INC Shred Max Peanut Caramel Protein Bar Review
- Jess Nehme
- Apr 10
- 6 min read
Welcome to the latest instalment of my 52 Bars in 52 Weeks Protein Bar Review Series. This week I tasted the delicious INC Shred Max Peanut Caramel Protein Bar
This is a really good candidate for a recovery bar. It tastes delicious, and has a high protein content. It's good some unique specialty ingredients, but it's also got some that I'd rather not see.
Read on to see if it's the right bar for you.
INC Shred Max Peanut Caramel Protein Bar First Impressions
Protein Bar Quick Details
Price
RRP: $3.99
Flavours available
Choc Crunch, Raspberry Coconut, Peanut Caramel.
Protein Bar Packaging
Everything about this packaging gives me gym bro vibes – not a bad thing – which makes it really easy to figure out what it's for.
The colours are high contrast, the fonts are large and easy to read, and key nutritional facts made obvious. 'Shred Max' probably didn't need to be so big – I initially thought that was the brand name – but that's subjective.
Overall I think the packaging is pretty good. The ingredients list and nutrition panel are both above the fold and clearly displayed. The white on yellow is a bit harder to read than I'd like though - a red background on the back as well as the front would have been a better choice.
Protein Bar Nutritional Claims
20g Protein
2.3g Sugar
Low Sugar
L-Carnitine, Guarana, Green Tea
Engineered for Muscle Growth and Tissue Repair
Love the use of the word 'engineered'. Anyone else picturing these being produced in a big factory with ladders and hard hats? No? Just me? Moving on.
The ingredients L-Carnitine, Guarana, and Green Tea aren't common in protein bars, but here's why they've been included:
Guarana: This is a natural stimulant that contains caffeine, boosting energy, focus, and alertness.
Green Tea: Contains antioxidants (like catechins) that support metabolism, fat burning, and overall health.
L-Carnitine: Helps with fat metabolism and energy production, supporting endurance and fat burning.
This bar isn't just appealing to outdoor adventurers but more so to gym goers and people looking for high protein and muscle repair. The word 'SHRED' in giant letters is a bit of dead giveaway in that regard – but I like to see bars with a clear purpose.
Protein Bar Taste Test
Protein Bar Appearance
I mean, it looks GOOD. The chocolate is thick and even on the coating, the inside layers are clearly defined and it looks like there's some crunchy bits in there. Definitely appealing.
Protein Bar Aroma
The bar has a strong peanut butter aroma which is both nutty and sweet.
Protein Bar Texture
The texture is very consistent. It's doughy and smooth, not to too chewy, but not so soft as to feel insignificant. No copious chewing is required either, the balance is very good. Kind of like a Milky Way if you're looking for a density comparison.
Interestingly, while nuts/crunchy-looking bits are visible, these are undetectable when chewing. It all blends together and the layers can't be identified.
Protein Bar Flavour
Flavour is mild and consistently salty, with just a hint of sweetness. It's very moreish. Interestingly this one tasted saltier than the last few 'salted caramel' protein bars I've tasted despite not having 'salted' in the description. Someone needs to speak to these flavour-namers!
The flavour of the chocolate is subtle but detectable. The sweet caramel layer hits first and is really nice, followed by a creamy biscuit-like cookie dough base flavour. It gets more sweet as you eat more of it, in a good way.
Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 5/5
Where do I get more? Absolutely delicious.
Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients List
Sweeteners (Polydextrose, Sorbitol), Protein Blend (29%) [Calcium Caseinate (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk), Soy Protein Isolate, Emulsifiers (Mono- and Di-glycerides of Fatty Acids, Soy Lecithin)], Protein Milk Chocolate (20%) (Cocoa Butter, Milk Solids, Sweeteners (Erythirtol, Monk Fruit Extract, Steviol Glycosides), Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa Mass, Inulin, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Flavour), Humectant (Glycerol), Peanut Butter Layer (7.6%) (Sweetener (Sorbitol, Polydextrose), Peanut Butter (16%), Vegetable Fat, Pea Protein Isolate, Stabilisers (Cellulose Microcrystalline, Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum), Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Peanut Flour, Salt, Flavour), Roasted Peanuts (2.8%), Vegetable Oil, Salt, Flavour, Peanut Flour, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), L-Carnitine Tartrate, Guarana Seed Extract, Green Tea Extract.
