28Go Go BarTriple Choc Protein Bar Review
- Jess Nehme
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
Welcome to the latest instalment of my 52 Bars in 52 Weeks Protein Bar Review Series. This week I took a look at the 28Go Go BarTriple Choc Protein Bar.
The 28Go Go BarTriple Choc Protein Bar is stocked at Chemist Warehouse and Woolworths and is produced by Sam Wood's business 28Go.
28Go is about providing great nutrition and grab-and-go convenience in the one product.
28Go Go BarTriple Choc Protein Bar First Impressions
Protein Bar Quick Details
Price
RRP: $5.00
Flavours available
Choc Caramel, Dark Choc Mint, Honeycomb, Peanut Crunch, Cookies & Cream, Triple Choc.
Protein Bar Packaging
This packaging is pretty loud – not many brands in protein bars opt for purple on purple – and it stands out on the shelf. Mission accomplished I'm sure.
I like the messaing of 'protein up, sugar down', but don't love that protein is listed as a % while sugar is listed in grams. I've mentioned this countless times but effectively printing the protein content as a % when it's normally in grams confuses consumers and makes it look like the bar has way more protien than it actually does.
Obviously we should all be checking the nutritional panel but the fact is we don't and manufacturers capitalise on this. Well, the dodgy ones do.
Protein Bar Nutritional Claims
Dot points.
Protein Bar Taste Test
Protein Bar Appearance
The bar was leaking something that looked like caramel when it came out of the wrapper, which wasn't the most appealing look, especially given it's not a caramel flavoured bar. Otherwise it looks appetising – the inside particularly!
Protein Bar Aroma
The outside of the bar smells like a Milky Way chocolate bar. Inside it smells like cocoa with strong double chocolate vibes. It's appealing.
Protein Bar Texture
The 28Go Protein Bar is dense and initially quite dry. It's chewy and almost rubbery in your mouth, never quite moist or crumbly. The bar sort of congeals together into one mass.
The slight specks of crunch are good but would have loved them to be bigger to provide more interest.
Protein Bar Flavour
Despite looking like it's going to be absolutely divine, this bar is probably the only thing I've ever eaten that warrants the comparison to cardboard. Try as I might I couldn't detect any chocolate or discernible flavour.
It's beyond weird to eat a bar that smells so good and literally tastes like absolutely nothing. As my fellow taster commented, 'how is it possible to chuck a bible's worth of ingredients in here and have it taste like nothing?'
How indeed.
Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 2/5
This is perhaps the lowest ranking so far. It's not disgusting – I still ate it happily enough – it just doesn't deliver on the promise of chocolate or flavour.
Protein bar Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients List
Protein Blend [Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Soy Protein Isolate], No Added Sugar Dark Chocolate [Cocoa Solids, Sweetener (965), Emulsifiers (Soy 322, 476), Natural Vanilla Flavour] (20%), Glycerine, Soluble Corn Fibre, Polydextrose Syrup, Choc Flavoured Paste [Invert Sugar, Humectants (Sorbitol, Glycerol), Fruit Puree, Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Cocoa Powder (4.6%), Vegetable Oil, Wheat Fibre, Natural Flavours, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Firming Agent (Calcium Lactate)] (7%), Cocoa Protein Crisps [Soy Protein, Alkalized Cocoa Powder, Tapioca Starch], Vegetable Oil, Cocoa Powder (1%), Natural Flavouring, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Antioxidant (Mixed Tocopherols). Dark chocolate contains at least 50% Cocoa Solids.
Allergens: Contains milk, soy, wheat, gluten. May contain peanuts, tree nuts, sesame.
Protein sources: Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa Protein Crisps (Soy Protein).
Fibre source: Soluble Corn Fibre, Polydextrose Syrup, Wheat Fibre.
Carbs source: Invert Sugar, Sorbitol, Glycerol, Polydextrose, Natural Flavours, Fruit Puree, Cocoa Protein Crisps (Tapioca Starch).
Fat source: Vegetable Oil, Cocoa Powder (1%), No Added Sugar Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Solids, Cocoa Powder).
