Multipower Power Layer recovery bar (box of 18)

After a long race, sportive or training ride, you can help muscle recovery by taking on some protein. Ways to do this include munching on a Multipower Power Layer protein bar. They're tasty, and also make a good substitute for 'normal' chocolate bars even if you haven't actually ridden your bike first.

Previously on road.cc we've tested Multipower's Fit Protein Flapjack, and this Power Layer bar is a similar concept (protein after excursion helps rebuild muscle) but a very different taste, thanks to the main ingredients, which include milk, whey, cocoa, soya, caramel and hazelnuts.

The taste and texture of a Power Layer bar is reminiscent of a Snickers (not surprising, as the bar formerly known as Marathon contains chocolate, peanuts and caramel), although it's not as sweet, and not quite as chewy. But tasty all the same.

On the nutritional side, a 60g Power Layer bar contains just under 20g of protein, 24g of carbohydrate, 8g fat (of which 3.7g is saturated), plus a dash of fibre and sodium. All up, each bar provides 241 kcal.

It's definitely a bar to eat after your race or training ride, not during. Most sports scientists agree that, while carbs are good, taking on too much protein during exertion can be counter-productive. Of course, if you're touring or just tootling around then you can eat a Power Layer bar (or anything else) pretty much when you want.

You can also eat these bars as a general snack at work or home instead of the aforementioned Snickers or another 'normal' chocolate bar, which tend to have a higher proportion of refined sugars and saturated fat, making a Power Layer bar a relatively more healthy option, and also useful if you're trying to keep your weight down.

(Incidentally, Snickers will always be Marathons to me. Does anyone else remember an old TV ad for Marathon bars featuring a cyclocross rider, along with that famous catchphrase 'keeps you going going going'?)

When it comes to cost, these Power Layer protein bars retail at a penny under 45 quid for a box of 18 from the Multipower on-line store, which works out at £2.50 each. You can find them a bit cheaper at some other on-line stores (especially, it seems, those catering for body-builders), but they're still well over £2 each when you factor in delivery charges.

You can also buy them singly at some gyms and sports shops, where they're also between £2 and £2.50. Either way, this does not compare well on price against similar products such as Mule Bar Refuel, High5 Protein Bar or SIS Rego Bar, so these bars can't be called good value.

Verdict

Good source of protein to help muscle recovery after a long ride. Very tasty, and a relatively healthy snack any time, but not cheap.