Sam's Pantry Protein Crisp Bars Double Choc 5 pack
Sam's Pantry Protein Crisp Bars Double Choc 5 pack: independently scored 6.4/10 on Protein Score and 6.0/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
6.7g protein per serve · 122 cal · 7.2g sugar · 112mg sodium · 32g serve.
Overview
As a Woolworths private label brand, Sam's Pantry aims for the mainstream grocery shopper, and this bar fits the brief. It's designed to look like a dedicated protein bar, but the nutritional panel tells a story of a chocolate snack with a bit of protein sprinkled in, rather than a protein-focused product. Compared with the brand's own Protein Crisp Bars Dark Choc Caramel 5 pack, this Double Choc version has 0.3g less protein and 1.3g more sugar per 100g, making it a slightly sweeter trade-off. Against the broader category, the numbers are stark. With more than double the sugar and significantly less protein than the average protein bar we've tested, it doesn't compete on macros. What you're getting is a texture-driven snack. The soy protein crisps and choc layers deliver a satisfying crunch that a protein shake can't. We see it as a direct competitor to a standard muesli or chocolate bar, but one that offers a slightly better protein number, even if it's not a standout figure in its own aisle.
Protein Score: 6.4/10
Stacked against the brand's Dark Choc Caramel version, this Double Choc bar offers slightly less protein for a little more sugar. The 6.7g of protein in a 32g bar is a modest bump over a standard muesli bar, but it's not in the same league as a true recovery product, earning a 5.6/10 for its protein contribution. The protein-per-calorie figure is the key metric here. At 5.5g of protein for every 100 calories, it lags the typical product in this category, meaning you're getting more energy from other sources for the protein hit you receive. It's a snack with protein, not a protein-first bar. For someone wanting a small top-up to tide them over, it serves a purpose. But if your goal is hitting a serious protein target after a workout, you would need to eat three or four of these to get the dose of a single, more dedicated protein bar.
Clean Score: 6.0/10
The crisp texture and layered chocolate finish are delivered by a list of 30 ingredients, which is higher than the category average. This level of processing, which includes emulsifiers like soy lecithin, is what gives the bar its shelf stability and consistent mouthfeel, landing it a 4.7/10. On the plus side, the sweetness comes from sugar, chicory fibre, and natural sources like monk fruit extract and steviol glycosides, rather than artificial sweeteners. This is a deliberate choice to avoid the aftertaste that some shoppers dislike in other protein products. This positions the bar as a highly processed snack that prioritises taste and texture over a simple, whole-food ingredient list. It's a trade-off for convenience and a specific sensory experience, but it won't suit shoppers who prefer products with fewer additives and a cleaner profile.
Wins
- 6.7g of protein per 122-calorie bar.
- High in fibre with 17.8g per 100g.
- Uses natural sweeteners, not artificial ones.
Watch outs
- Only 6.7g protein per serve.
- High in sugar at 7.2g per 32g bar.
- A long list of 30 ingredients.
Ingredients
Milk Choc Compound (23%) (Sugar, Vegetable Fat, Cocoa Solids, Milk Solids, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Salt, Natural Flavours), Soy Protein Crisps (22%) (Soy Protein Isolate, Tapioca Starch, Salt), Choc Layer (20%) (Chicory Fibre, Soluble Com Fibre, Dark Choc Compound (6%) (Sugar, Vegetable Fat, Cocoa Solids, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour, Salt, Milk), Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Cocoa Powder, Salt, Natural Flavour, Monk Fruit Extract Steviol Glycosides, Antioxidant (Vitamin E)), Glucose Syrup, Isomalto Oligosaccharide, Soluble Corn Fibre, Cocoa Crispies (3%) (Wheat), Sunflower Oil, Soy Protein Isolate, Sugar, Wheat Protein, Humectant (Glycerine), Vegetable Shortening, Natural Flavours, Cocoa Powders, Full Cream Milk Powder, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Salt.
31 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, for a light snack it should be reasonably satisfying. The bar contains a high amount of fibre, with 17.8g per 100g, which contributes to a feeling of fullness. At 121.7 calories, it's a controlled portion, but the combination of protein, fibre and crispy texture provides more to chew on than a simple chocolate bar. We think it works well as a tide-me-over snack for an afternoon slump.
- Is this a meal replacement or just a snack?
- This is definitely just a snack, not a meal replacement. With only 6.7g of protein and 121.7 calories, it doesn't have the nutritional density or protein load to substitute for a full meal. A typical meal replacement would offer significantly more protein and a broader micronutrient profile. We'd frame this as a higher-protein alternative to a standard chocolate or muesli bar.
- Where can I buy Sam's Pantry Protein Bars?
- The Sam's Pantry range is typically stocked at Woolworths supermarkets across Australia. As it's a Woolworths private label brand, you'll find it in their stores in the snack or health food aisle. Availability at specific locations can vary, and it may also be available direct from other online retailers, but Woolworths is the primary stockist we have catalogued.
- How does this bar compare to other protein bars?
- Compared to the average protein bar we track, this product has a weaker nutritional profile. Its protein content of 20.8g per 100g is well below the category average of 27g. Meanwhile, its sugar content of 22.5g per 100g is more than double the category average of 10.6g. This places it at the indulgent end of the protein bar spectrum, closer to a confectionery item.
- What is the Sam's Pantry brand?
- Sam's Pantry is a private label brand owned by the Australian supermarket chain Woolworths. The brand offers a wide variety of pantry staples, from cereals and oats to snacks like these protein bars. Because it's an in-house brand, the products are developed to compete with other national brands on the shelf, often focusing on mainstream tastes and accessibility. We haven't independently verified other details about the brand's history or manufacturing.