Bondi Protein Collagen Plus Chocolate Mudcake Protein Bar 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 Bondi Protein Collagen Plus Chocolate Mudcake Protein Bar.

This Bondi Protein Collagen Plus Chocolate Mudcake Protein Bar comes from a brand that believes 'healthy is a lifestyle'. Love that. Despite this their site and products have a distinct focus on slimming products, which are generally not ones that I gravitate towards for hiking – for obvious reasons!

However, with 18.3g of protein per bar it warranted a look to see if it's still a good option for the trail.

Let's find out.

Psst! Want to try one for yourself? Grab one from Goodness Me, pop in 'HIKE10' at checkout, and enjoy 10% off your total order. You're welcome!

Bondi Protein Collagen Plus Chocolate Mudcake Protein Bar First Impressions

Protein Bar Quick Details

Price

RRP: $4.00

Flavours available

Choc Cherry Coconut, Strawberries & Cream, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Chocolate Mudcake.

Protein Bar Packaging

Packaging is modern, clean, and not overwhelming. Contrast is low compared to competitors but with minimal text overall it's not a problem. The ingredients list takes up most of the back side of the packaging, which is never something I want to see, but at least it's prominent.

The nutrition information panel is under the fold and awkwardly positioned over the edge of the bar, which makes it quite annoying to read. If you look at my photo a few scrolls down you'll see it popping over onto the front of the packet.

The photo is quite an accurate representation of the bar itself so that's good!

Protein Bar Nutritional Claims

• 3g of Hydrolysed Collagen per bar

• 18g protein per bar

• Low Carb

• Natural flavours, colours & sweeteners

• Australian-made (from less than 10% Australian ingredients)

Note the language used here 'natural flavours, colours, & sweeteners'. This doesn't mean that artificial ones aren't used, just that natural ones have been included. Most people will immediately assume it falls into the 'none used' category, which isn't correct. I don't love that little bit of semantic trickery.

Protein Bar Taste Test

Protein Bar Appearance

This bar looks like it's going to be RICH. Look how dark it is! Wow! I haven't seen a protein bar with what looks like a dark chocolate coating yet. It looks appealing, especially with the scattered raised profile on the top promising some decent crunch.

Protein Bar Aroma

It smells as rich as it looks and has a great deep cocoa aroma. It has the slightest hint of sweetness to it but it certainly smells like a mature chocolate smell.

Protein Bar Texture

The bar itself is doughy and surprisingly chewy. You'll need to chew each bite a fair few times to work through it. It does get stuck in your teeth and throat and is a bit sticky.

The layer of crispiness you can see towards the top is unfortunately a flash in the pan and gone in seconds. I would have liked more of this to vary the texture. The other highlight was the satisfying pops of crunch at the very top of the bar – these were excellent but few and few between. Again, more would be good. Towards the end of your mouthful, it becomes quite chewy and rubbery with a slow dissolve of the dregs.

Protein Bar Flavour

The flavour of this Bondi Protein Bar is very slow to develop. It's somehow both sweet and slightly bitter. The chocolate is definitively dark in nature, with no milky creaminess. When the slight bitterness arrives it's mild overall and not overpowering. The aftertaste is actually a lot stronger and is dark and bitter.

It's the perfect after-dinner treat for people who like dark chocolate. If you don't like dark chocolate it's still fine to eat, but not something you'd be likely to choose again.

Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 4/5

This one dropped a point because it feels like you're fighting to chew it and the aroma & aftertaste are stronger than the flavour itself. It would have been nice to have a bit more oomph in both texture and taste.

Psst! Want to try one for yourself? Grab one from Goodness Me, pop in 'HIKE10' at checkout, and enjoy 10% off your total order. You're welcome!

Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis

Ingredients List

No Added Sugar Dark Choc 20% (Vegetable Fat, Sweetener (968), Cocoa Solids 10%, Soy Protein Isolate, Inulin, Emulsifier (Soy 322), Natural Flavour, Intense Sweetener (960), Salt), Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Isomalto-Oligosaccharide (Soluble Fibre), Oligofructose, Milk Protein Concentrate, Humectant (Glycerol), Choc Paste 8% (Invert Sugar, Humectants (Sorbitol, Glycerol), Concentrated Pear Puree, Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Cocoa Powder (4.6%), Sunflower Oil, Wheat Fibre, Natural Flavours, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Firming Agent (Calcium Lactate)), Soy Protein Crisps (Isolated Soy Protein, Tapioca Starch, Cocoa Powder, Salt), Hydrolysed Collagen 5%, Cocoa Powder 4%, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavour, Salt, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Antioxidant (Vitamin E), Sweetener (Steviol Glycosides).