ALLERGEN SUMMARY STATEMENT Contains milk, soy. May contain gluten, wheat, peanut, almond, hazelnut, sesame.
Protein sources: Calcium Caseinate (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk), Soy Protein Isolate.
Fibre source: Polydextrose, Inulin.
Carbs source: Sweeteners (Polydextrose, Sorbitol, Erythritol, Monk Fruit Extract, Steviol Glycosides), Peanut Flour.
Fat source: Cocoa Butter, Vegetable Fat, Peanut Butter.
These are the ingredients I don't love:
Sorbitol: Excessive consumption can cause gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating, diarrhoea).
Vegetable Oils: Some may be high in omega-6 fatty acids, which could contribute to inflammation if consumed in excess. It's hard to know when they're not specified.
Nutrition Information Panel
Protein
This bar provides 20g of protein primarily from milk and soy sources, which deliver complete amino acid profiles for muscle repair and recovery—key for the hiking trail.
Whey protein is rapidly absorbed, while caseinate provides a sustained amino acid release. Soy protein is also rich in glutamine, which may aid gut health during long hikes.
Carbohydrates
At only 2.7g carbs (2.3g sugars), this bar relies heavily on sugar alcohols like sorbitol and erythritol for sweetness. These are low glycemic and reduce energy spikes, but hikers will need additional carbs from other snacks for energy. The low carb count can suit ketogenic diets (some hikers prefer to hike using fat for fuel).
Fat
The bar has moderate fats (7.5g), including 3.5g of saturated fat, largely from cocoa butter and peanuts. These provide a longer-lasting energy source for hikes. However, the presence of processed vegetable oils means it's not as healthy as it could be.
Sodium
Containing 298mg sodium, this bar is beneficial for electrolyte replenishment on hikes, especially in hot weather. You should always replenish sodium lost in sweat – don't aim for low sodium in hiking snacks, you need it.
Fibre
With 6.8g fibre from polydextrose and inulin, this INC protein bar promotes gut health and helps sustain energy. Excess fibre, combined with sugar alcohols, might cause bloating for sensitive stomachs on strenuous hikes so make sure to test this out before you eat it somewhere remote.
Artificial Ingredients
The bar uses several artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, and stabilisers. While they extend shelf life and improve texture, hikers seeking natural options might find this unappealing.
Key Takeaways INC Shred Max Peanut Caramel Protein Bar
The INC Shred Max Peanut Caramel Protein Bar is a convenient, high-protein snack with moderate fats and fibre, making it suitable for hikers. However, its reliance on sugar alcohols and processed fats may not appeal to those preferring natural, whole-food options.
It's a great option for people counting macros and aiming to add muscle and lost body fat as part of a structured training program.
Protein Bar
Cost per bar: $3.99
Cost per 100g: $6.65
Cost per gram of protein: $0.20
Flavour
5/5
Consumption Recommendation
Eat this bar mid-hike or ideally as a recovery snack after you're done for the day. Its protein and moderate fats support muscle repair, while sodium will replenish some lost electrolytes (but not enough to avoid taking an electrolyte drink also!).
Pair it with higher-carb snacks for sustained energy if eating it as a snack along the way.
Protein Bar FAQs
Are these quantities of Sorbitol, Erythritol, and Glycerol in these quantities advisable for hiking?
Yes, in moderation. Sorbitol (13.9mg), erythritol (4mg), and glycerol (7.6mg) are low-calorie sweeteners that won't spike blood sugar. However, excess intake can cause gastrointestinal issues. In general, aiming for less than 5mg/100g is ideal, but given most people don't hike every day, it's not a huge concern to have occasionally.
What is Guarana?
A natural source of caffeine derived from seeds, guarana enhances alertness and endurance — useful for hikers needing an energy boost.
Why is L-Carnitine a good ingredient for hikers?
L-Carnitine supports fat metabolism, helping convert fats into usable energy during prolonged hikes.
What benefits does Green Tea have for hikers?
Rich in antioxidants and caffeine, green tea may improve focus, reduce inflammation, and boost metabolism.
How is this bar engineered for muscle health and tissue repair?
The combination of fast- and slow-digesting proteins provides sustained amino acid release for muscle recovery, while antioxidants from green tea help combat oxidative stress from physical exertion.
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.
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 bought this INC protein bar from my local chronically busy Chemist Warehouse with my 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.
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