Artificial ingredients: Sweetener (965 - Maltitol), Emulsifiers (Soy 322, 476), Antioxidant (Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavouring.
The main ingredients of concern in this 28Go Protein Bar are:
Sweetener 965 (Maltitol) can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals when consumed in large amounts.
Emulsifiers 322 and 476 may affect gut microbiota, but this is not conclusively proven. When the verdict is out on an artificial ingredient I find the safest route is to avoid or minimise consumption.
Nutrition Information Panel
Protein
At 16.6g per 55g bar (30% of calories), this is a solid protein source for hikers, combining whey protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. Whey is rapidly absorbed, aiding muscle recovery, while soy provides plant-based amino acids.
However, those sensitive to soy or lactose may want to consider alternatives.
Carbohydrates
With 6.6g carbs and only 2.7g of sugar, this bar relies on sugar alcohols (sorbitol, maltitol and glycerol) for sweetness and texture. While low sugar is beneficial, these ingredients can cause bloating if consumed in excess.
The soluble corn fibre contributes to slow energy release though, making this bar ideal for longer hikes.
Fat
Containing 6.4g fat (2.9g saturated), the bar provides moderate energy for the trail. While vegetable oil is processed, the inclusion of cocoa butter in the dark chocolate adds a natural fat source. For hikers, this level of fat offers satiety without having to carry excess weight.
Fibre
At 7.6g fibre, this bar excels in digestive support, potentially helping to keep you feeling full while you're on the move. Ingredients like polydextrose and soluble corn fibre are prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. However, they may cause gas in sensitive individuals. Best to try this bar out on a few practice hikes or make sure you're wearing pants with an adjustable waistband!
Sodium
At 139mg, the sodium content is low-moderate, and will replenish electrolytes lost through sweat on shorter hikes. For long hikes, a bar with slightly higher sodium would be preferable OR ensure you have electrolytes.
Key Takeaways 28Go Go BarTriple Choc Protein Bar
Protein Bar
Cost per bar: $5.00
Cost per 100g: $9.09
Cost per gram of protein: $0.30
Flavour
2/5
Consumption Recommendation
For hikers, this bar works best as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. The high protein aids muscle repair, while the slow-digesting carbs and fibre provide sustained energy.
Avoid consuming multiple bars at once due to the sugar alcohol content, which could cause digestive distress.
Protein Bar FAQs
What’s the best way for me to use this protein bar to improve my performance on a hike?
Eat the bar mid-hike to fuel muscles and sustain energy. The combination of protein, slow-digesting carbs, and fats makes it a great endurance snack.
Is 7.8g of glycerol in this 55g protein bar too high for comfort?
For most people, this amount is tolerable and helps with hydration. However, sensitive individuals might experience mild digestive discomfort.
What is sweetener 965?
Sweetener 965 is maltitol, a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener. It has a glycemic index lower than sugar but may cause bloating if eaten in excess.
Are soy emulsifiers No. 322 and 476 ingredients I should avoid in protein bars?
These are generally safe but can be controversial due to potential gut health impacts. Moderation is key.
What is whey protein concentrate?
Whey protein concentrate is derived from milk and retains lactose along with beneficial amino acids. It's highly bioavailable, meaning it’s absorbed quickly and efficiently by the body.
Is whey protein sustainable?
Whey protein is a byproduct of cheese production, making it a sustainable choice.
What other protein bars have you reviewed in the 52 Bars in 52 Weeks review series so far?
Where can I find more protein bar reviews?
Follow @thehikersnutritionist on Instagram for regular protein bar reviews and flavour comparisons. Otherwise, stay tuned to this website for a new protein bar review every single week.
Disclaimer
I purchased this 28Go Protein Bar when it was on a half-price sale at Woolies because no one is paying me to write these reviews and it adds up fast! I protect my ability to provide you with my honest opinion because I value my integrity far more than a free snack. I'll never accept payment for reviews, or free products on the contingency that I say what a brand wants.
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