Allergen Contains: Soy| Milk| Gluten| Wheat

Allergen May Be Present: Tree Nuts| Sesame| Peanuts

• Protein sources: Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Crisps, Hydrolysed Collagen

• Fibre source: Isomalto-Oligosaccharide (Soluble Fibre), Inulin, Oligofructose, Wheat Fibre

• Carbs source: Choc Paste (Invert Sugar, Concentrated Pear Puree, Sorbitol), Polydextrose, Cocoa Powder

• Fat source: Sunflower Oil, Vegetable Fat

• Artificial Ingredients: Sweeteners (Steviol Glycosides, Sorbitol, Glycerol, Erythritol, 960), Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin), Gelling Agent (Pectin), Firming Agent (Calcium Lactate)

Ingredients I tend to avoid include:

1. Sorbitol and Glycerol: While commonly used as humectants and low-calorie sweeteners, they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in excess.

2. Vegetable Fat: Often high in saturated fats, it may negatively affect heart health if overconsumed.

3. 960 (Steviol Glycosides): Generally safe but can have an aftertaste some people find unpleasant.

   
   

Nutrition Information Panel

Protein

With 18.5g of protein, this bar is excellent for muscle recovery. The combination of whey, milk, and soy proteins provides a complete amino acid profile, with hydrolysed collagen supporting joint health, although not ideal for muscle repair.

Carbs

At 4.8g of carbs (3.2g sugars), this is a low-carb bar better suited for hikers prioritising fat or protein metabolism. It may not offer sufficient quick energy during prolonged hikes. Sweeteners like erythritol minimize blood sugar spikes.

Fat

7.8g of fat (5.2g saturated) provides enough energy to help you feel full without being stuffed. Saturated fat from vegetable oil and cocoa powder is on the higher side but contributes flavour and energy.

Fibre

With 11.8g of fibre, this bar is highly beneficial for digestive health and promotes prolonged fullness. Prebiotic fibres like inulin and oligofructose support gut microbiota, which can be disrupted by travel or strenuous activity. Make sure to test this out at home to see how your body reacts, especially if you don't eat much fibre normally.

Sodium

124mg of sodium is low for active hikers. You'll need to pair it with other electrolyte-rich foods or drinks to maintain hydration during intense activity.

Key Takeaways Bondi Protein Collagen Plus Chocolate Mudcake Protein Bar

Protein Bar

• Cost per bar: $4.00

• Cost per 100g: $6.67

• Cost per gram of protein: $0.22

Flavour

4/5

Want to try one for yourself? Grab one from Goodness Me, pop in 'HIKE10' at checkout, and enjoy 10% off your total order.

Consumption Recommendation

Consume this bar post-hike for muscle recovery and gut health benefits. Its low-carb profile is less suitable for immediate pre-hike energy but works well alongside a carbohydrate-rich snack or meal for balanced nutrition.

Protein Bar FAQs

What’s intense sweetener (960)?

960 refers to steviol glycosides, a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It’s much sweeter than sugar, requiring less quantity to provide sweetness.

Are low-carb protein bars a good idea for a hiking snack?

They can be, especially for hikers, focused on fat metabolism. However, low-carb bars may not provide quick energy and should be paired with carb-rich options during high-intensity hikes for best performance.

What’s the best way for me to use this collagen protein bar to improve my performance on a hike?

Use it as a recovery snack to support muscle repair and joint health. Combine it with a carb-rich food or drink post-hike to replenish glycogen stores.

What’s the difference between a gelling agent and a firming agent? Why do some protein bars have them and others don’t?

A gelling agent (e.g., pectin) creates a gel-like texture by trapping liquid. A firming agent (e.g., calcium lactate) strengthens or sets the structure. Bars with complex textures or specific stability needs often include these additives.

In these quantities, are sorbitol 124mg, glycerol 5.7g, erythritol 2.7g healthy to eat?

Yes, these quantities are generally safe but could cause mild digestive discomfort for some individuals sensitive to sugar alcohols.

What is hydrolysed collagen?

Hydrolysed collagen is collagen broken down into smaller peptides for easier absorption. It supports skin, joint, and connective tissue health, though it’s not ideal as a primary protein for muscle repair.

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.

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 help 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.

Disclaimer

I purchased this bar from Bondi Protein at Goodness Me with my own cash. I asked Goodness Me for a discount code to share with you guys and they provided the code 'HIKE10' for 10% off. Please feel free to use this. I also receive a small kickback if you do, which goes towards paying me back for all the bars I purchase with own cash. 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.