Tom & Luke Snackaballs Pot Peanut Butter & Cacao
Tom & Luke Snackaballs Pot Peanut Butter & Cacao: independently scored 3.6/10 on Protein Score and 8.4/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
4.4g protein per serve · 148 cal · 9.8g sugar · 90mg sodium · 33g serve.
Overview
These date-and-nut balls from Tom & Luke are a good example of the wholefood end of the snack aisle, where a clean ingredient list often comes with a lower protein hit. With just six ingredients, they sit far from the highly processed, additive-heavy bars that can dominate the shelves. The sugar content, at 29.7g per 100g, is nearly three times the average for the protein snacks we track, a direct result of using dates as the primary binder and sweetener. This positions the Snackaballs as a more indulgent, energy-focused bite rather than a lean protein source. The protein density is also well under the category benchmark. We see them as a swap for a chocolate bar or a sweet treat, offering a bit more fibre and wholefood integrity, but not as a dedicated protein-first product. The multipack format, with seven small pots of three balls each, makes them a convenient option for portion control or stashing in a desk drawer for when a 3pm craving hits.
Protein Score: 3.6/10
Is this a proper protein snack? The numbers suggest it's more of a snack-with-protein, landing a 4/10 for its protein density. At just 4.4g of protein per 33g serve, it sits closer to a standard muesli bar than a dedicated recovery product, which is an important distinction in this aisle. This score trails the field for protein bars and snacks, a category where the average product delivers significantly more protein per calorie. You'd need to eat five or six of these serves to get the protein equivalent of a single, mainstream protein bar, which would also mean a substantial calorie and sugar intake. For someone wanting a small, satisfying bite with some wholefood credentials, the protein here is a bonus, not the main event. It's not the snack to reach for if your goal is muscle repair or hitting a high daily protein target. The low protein-per-100-calorie figure of 3g confirms its place as an energy snack first.
Clean Score: 8.4/10
The trade-off for a completely clean, additive-free ingredient list is often a simpler texture and shorter shelf life. Tom & Luke's Snackaballs embrace this, using just six recognisable ingredients to earn an 8.7/10 on our Clean Score. There are no gums, emulsifiers, or artificial sweeteners to be found. This score is well ahead of the typical product in the snack category, where the average ingredient list is almost four times as long and often includes a handful of additives to manage texture and sweetness. The use of dates for sweetness and binding, instead of sugar syrups or polyols like maltitol (E965), is the key driver of this high score. For shoppers who prioritise whole foods and a minimal ingredient panel, this is a standout performer. The absence of any E-numbers or chemical-sounding names provides confidence. It's shows the brand's philosophy of keeping things simple, even if it means a higher natural sugar content.
Wins
- Built on a base of just six wholefood ingredients.
- Contains no added sugar, colours, or preservatives.
- 11g of fibre per 100g provides good satiety.
Watch outs
- Only 4.4g of protein per serve.
- Sugar content is high at 9.8g per 33g serve.
- Protein density is well below the category average.
Ingredients
Dates, Peanuts, Cacao Powder (7%), Peanut Butter (5%), Sea Salt, Coconut.
6 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I buy Tom & Luke's Snackaballs?
- This product is catalogued at Woolworths supermarkets in Australia. It's typically found in the health food aisle alongside other snacks and protein bars. While it's widely stocked in major supermarkets, availability can vary by store location. The brand's official website may also offer direct purchasing options. We'd suggest checking the Woolworths website for local stock or looking for it on your next grocery run.
- How do these compare to other protein snacks?
- They sit at the wholefood end of the spectrum, which is a trade-off. Compared to the average protein snack we track, their ingredient list is much cleaner and shorter. However, the protein is low at 13.4g per 100g (versus a 27g average) and the sugar is high at 29.7g per 100g (versus a 10.6g average). In short, you're getting cleaner ingredients but sacrificing the protein hit and taking on more sugar.
- Are these Snackaballs filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, for most people a single 33g serve should be satisfying for a small snack. The high fibre content, at 11g per 100g, and the density of the date-and-nut ingredients help with satiety. At 148 calories, it's a decent energy boost to get you through an afternoon slump. It's not substantial enough to replace a small meal, but it's more satisfying than a simple sweet. We'd grab it for a quick bite between meals.
- Is this a daily snack or a sometimes treat?
- We'd frame this as more of a treat or an occasional energy snack. The main reason is the high sugar content, which is 9.8g per 33g serve, all from dates. While it's natural sugar, it's still a significant amount for a small snack, making it less suitable as a daily, protein-focused habit. Think of it as a cleaner alternative to a chocolate bar, not a staple for your protein goals.
- Why did this product score lower for protein?
- The Protein Score reflects protein density, not just the presence of protein. This product has 4.4g of protein in a 148-calorie serve, which is a low ratio for a product in the protein snack category. It also provides just 3g of protein for every 100 calories. This puts it closer to a standard muesli bar than a dedicated protein bar. We score this way to help shoppers distinguish between snacks-with-protein and protein-first products.