Blue Dinosaur Chocolate Protein Bar Reviewed & Taste Tested
- Jess Nehme
- Oct 31, 2024
- 8 min read
Welcome to the second of a weekly review series of 52 high protein bars. Over the next 52 weeks, I’ll be reviewing the nutritional quality, ideal application, and taste of protein bars available in Australia to help hikers make more informed snack choices. For more about the project, click here.
This week I did a bunch of protein bar analysis, taste testing the whole range of Blue Dinosaur egg-white protein bars. And frankly, I was impressed. Overall the range sits among the best protein bars that I've tasted and it certainly wasn't a chore chewing through their range of dark chocolate, peanut butter, and peanut butter chocolate chip bars!
This review is focused on the Blue Dinosaur Chocolate-flavoured high protein bar.
Let's jump right in.
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Blue Dinosaur Protein Bar First Impressions
Protein Bar Quick Details
Price
$49.95 for a box of 12.
Flavours available
Choc Chip Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough, and Chocolate.
Protein Bar Packaging
Blue Dinosaur has wrapped its high-protein bar in a gorgeous blue sleeve, which is distinct from the muted yellow packaging of its vegan range of protein bars.
The packet is adorned with a very appealing five-star health rating and plenty of mentions of the word 'natural'. I can't fault them on that, this bar has the shortest ingredients list I've ever seen.
I also liked that the best before date was only a few months after I purchased it. While it's handy having food last years, it's typically only able to do so because it's stuffed full of preservatives. Not the case with Blue Dinosaur bars – these are natural and ready now.
Aside from the obvious I also appreciated the attention to detail regarding the thoughtful 'chew with care' warnings that fragments of date shell may appear occasionally.
The ingredients list was prominent – not hidden beneath the fold – and the packaging makes me feel optimistic about eating it.
Protein Bar Production & Ethics
This high protein bar is Australian-owned and made with locally sourced and imported ingredients, though the packaging doesn't specify in what percentage (which can make a huge difference).
Otherwise, Blue Dinosaur focuses on natural, non-GMO, and ethically sourced ingredients, aiming for the quality we can trust while supporting local supply chains – I like this.
Protein Bar Nutritional Claims
Each bar is packed with 20g of protein (over 33% protein!), fueled by a blend of free-range egg whites and bovine collagen, both known for supporting muscle recovery and providing a full range of amino acids.
It’s sweetened naturally with dates, which add fibre and antioxidants, and cacao for a heart-healthy magnesium boost. Also, it’s refined sugar-free and has no sugar alcohols — making it a solid choice for those looking for clean energy.
Protein Bar Taste Test
Protein Bar Aroma
The Chocolate Blue Dinosaur Egg Protein Bar has a strong aroma of raw cocoa powder. It's a rich smell that hints at the decadence to come.
Protein Bar Appearance
The bar itself is dark in colour and looks similar to a chocolate brownie, just without the dusting of cocoa or icing sugar on top. One side is noticeably glossy and looks like a layer of icing or chocolate is on top. It looks firm and slightly moist, making me think that this will probably taste like dark chocolate.
Protein Bar Texture
The protein bar itself is dense but there's no overly chewy texture, and I'm pleasantly surprised. While it's firm, there's no fight involved to bite into it like equivalent high protein bars. It doesn't fall to pieces and crumble either, which is a big plus for standing snack breaks and not losing half your snack to your lap.
Despite that chocolate layer on top, this bar resisted melting. One of my pet peeves is taking messy chocolate protein bars on hikes only to end up eating with my hands covered in melted chocolate. Licking your fingers after you've doused them in hand sanitiser before your snack break is truly foul.
I really liked that the bar held its form well and didn't melt before temperatures got really warm. Keep it away from your body heat in your pack and you should be pretty sweet on most occasions.
Protein Bar Digestibility
The protein bar is dense without feeling heavy, and while I felt full after one bar, I didn't feel sluggish or bloated. I didn't have any tummy upsets or grumbles. This result is likely due to the decent fibre content and natural ingredients.
Protein Bar Flavour
Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 4/5
This protein bar is the definition of decadent. As advertised it tastes like a rich dark chocolate fudge brownie. If you're a fan of dark chocolate, you'll absolutely adore the depth of flavour. It's not bitter at all and is very well balanced.
If you're not a dark chocolate fan, this one won't taste very moreish. The first time I had one I only got through half and packed the rest away for later. Can report that it's an excellent candidate for an after-dinner treat, or substitute dessert!
Taking a squiz on the Blue Dinosaur website reveals I'm not the only one who thinks this bar is pretty bangin' for a high protein snack. Check out those ratings!
Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients List
Dates, Tapioca Fibre, Beef Collagen, Egg White Powder, Raw Cacao (11%).
Honestly, ingredient lists don't get much better than this.
Nutrition Information Panel
For a 60g bar, you’re looking at 176 calories, 20g of protein, and just 3.5g of fat, which keeps it light but satisfying. The fibre content is a win for hikers needing sustained energy without sugar crashes, at a high 12.4g per bar.
Protein Quality: This protein bar is made using free-range egg white protein and bovine collagen. Egg white protein is a complete protein, offering all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and recovery. Collagen provides additional protein support, though it is not a complete protein source on its own.
