NOWAY NOWAY!® Collagen Fusion Bar Box of 8 - Mint Candy Cane
NOWAY NOWAY!® Collagen Fusion Bar Box of 8 - Mint Candy Cane: independently scored 8.5/10 on Protein Score and 6.4/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
21g protein per serve · 170 cal · 5.8g sugar · 90mg sodium · 60g serve.
Overview
This is a protein bar for someone who finds the texture of mainstream whey-based bars too dense or chalky. The NOWAY!® Collagen Fusion Bar has a unique, almost confectionary-like quality, thanks to a combination of gelatine, agar and corn fibre. The Mint Candy Cane flavour is distinct and leans into its sweet, festive positioning, coated in a dark compound chocolate. The protein density is a standout, packing 34.9g per 100g, which is significantly higher than the 27g category average for protein bars. At the same time, its 9.7g of sugar per 100g sits just below the typical 10.6g average, showing a well-managed trade-off between flavour and function. It achieves this using a mix of sugar, erythritol and stevia. Compared with the brand's NOWAY!® Collagen Jelly Bar in Cherry Coconut, this Mint Candy Cane version delivers 0.3g more protein and 0.4g less sugar per 100g. This demonstrates a tight nutritional consistency across the brand's flavour lineup, allowing shoppers to pick based on preference without a major macro penalty. Ultimately, this bar lands as a high-protein snack with a novel texture. It's not trying to be a whole-food product, but it successfully delivers a substantial protein serve in a format that feels more like a treat than a chore to eat. We see it as a solid option for breaking up the monotony of whey-based snacks.
Protein Score: 8.5/10
Is this bar actually a decent source of protein? With 21 grams in a 170-calorie serve, the answer is a firm yes. That protein density is strong for a snack format, earning a 7.3/10 score that sits comfortably above the category average. The protein source here is hydrolysed bovine collagen. While it delivers a high quantity of protein, it's worth noting that collagen is not a complete protein, meaning it lacks the full spectrum of essential amino acids found in whey or casein. This is a key consideration for athletes focused purely on muscle protein synthesis. Still, for the everyday shopper, the numbers stack up well. The 21g serve blasts past the 2-5g you'd find in a standard muesli bar and places it squarely in the territory of a dedicated protein snack. It's a legitimate option for hitting your daily protein target.
Clean Score: 6.4/10
What's hiding in the ingredient list? With 19 ingredients and eight additives on the panel, it's a moderately processed snack. This formulation earns it a 5.9/10 for the Clean Score, which trails the typical product in this category for ingredient simplicity. The list includes functional ingredients to create its unique texture and ensure shelf stability. Polydextrose and corn fibre add to the fibre content, while gelatine and agar provide the jelly-like bite. Erythritol and stevia deliver sweetness without relying solely on sugar, and potassium sorbate acts as a preservative. The upside is the absence of artificial sweeteners. However, the inclusion of added sugar and RSPO-certified palm oil are details that ingredient-conscious shoppers will notice. It's not a clean-label bar, but it's also not pretending to be one.
Wins
- Delivers a solid 21g of protein in a 170-calorie bar.
- Uses bovine collagen as a non-whey protein source.
- Contains 9.3g of fibre per 100g to aid satiety.
Watch outs
- Contains added sugar and palm oil.
- Not a complete protein source for muscle synthesis.
- A long ingredient list with eight additives.
Ingredients
Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen Peptides (30%), Dark Compound Chocolate (Sugar, Vegetable Fat (RSPO Certified Palm Oil), Cocoa Powder (15%), Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Salt, Natural Flavour), Water, Erythritol, Polydextrose, Gelatine, Corn Fibre, Natural Flavours, Glycerine, Agar, Natural Colour (Beet Red Extract), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Sweetener (Steviol Glycosides).
19 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this bar good for after a workout?
- It can be, but with a caveat. The bar provides 21 grams of protein, which is a substantial amount to help with recovery and satiety after exercise. However, the protein comes from bovine collagen, which is not a complete protein source like whey or casein. For optimal muscle repair and synthesis, a complete amino acid profile is generally preferred. We think it's a solid post-workout snack, but athletes focused on performance might prioritise a whey-based alternative.
- Will the sweeteners in this bar cause stomach issues?
- It's possible for some people. This bar contains the sugar alcohol erythritol as well as steviol glycosides (stevia). While erythritol is often considered one of the better-tolerated sugar alcohols, it can still cause digestive discomfort like bloating or gas in sensitive individuals, particularly when consumed in large quantities. Most people will be fine, but if you know you react to sugar alcohols, it would be wise to try one first.
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, for most people this will be a very satisfying snack. It packs 21 grams of protein and over 5 grams of fibre into a 60-gram bar, and both of these elements are known to contribute to feelings of fullness. At 170 calories, it's substantial enough to curb afternoon hunger and get you through to your next meal without being excessively heavy. We'd grab one to beat an afternoon slump.
- How does this compare to other NOWAY bars?
- This Mint Candy Cane flavour is nutritionally very consistent with other bars in the NOWAY! range. For example, it has fractionally more protein and less sugar than their Cherry Coconut Jelly Bar. This tight consistency suggests the brand maintains a stable macro profile across its different flavours. In our view, this means you can confidently choose based on your flavour preference without worrying about a significant nutritional trade-off.
- Who makes NOWAY bars and where are they from?
- NOWAY! products are from the Australian company ATP Science, which is based in Queensland. According to the brand, its products, including this collagen protein bar, are made in Australia. For more specific details about the company's history, ingredient sourcing, or manufacturing processes, the brand's own website is the best source of information.