, and whey protein concentrate. It's a clear strategy to deliver a specific mouthfeel, using a wide array of ingredients to get there. Its 26g of protein per 100g sits around the category average for the protein bars we track, but the 50-ingredient list is more than double the typical 22 we see. This tells a story of significant processing required to achieve the taste and texture, including multiple sweeteners like sucralose and sugar alcohols. Ultimately, this isn't the bar we'd reach for as a clean recovery tool post-workout. Think of it more as a glovebox or desk-drawer snack for when a sweet craving hits, but you still want a protein chaser to make it count.
Protein Score: 9.0/10
Is this a genuine protein bar or just a sweet treat in disguise? The 15.6g of protein packed into a single 60g bar is a substantial figure, providing a respectable 7.4g of protein for every 100 calories. This performance earns it a 7.5/10, placing it above the average for the category. The protein comes from a broad coalition of sources, including milk protein isolate, hydrolysed collagen, soy isolate, and whey concentrate. While it doesn't reach the 20-30g payload of the most dedicated, high-performance bars, it comfortably clears the 2-5g found in a standard muesli bar, making it a genuinely functional snack. For the person who wants to satisfy a 3pm sugar craving without completely derailing their macros, this bar finds its sweet spot. It's not the leanest option for a competitive athlete, but as a convenient top-up, it delivers a meaningful protein dose.
Clean Score: 5.7/10
What does it take to make a shelf-stable bar taste like choc peanut butter custard? In this case, the answer is a list of 50 ingredients, which includes 13 registered additives, landing the bar a 4.5/10 Clean Score. This level of complexity sees it trail the typical product in the protein snack category. The ingredient panel features sweeteners like sucralose and the sugar alcohols maltitol and erythritol (968), alongside thickeners like carboxymethyl cellulose and stabilisers. This isn't accidental; it's the trade-off for achieving a smooth, custard-like texture and a sweet, indulgent flavour profile that holds up on the shelf. Shoppers looking for a short, simple, whole-food ingredient list will likely find this bar too processed for their liking. It represents a conscious choice: sacrificing ingredient simplicity for a dessert-style experience that is still anchored to the protein number.
Wins
- Delivers 15.6g of protein in a single 60g bar.
- Contains 14.5g of fibre per 100g for satiety.
- Blends multiple protein sources including whey, casein and collagen.
Watch outs
- A long list of 50 ingredients signals heavy processing.
- Contains multiple sugar alcohols which can cause digestive upset for some.
- Lower in protein than other bars in the Muscle Nation 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?
- This bar contains the sugar alcohols maltitol, sorbitol, and erythritol, which can cause digestive issues like gas or bloating in some people. These ingredients are used to provide sweetness without the calories of sugar, but they are not fully absorbed by the body. How you react depends entirely on your individual sensitivity. If you know you react to them, it might be best to skip this one. For most people, one bar is unlikely to cause major problems, but it's something to be aware of.
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, for most people this bar should be quite satisfying as a snack. It packs 212 calories, 15.6g of protein, and a high fibre content (14.5g per 100g), all of which contribute to a feeling of fullness. The combination of protein and fibre is effective at curbing hunger between meals. While it's not substantial enough to replace a proper meal, we think it works well as a tide-me-over snack to beat an afternoon slump.
- Should I eat this before or after a workout?
- You could use it for either, but it's arguably better as an anytime snack. With 15.6g of protein, it offers a decent hit for post-workout recovery if you're in a pinch and need something convenient. However, its complex ingredient list and sugar alcohols mean it's not as clean as a simple whey shake or a dedicated recovery bar. As a pre-workout option, the high fibre and fat content might slow digestion for some. We'd keep it in the gym bag for emergencies but prefer it as a daily snack.
- Where can I buy the Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar?
- This protein bar is listed in the catalogues of major Australian supermarkets, including Coles. You'll typically find it in the health food aisle alongside other protein bars and snacks. While it's widely stocked on supermarket shelves, it may also be available to purchase directly from the Muscle Nation website. Availability can vary by store location, so it's always a good idea to check the retailer's website for local stock levels.
- How does this compare to other Muscle Nation protein bars?
- This Custard Protein Bar is positioned as a more indulgent, dessert-style option within the brand's range. For example, when compared with Muscle Nation's Peanut Butter Cup, this bar has 4.0g less protein and 2.1g more sugar per 100g. This highlights a deliberate trade-off, prioritising a softer texture and sweeter taste over a leaner nutritional profile. If your main goal is maximising protein intake, other bars in their lineup might be a better fit.