Blue Dinosaur doesn't specify the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) or Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) so in terms of how bioavailable the protein is, we're flying blind.
Not sure what the DIAAS or PDCAAS are? Check out the FAQs.
Protein Content: Each 60g bar contains 20.2g of protein, classifying it as a high-protein option suitable for hikers needing substantial protein intake for muscle maintenance and recovery.
Carbohydrates: With 11.1g of carbohydrates per bar, it offers a moderate amount of energy, primarily sourced from dates, providing natural sugars and fibre. This carbohydrate content can support energy needs during hikes without causing significant blood sugar fluctuations.
Fibre: The protein bar provides 12.4g of dietary fiber, exceeding the recommended 3-5g per serving, and making up just under half of the average daily requirement for adults. This high fibre content aids digestion and promotes satiety, beneficial for hikers during prolonged physical activity.
People unused to eating sufficient fibre (surprisingly many people) may find this affects them so I'd recommend limiting consumption to one bar per day if this is you.
Healthy Fats: The total fat content is 3.5g per bar, with 2.3g of saturated fat. The fats are primarily sourced from the natural ingredients, including dates and cacao. While the saturated fat content is notable, the overall fat content is relatively low so it's a big concern.
Sugars: The bar contains 10.3g of sugars, derived naturally from dates and raw cacao. It's free from added refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. If you're going to eat sugar, this is the kind you should be eating.
Vitamins & Minerals: The packaging doesn't indicate any added vitamins or minerals. However, the natural ingredients contribute to its micronutrient profile, offering antioxidants and magnesium from cacao and fibre from dates.
Conclusion: The Blue Dinosaur Chocolate Protein Bar offers high-quality protein with excellent fibre content. It's got moderate carbohydrates and is made using natural sugars, making it a suitable choice for hikers seeking a nutritious and satisfying snack. Its natural ingredient composition supports sustained energy and muscle recovery, essential for hiking performance.
Key Takeaways Blue Dinosaur Protein Bar
Price
Cost per bar: $4.16
Cost per 100g: $6.94
Cost per gram of protein: $0.28
Flavour & Texture
4/5
Ingredients
Protein - varied blend including egg white protein and collagen
Fibre - more than half your daily required intake, excellent
Sweeteners - natural dates, which is awesome
Colours - none, presumably naturally occurring from the cacao
Sodium - low so make sure you're getting your electrolytes from somewhere else
Consumption Recommendation
This decadent dark chocolate brownie-flavoured high protein bar is best eaten pre-hike for sustained energy, post-hike for recovery, or as an added boost on a snack break. It really depends on what else you're eating, but for hiking, this is a good all-rounder for any time of the day.
I'd struggle to eat more than one as the flavour is richer than my bland-loving palette, but having two shouldn't cause any notable issues. Just be mindful that if you're not used to meeting or exceeding your fibre intake you may take a few days to adapt. Good excuse to grab a box and try them at home before your hike!
Where to buy Blue Dinosaur Protein Bars?
Check out the Blue Dinosaur website here. If you're chasing protein bars with a more mellow chocolate flavour, give their peanut butter chocolate chip protein bar a go. Their peanut butter bar is beautifully savoury and moreish too.
Protein Bar FAQs
What's whey protein isolate?
Whey protein isolate (WPI) is a highly purified form of whey protein that contains over 90% protein with minimal fat, carbohydrates, and lactose. It’s rapidly absorbed by the body, making it an excellent choice for muscle recovery post-exercise, and a common ingredient in high protein bars. Whey protein isolate is especially popular for those wanting lean protein supplements with fewer calories, or those who are lactose intolerant.
What is the DIAAS and PDCAAS?
DIAAS (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score) and PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score) are standards that measure protein quality, particularly in foods like protein bars. PDCAAS, the older standard, scores protein quality based on digestibility and amino acid profile but has limitations since it truncates scores at 1.0, even if a protein source exceeds that value.
DIAAS, the newer and more accurate standard, calculates protein quality based on individual amino acid digestibility at the end of the small intestine and does not cap scores, allowing for a clearer indication of a protein’s effectiveness in meeting human amino acid needs.
Are Blue Dinosaur protein bars like this one good for people with sensitive tummies?
This protein bar has been made with clean, natural ingredients and is dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, making it a solid choice for most hikers. However, people sensitive to bovine collagen or high-fibre foods might need to test their tolerance, as some may find the fibre a little intense.
When's the best time for hikers to eat protein bars for performance and why?
High protein bars like this are ideal as a pre-hike fuel-up or for post-hike muscle recovery. The protein and fibre help stabilize blood sugar, providing sustained energy on tough trails or a protein boost right after a strenuous climb. The collagen and egg whites are muscle-friendly, helping you recover faster.
Does this bar provide enough protein for hikers?
At 20g of protein, it’s right in the sweet spot for those looking to support muscle repair and recovery on the go. For most hikers, it’s just about the right amount for boosting performance and aiding recovery after a long trek.
Where can I find more protein bar reviews?
Follow @thehikersnutritionist on Instagram for regular short protein bar reviews and flavour comparisons. Otherwise, stay tuned to this website each week for a new protein bar review every single week.
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.
Disclaimer
I reached out to the team at Blue Dinosaur to ask for samples of these protein bars & they kindly sent me a bunch to test. 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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