Premier Protein
Dark Chocolate Almond
TL:DR
In 2 Sentences
A rare 30g-per-bar protein hit—top of the market—delivered via a soy–whey blend in a crunch-meets-fudge format. It’s engineered like a mini meal, not a minimalist whole‑food bar.
When to choose Premier Protein Dark Chocolate Almond
Reach for it when you need a grab-and-go post‑workout refuel or a tide‑you‑over meal with serious protein and moderate fat. Skip it if you avoid soy/dairy or prefer short-ingredient, fruit-and-nut bars.
What's in the Premier Protein bar?
Premier Protein’s Dark Chocolate Almond bar is built like a mini meal: a soy–whey protein blend (with a little collagen) delivers a towering 30g of protein, while carbs and fats fill out the rest to keep you satisfied.
The chocolate-almond personality comes from alkalized cocoa, vanilla, and dry-roasted almonds; the chewy, candy‑bar texture is thanks to glycerin and chicory‑root inulin. Expect big-league protein (top percentile), carbs on the higher side for a bar, moderate fat, and calories that place it closer to a meal replacement than a light snack.
- Protein
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Sugar
- 9 g
- Calories
- 290
Protein
3015HIGHProtein comes primarily from a blend of soy protein isolate and dairy-based whey (hydrolysate and concentrate), with a supporting role from hydrolyzed gelatin (collagen peptides). Whey and soy are both highly digestible complete proteins, which helps explain the hefty 30g; collagen adds texture and extra grams but isn’t a complete protein on its own. If you’re sensitive to milk or soy, note both are present.
Fat
89MIDMost of the 8g of fat come from almonds and a mix of refined oils. Almonds and canola oil contribute mainly heart‑friendly unsaturated fats, while palm and palm kernel oils push the profile toward more saturated fat and provide structure to the bar. It’s a mixed bag—some wholesome nut fat, some highly processed oils—at an overall moderate amount.
Carbs
2520HIGHThe 25g of carbs are a blend of refined and functional sources: cane sugar and tapioca starch for quick sweetness and structure; glycerin, a plant‑derived humectant, for chew; and chicory‑root inulin to add fiber. This isn’t a whole‑food carb bar (think oats or dates), but the large protein load and added fiber should help steady the rise compared with straight sugary snacks. Those sensitive to chicory fiber or polyols may prefer to test tolerance.
Sugar
94HIGHThe 9g of sugar come mainly from added sugar, with a small assist from milk sugars in the dairy ingredients. Sweetness is rounded out by stevia (a high‑intensity plant sweetener) and glycerin, which boosts sweetness and softness without counting as “sugar.” If you prefer fruit‑sweetened bars, this one leans more on refined sugar and sweetener technology than dates or dried fruit.
Calories
290210HIGHAt 290 calories, this reads more like a compact meal than a bite‑size snack. Most of the energy is split between protein (a big chunk) and carbohydrates, with a smaller share from fats. That balance makes it filling and practical after a workout or as a hold‑you‑over meal, less so for a very light nibble.
Vitamins & Minerals
Two standout nutrients: iron at about 25% Daily Value, largely from alkalized cocoa and soy protein, and calcium at around 10% DV from the dairy components (whey, milk solids). There’s no sign of broad vitamin fortification here—the minerals ride along with the core ingredients.
Additives
Expect a decidedly engineered formula: glycerin keeps the bar soft, chicory‑root inulin adds fiber and body, soy lecithin helps everything hold together, and stevia boosts sweetness with minimal calories. These are common, highly refined bar additives that deliver texture and shelf life, though chicory fiber and polyols can bother sensitive stomachs. Oils (palm, palm kernel, canola) are refined for stability rather than being culinary, extra‑virgin types.
Ingredient List
Defatted soybean flakes
Cow's milk cheese whey
Cow's milk whey
Fats and oils
Sugarcane and sugar beet
Bovine, porcine, and fish collagen
Almond tree seeds
Chicory root
Oil palm fruit
Cacao beans treated with alkali
What are people saying?
Sources
Range
“I've been getting these as of late and they don't seem bad at all. They have 30g protein, the highest I've seen protein bars go.”
“I get these at Sam's Club for only $16 for 18 bars which seems great.”
“They’re candy bars with a ton of protein, as far as sugary snacks go there are way worse options. If they keep you on track and hit that craving itch then enjoy!”
Main Praise
The loudest applause is for the protein-to-size ratio: 30g of complete protein that actually satisfies. Redditors call it a “ton of protein” and note it can be a smarter swap when cravings strike, landing closer to a candy bar than a chalky supplement.
Texture often gets compliments for the crispies and soft, fudge-like chew, especially in chocolate-driven flavors like Dark Chocolate Almond. For many tasters, the sweetness hits a familiar, dessert-leaning note without going overboard.
The macro balance makes it functional as a small meal, and the bonus iron and a touch of calcium don’t hurt.
Main Criticism
Flavor is divisive. Several reviewers describe an odd aftertaste, chocolate that turns gummy as you chew, or a dry bite in certain flavors; one Redditor flatly called it their worst bar experience.
The ingredient approach—refined oils, engineered fiber and sweetener system—turns off those who want more whole-food simplicity. Some people report digestive grumbles from chicory root fiber or sugar alcohols, and the chocolate coating can melt quickly in warm weather, making it less travel-friendly on hot days.
A few also expected richer chocolate given there are about 9g of sugar.
The Middle Ground
So is this a protein hero or a bland brick? It depends on your mission.
If you’re chasing culinary fireworks, Crazy Food Dude’s “just boring” take will resonate; the chocolate here is more functional than luxurious. But if the job description is protein delivery with passable flavor and real staying power, the Reddit crowd cheering “candy bar with a ton of protein” has a point.
Taste clearly varies by flavor and palate: Dark Chocolate Almond reads pleasantly sweet and chewy to some, while others get that gummy finish. The engineered formula—glycerin for softness, chicory fiber for body, stevia to stretch sweetness—explains both the texture quirks and why sensitive stomachs might protest.
In short: it’s a tool, not a truffle, and as a tool it performs exactly as advertised.
What's the bottom line?
Premier Protein’s Dark Chocolate Almond bar is a practical, high-protein workhorse. At about 290 calories with 30g of complete protein, moderate fat, and a mix of quick and slower-digesting carbs, it behaves like a compact meal that keeps you moving. The tradeoff is an additive-forward build and a chocolate profile that won’t wow every palate.
If you want the most protein you can reasonably carry in a single wrapper—and you’re fine with a candy-bar style texture and the presence of soy and dairy—this is an easy yes. If you shop by ingredient minimalism or crave deep, cocoa-rich flavor, you’ll likely be happier elsewhere. Listicle blurb: Premier Protein Dark Chocolate Almond — a 30g protein powerhouse that eats like a candy bar and fills like a mini meal; great post‑workout or on hectic days, but the engineered texture and chocolate can read gummy or bland for some.