Amazonia Raw Plant Protein Bar Choc Chip Cookie Dough Review

Welcome to the latest instalment of my 52 Bars in 52 Weeks Protein Bar Review Series. This week I took a look at the Amazonia Raw Plant Protein Bar Choc Chip Cookie Dough.

The brand Amazonia was started in Australia in 2008 and now sells products globally. They operate with a focus on certified organic, sustainable wholefoods and supplements – with no synthetics, GMOs, dairy or artificial ingredients.

Ultimately they want to create natural food that's in harmony with the natural world. Sounds good!

While making my latest Goodness Me order I couldn't resist chucking one of the Amazonia Raw Plant Protein Bar Choc Chip Cookie Dough bars into my cart to see what this all-natural goodness tastes like.

If you want to grab one to try for yourself, Goodness Me often has these bars on sale for a reduced price.

Amazonia Raw Plant Protein Bar Choc Chip Cookie Dough First Impressions

Protein Bar Quick Details

Price

RRP: $4.50

Flavours available

Salted Caramel Choc Crisp, Peanut Butter Choc Melt, Choc Chip Cookie Dough

Protein Bar Packaging

This was the FIRST bar I've reviewed that had zero product information hidden under the fold on the reverse side of the packaging. Remarkable. I'm a big fan of that as it means the average consumer who doesn't go hunting over square cm like I do is likely to see all the relevant information.

Otherwise, the earthy colours of this packet align well with the 'raw' concept and it conveys health and wellness without having to spell it out explicitly.

It's also very obvious that it's a vegan bar without hiding mention of it somewhere obscure.

Protein Bar Nutritional Claims

• 10g Plant Protein

• 4g Dietary Fibre

• Vegan

• Gluten-Free

  
  

Protein Bar Taste Test

Protein Bar Appearance

This might be the best looking protein bar I've seen. It looks SO GOOD. Plus it looks like it could have been done ten minutes ago in your own kitchen with recognisable choc chips in there too.

It's super appetising and excitement was high to taste it.

Protein Bar Aroma

Bizarrely this smells like coffee. It has a mild peanut tinge but has a rich dark chocolate mocha-esque aroma.

Protein Bar Texture

Despite looking very solid the bar is smooth, soft, and doughy. Once you've taken that initial bite you can't distinguish between the topping and rest of the bar in your mouth at all.

It blends into one almost instantly and slowly dissolves away with minimal chewing required.

Protein Bar Flavour

A beautiful milk chocolate flavour hits first but is quickly followed by the creamy vanilla undertone that makes up most of the bar. The cookie flavour balances perfectly with the chocolate drizzle. It's sweet without being sickly, and tastes like a cheeky dessert in all the good ways.

There aren't any choc chips in it aside from the ones on top, which I was initially disappointed about but it tastes so good that I soon forgot.

The aftertaste is very sweet and could be borderline sickly for some. While I loved the bar, I wasn't devastated when it ended because any more would have become too much.

Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 4.5/5

If the sweetness was taken down a notch it'd be perfect.

Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis

Ingredients List

Protein and Fibre Blend (Soluble Fibre (Tapioca), Bio-Fermented Rice Protein, Sprouted Pea Protein Isolate), Brown Rice Syrup, Cocoa Butter, Dark Chocolate Drizzle 4.5%, Dark Chocolate Chips 4%, Buckwheat, Natural Flavours, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Sea Salt, Antioxidant (Vitamin E), Sweetener (Steviol Glycosides).

Contains Soy. Made on equipment which processes Milk, peanuts, Tree Nuts & Sesame, therefore these allergens may be present.

• Protein sources: Bio-Fermented Rice Protein, Sprouted Pea Protein Isolate

• Fibre source: Soluble Fibre (Tapioca)

• Carbs source: Brown Rice Syrup, Buckwheat

• Fat source: Cocoa Butter, Dark Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Drizzle

While this bar includes primarily whole-food-based ingredients, the presence of brown rice syrup may be considered less healthy due to its high glycemic index, which can lead to blood sugar spikes (not the biggest problem you'll face on a hike but relevant if you're snacking on them at home).

Additionally, the sweetener (Steviol Glycosides) is considered a safer alternative to sugar but may still be a concern for individuals who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether.

