It’s clear that there’s a rising appetite amongst gym-goers for healthy, low-sugar foods that deliver a full-on flavour hit, yet are indistinguishable from their high-calorie counterparts. Some have even begun to collaborate with these companies, incorporating our favourite ‘cheat-day’ snacks to create familiar products with a protein twist.
One such partnership has seen Europe’s #1 protein brand, My Protein x Hotel Chocolate have created two new versions of its bestselling layered bars – Salted Caramel and Chocolate Orange – alongside a whey protein isolate-enriched version of the chocolatier’s signature slab.
MyProtein
Myprotein is a brand that needs no introduction. Founded in 2004, the brand has dominated the supplement scene since its inception, currently operating in 70 countries worldwide. What’s more, they’re going from strength to strength and their position as a market-leader doesn’t seem set to change any time soon.
Alongside the brand’s timeless protein powders, it’s innovative food products have been gaining popularity across the globe. The range includes protein bars, brownies and cookies, alongside some savoury offerings, such as sugar-free sauces and crisps.
As various fitness food companies form partnerships with other brands; GHOST x Chips Ahoy and Oreo, Bulk x Millions to name just a few Myprotein, of course, was not going to be left behind.
MyProtein x Hotel Chocolat
Hotel Chocolat Layered Bar – Salted Caramel
Two layers of chocolate and caramel flavoured protein with a salted caramel layer, soya protein nuggets and cocoa cookie drops, all enrobed in 72% dark couverture chocolate.
Macros (per 60g bar):
- Calories – 239
- Protein – 18g
- Carbs (of which sugars) – 17g (6.6g)
- Fat (of which saturates) – 9g (3.2g)
Ingredients:
Corn Fibre, Milk Proteins (20%), Dark Couverture Chocolate (14%) (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Natural Vanilla Flavouring), Humectant (Vegetable Glycerol), Caramel (8%)(Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Sweetened Condensed Milk (Milk, Sugar), Beurre d’Isigny (Half-Salted Butter (Milk)), Water, Salt), Soya Protein Nuggets (6%) (Soya Protein Isolate, Cocoa Powder, Tapioca Starch), Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen, Rapeseed Oil, Black Cocoa Cookie Drops (3%)(Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Butter (Milk), Sunflower Oil, Raising Agent (Ammonium Carbonates), Natural Vanilla Flavouring), Cocoa Powder, Natural Flavouring, Sea Salt, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Colour (Plain Caramel).
Myprotein x Hotel Chocolat Protein Slab
Macros (per 70g bar):
- Calories – 418
- Protein – 20g
- Carbs (of which sugars) – 12g (11g)
- Fat (of which saturates) – 31g (19g)
Ingredients:
Cocoa Butter, Whey Protein Isolate (Milk) (27%), Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin)
The Verdict
Having previously enjoyed the brand’s successful collaborations with Swizzles and Vimto, and been a long-time fan of both Hotel Chocolat, I couldn’t wait to try Myprotein’s latest mash-up.
The fact that these bars, which were initially released last year, are constantly sold out on the site speaks to their popularity. Luckily, however, I was able to get my hands on some of the salted caramel layered ones and signature 70% chocolate slab which, being a self-professed lover of dark chocolate, I was incredibly excited about.
The salted caramel bar was a delight to eat, with the not-too-sweet 72% chocolate coating perfectly off-setting the rich salted caramel centre which is made using premium Beurre d’Isigny. The bar actually surpassed my already high expectations for the collab and I still can’t quite comprehend the wizardry which went into creating a bar that tastes this good whilst still delivering over 18g of quality protein and coming in at under 250 calories.
Next up was the solid chocolate bar which boasts 20g of chocolate per serving (this is a little misleading as it would mean eating the whole thing in one go which, at a whopping 418 calories per bar, may be a tad indulgent and is not something I would personally recommend!).
Sophisticated yet simple, this whey protein isolate-enriched version of the chocolatier’s solid chocolate slab is pleasing to the pallet. Again, not too sweet so perfect for all you dark chocolate fans.
The only complaint that I have, if I’m totally honest, is that doesn’t *quite* hit the same spot as Hotel Chocolat’s less health-conscious offerings (admittedly, the texture is a little strange). However, for a protein product it’s pretty damn close and the incredible macros probably make up for the slightly inferior taste.
Overall, if you’re looking for some really indulgent chocolate, this probably isn’t the bar for you – I’d stick with the layered bars from the Hotel Chocolat x MyProtein range. However, if you just want to satisfy that sweet tooth after a meal or are doing some healthy baking, this low-sugar, high-protein choc will certainly do the trick!
TL;DR
The layered bars:
- Taste: 9.5/10
- Texture: 8/10
- Macros: 9/10
- Overall: 9/10
The slab:
- Taste: 8/10
- Texture: 6/10
- Macros: 7/10
- Overall: 7/10
Discount
Use discount code MYPGYM to save 38% off selected products in the MyProtein Store.
