Milbona High Protein Quark Bars
Lidl’s Milbona High Protein Quark Bars are a quick snack offering a creamy, protein containing treat made with quark, a dairy product. Low in sugar and fat, they’re ideal for a quick sweet fix.
Pros
Low price
Convenient size
Nice treat
Cons
Artifical aftertaste
Too chewy
Not very portable
After 15 years in the training and fitness industry, I’ve tried my fair share of protein-packed snacks. Some are fantastic, others I didn’t enjoy quite as much.
Milbona High Protein Salted Caramel Quark Bars popped up at Lidl, so wanting to give them a try so you don’t have to, I picked up a few.
These bars promise convenience and protein, but at just three for 99p, I wondered if they’d stack up against more premium options.
Now, before we get into this, they’re only 7g per bar, but the bars are tiny, so you’ll appreciate these aren’t going to replace your main protein snacks.
If you’re someone interested in the gym or someone looking for a sweet snack that doesn’t completely derail your macros, this review will tell you everything you need to know.
Did I love them or hate them? You’ll find out below.
Table of Contents
First Impressions
First impressions matter, and I’ll admit, I was intrigued, I’m a bit of a quark fan, but it’s hard to get quark products in the UK.
The packaging was simple and clean, and the bars themselves were compact, an easy addition to a gym bag or even a jacket pocket.
They kind of reminded me of a cheaper looking version of a mars bar, although I’ve no idea why.
Opening the bars can be a bit messy, these need to be stored in the fridge and even so the chocolate is a bit melty when opening.
You definitely won’t be slinging these in your jacket pocket and eating later in the day.
On my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised by the initial taste.
The flavour was enjoyable, with a creamy texture that hints at the dairy base of quark.
As I chewed, the flavour reminded me of eating sweets as a kid, mars bars, that kind of thing. It’s salted caramel in flavour, I got plenty of caramel but not much salt coming through,
However, here’s where things got sticky, they’re quite chewy and remind me of a nougat bar.
It’s the classic issue with processed snacks, the sweeteners and additives tend to overstay their welcome giving a somewhat artificial taste.
Here’s where Milbona Quark Bars shine. At three for 99p, they’re an absolute bargain.
Price: Budget-Friendly Snacking
Compared to many other protein snacks that can cost upwards of £2 per bar, these are a wallet-friendly alternative.
Again, I must mention, they’re only 7g of protein compared to bars that are more expensive which often pack 20g+.
Whether you’re trying to keep your grocery bill down or simply looking for a cost-effective snack to tide you over, it’s hard to argue with the value.
That said, the low price point does come with some trade-offs, which I’ll cover in a moment.
Taste: A Mixed Experience
Taste is always subjective, but for me, the Milbona Quark Bars were a bit of a mixed bag.
The initial bite was great, with a creamy and satisfying flavour that made it feel more like a dessert than a protein product.
But as I worked through the bar, I couldn’t ignore the overly sweet undertones. The added sweeteners and preservatives make themselves known, and by the end, I was left with a slightly unpleasant aftertaste.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you might love these, but if you prefer something more natural-tasting, they definitely won’t be for you.
Protein Content and Macros: Not Quite There
Here’s where things get interesting. While these bars are marketed as a protein snack, they’re more of a sweet treat with a protein boost rather than a dedicated protein product.
The protein content is relatively low, especially when compared to proper protein bars or shakes.
To boost the numbers, Milbona has added whey powder to the mix, but even then, the macros aren’t overly impressive.
I much prefer added whey powder over “soya crispies” which you’ll find in many alternative products.
If you’re serious about hitting your protein goals, these might not be your best option.
That said, if you’re looking for a snack that’s slightly better than a chocolate bar, these could fill the gap.
Just don’t rely on them to fuel your gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Milbona Quark Bars healthy?
It depends on your definition of healthy. While they’re low in price and convenient, they’re also heavily processed and packed with sweeteners.
They’re not the worst option out there, but they’re far from a whole-food choice.
Who are these bars suitable for?
These bars are ideal for anyone who wants a quick, portable snack that’s slightly better than your average confectionery.
They’re not targeted at serious athletes or those on strict nutrition plans but could work for someone with a more relaxed approach.
Can I use these as a post-workout snack?
You can, but there are better options. The protein content isn’t high enough to maximise recovery, and the sweeteners might not sit well with everyone.
For post-workout nutrition, I’d recommend something with higher-quality protein and fewer additives.
Are they good value for money?
Absolutely. At three for 99p, they’re a budget-friendly option.
However, you’re getting what you pay for in terms of quality.
Final Verdict
Lidl’s Milbona Quark Bars are a decent option if you’re after a cheap, convenient treat with a touch of protein.
They’re tasty enough for a quick treat, but the heavy use of sweeteners and relatively low protein content mean they’re more of a dessert than a dedicated fitness snack.
At 99p for three, they’re undeniably good value, but you’ll need to decide if the trade-offs in quality are worth it.
They’re also not highly portable as they need to be kept in the fridge. Even opening them after sitting at home in the fridge, the chocolate outer was kind of melty in the packaging.
As someone who’s spent years experimenting with various snacks to fuel my fitness journey, I’d say these bars have their place, just not as a cornerstone of your nutrition.
Think of them as an occasional indulgence rather than a staple, and you won’t be disappointed.
In all honesty, unless you love quark, you may be better just having a regular mars bar (other good products and brands are available ;)!)
If you’re looking for something more functional or less processed, you might consider snacks like Greek yoghurt with fruit, homemade protein balls, or even a classic hard-boiled egg, all of which offer better nutritional value with fewer additives.
They are my favourites of all proteins. I can eat them all day and don’t get bored, please keep them on shelves .😍😍🫠🫠🤤🤤🤤
Glad you enjoy them. They seem to come in randomly in my local Lidl and then disappear for months. They have been around a bit longer this time though so maybe they’re keeping them permanent?