Nutrition Information Panel

Protein

With 10g of protein per 40g bar, this provides a solid source of plant-based protein. The combination of rice protein and pea protein is a good alternative for hikers who prefer non-dairy protein sources. However, it's not as bioavailable or rapidly absorbed as whey protein, which is typically absorbed faster by the body.

Despite not being the absolute best option out there, rice protein is still rich in essential amino acids, and pea protein provides a full range of amino acids, making it a decent protein blend for recovery after hikes.

Carbohydrates

At 11.8g of carbs, with 5.2g of sugars, this bar’s carbs come primarily from brown rice syrup and buckwheat. Buckwheat is a great source of slow-digesting complex carbohydrates that provide steady energy, while brown rice syrup adds simple sugars that can provide quick fuel.

The balance of complex and simple carbs makes this bar a great option for both pre-hike energy and mid-hike fuel, though those concerned with blood sugar levels should steer clear of the rice syrup – particularly if not exercising that day.

Fat

The bar contains 5.8g of fat, of which 3.3g is saturated fat, primarily coming from cocoa butter and chocolate chips. Cocoa butter is a heart-healthy fat that contains stearic acid, a saturated fat that doesn’t raise cholesterol levels as much as other types.

However, the saturated fat content is moderate, so this bar should be consumed in moderation if you're trying to limit your fat intake. The fats in this bar can help provide longer-lasting energy on a hike.

Sodium

The sodium content is 73mg per 40g bar, which is fairly low. For hikers, this could be a plus, as you'll be hydrating with electrolytes anyway and keeping sodium lower elsewhere makes it easier not to overdo it. However, if you're smashing it on a long, strenuous hike extra snacks with higher sodium content would be better.

Fibre

With 4.1g of fibre, this bar provides a decent amount to support digestion and help keep you feeling full. The fibre is mainly sourced from tapioca, which is a prebiotic fibre that can help promote gut health by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Prebiotic fibre is particularly helpful for maintaining digestive balance, something that can be disrupted during long hikes or while travelling.

Key Takeaways Amazonia Raw Plant Protein Bar Choc Chip Cookie Dough

Protein Bar

• Cost per bar: $4.50

• Cost per 100g: $11.25

• Cost per gram of protein: $1.13

Flavour

4.5/5

Consumption Recommendation

This protein bar is best consumed as a pre-hike snack or during the hike when you need quick and sustained energy. The combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats can keep you fueled for up to a few hours, especially if you're about to tackle a moderate-intensity hike.

It's not the ideal post-hike recovery snack due to its sugar content and relatively low protein for a protein bar, but it is a great option for keeping your energy levels up during the trail.

Try one for yourself at the Goodness Me website (they are often on sale).

Protein Bar FAQs

Is Sunflower Lecithin good for you?

Yes, sunflower lecithin is generally considered safe and beneficial for health. It’s a natural emulsifier that can help improve brain function and support liver health, while also being a non-GMO alternative to soy lecithin.

Does this protein and fibre blend (Soluble Fibre (Tapioca), Bio-Fermented Rice Protein, Sprouted Pea Protein Isolate) provide complete proteins?

Yes, the combination of rice protein and pea protein in this bar offers a full amino acid profile, making it a complete plant-based protein.

How does the protein blend in this bar compare to whey protein?

While both rice and pea protein are excellent plant-based protein sources, whey protein is typically absorbed more quickly by the body and has a higher bioavailability. However, this blend is still a strong option for those avoiding dairy.

What are GMOs and why are they bad for you?

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are plants or animals whose DNA has been altered in ways that do not occur naturally. While the long-term health effects are still debated, many people choose to avoid GMOs due to concerns about potential environmental impacts and food safety.

What is prebiotic fibre?

Prebiotic fibre is a type of non-digestible carbohydrate that helps stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, improving digestion and supporting overall gut health.

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When's the best time for hikers to eat protein bars for performance and why?

High protein bars like this are ideal for pre-hike fuel or post-hike muscle recovery. The protein and fibre helps stabilise blood sugar, providing sustained energy on tough trails or a protein boost right after a strenuous climb.

Why is dark chocolate more bitter than milk chocolate?

Dark chocolate is more bitter than milk chocolate because it has a higher cocoa content, no milk solids, and typically fewer added sugars to counteract the natural bitter taste.

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 bar from the Goodness Me website – my favourite online food store because all products are nutritionist-approved! 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.