Review: Oko, chocolate crunch cricket protein bar

Sustainable eating has landed firmly on the fitness menu across Scotland, driven by rising curiosity about insect protein as an eco-friendly food source. Edinburgh fitness enthusiasts looking for convenient nutrition now have an unusual British snack to consider in the Oko Chocolate Crunch cricket protein bar.

Unboxing a delivery of these British-made bars reveals an unapologetically hearty treat. Each bar weighs in at 70 grams and delivers 30 grams of protein for under 300 calories, specifically clocking in at 299 calories with just a single gram of sugar. Visually, the bar looks like a dark, dense slab of chocolate-coated crispiness rather than novelty bushcraft tucker. There are no loose antennae or strange odours to worry about. It smells cleanly of cocoa and roasted nuts. This is a genuinely solid protein hit disguised as a crisp chocolate slab.

Taste and Texture

Biting through the thick exterior reveals a dense, crunchy centre that feels substantial rather than airy. The chocolate flavour is direct and grounded, neatly masking any distinctive earthiness you might anticipate from milled insect powder.

Crucially, it avoids the artificial chemical aftertaste common in high-street gym supplements although it is the first protein bar that I’d used the word “chalky” to describe. This is a solid, filling snack that takes attention to chew through. You will not find yourself mindlessly wolfing down the entire box in one sitting, which is often the temptation with softer confectionery bars from supermarket shelves. It offers real jaw work and serious staying power.

Ingredients and Nutrition

Turning the wrapper over for a closer look reveals an interesting nutritional profile. Cricket powder sits prominently among the top ingredients, delivering all nine essential amino acids alongside natural micronutrients and gut-friendly chitin fibre.

However, purists expecting pure insect protein might raise an eyebrow at the fine print. Whey protein features prominently alongside peanut butter, so this bar leans on dairy to reach its impressive 30-gram total. While not deceptive, knowing milk protein does some heavy lifting adjusts expectations for anyone expecting a single insect source. It remains an accessible bridge into alternative proteins, as long as you can tolerate dairy and nuts.

Overall

The Oko Chocolate Crunch bar delivers a hearty nutritional punch that easily beats standard confectionery bars for satiety and substance. While the presence of whey alongside cricket flour tempers the pure entomophagy claim, the taste, texture, and convenience make it a viable alternative for curious local fitness fans.

Remember, we run this database/analysis of protein bars. We’ll add Oko in due time.