Bryson DeChambeau, famously known as "The Scientist" for his analytical and unconventional approach to golf, applies the same meticulous scrutiny to his nutritional intake. His diet, including his choice of protein bars, has undergone significant changes throughout his career, reflecting his evolving physical goals and a newfound focus on health and anti-inflammatory eating. Initially, his goal was a high-calorie bulk to increase strength and swing speed, but a subsequent health scare prompted a radical shift towards a cleaner, anti-inflammatory diet.
The Bulking Phase: GoMacro Bars and High-Calorie Intake
During his 2020 bulking regimen, where he aimed for maximum strength and weight gain, DeChambeau’s diet was massive, reportedly exceeding 3,000 calories per day. Protein bars were a crucial component for meeting his high protein and calorie needs, particularly during his rigorous training and long hours on the course. At this time, he was specifically noted to consume GoMacro bars. These plant-based, whole-food bars helped supplement his already massive intake, which included numerous protein shakes, eggs, bacon, and steak. For a golfer, sustained energy is paramount, and the mix of protein and carbohydrates in GoMacro bars provided a steady source of fuel without causing a rapid sugar crash.
Why GoMacro Bars?
GoMacro bars are known for being wholesome, organic, and vegan. For DeChambeau during this phase, their composition was ideal. They offered a convenient, nutrient-dense snack that aligned with a cleaner, albeit high-volume, eating plan. The whole-food ingredients provided complex carbohydrates for lasting energy, while the plant-based protein contributed to muscle repair and growth, complementing his extensive weightlifting and practice schedule.
The Partnership Era: ONE Brands and the Hershey's Collaboration
More recently, DeChambeau's protein bar allegiance has shifted, aligning with his new nutritional philosophy. In mid-2025, he partnered with ONE Brands to promote their ONE x Hershey's Double Chocolate flavored protein bar. This move marked a notable change in his on-course snack routine. Observations of his snack bag contents during a tournament in August 2025 confirmed he was carrying this bar, among others, like fruit strips and coconut strips. Unlike his bulking phase bars, the ONE x Hershey's bar is focused on high protein and very low sugar, with 18g of protein and only 1g of sugar. This change directly reflects his pivot away from inflammation-causing sugars and processed foods.
The Shift in Strategy
DeChambeau's dietary change was not just a whim; it was a necessary adjustment for his health. After experiencing inflammation issues and an injury-plagued 2022 season, he adopted a stricter, anti-inflammatory diet, similar to the Whole30 program. This involved cutting out sugar, dairy, and grains, and shifting towards whole, non-inflammatory foods. The ONE bar, with its low sugar and high protein profile, fits perfectly into this new, refined nutritional strategy. He has since reported feeling better, with less inflammation and more consistent energy levels.
How Protein Bars Benefit Golfers
Whether bulking up or maintaining, protein bars offer several key benefits for high-performance athletes like DeChambeau:
- Sustained Energy: Provides a long-lasting fuel source for the hours-long rounds, preventing energy dips.
- Muscle Recovery: Delivers essential amino acids to aid in the repair and rebuilding of muscle tissue after physical exertion.
- Prevents Sugar Crashes: Formulations with high protein and low sugar, like the ONE bar, help avoid the crash associated with high-sugar snacks.
- Convenience: Easily portable for quick, on-course consumption, which is critical during a competitive round.
- Appetite Control: Helps manage hunger and maintain focus, so the athlete can concentrate on the game.
Comparison of Bryson's Protein Bar Choices
Here is a comparison of the protein bars associated with Bryson DeChambeau's differing nutritional strategies.
| Feature | GoMacro Bar | ONE x Hershey's Double Chocolate Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Associated Phase | 2020 Bulking Phase | Post-2022 Anti-Inflammation Phase |
| Key Characteristic | Whole-food, plant-based, and higher in carbs and calories for mass gain. | High-protein, low-sugar formula for lean fuel and inflammation control. |
| Protein Content | Varies, typically 10-12g per bar. | 18g per bar. |
| Sugar Content | Varies, typically higher due to dates and syrups. | 1g per bar. |
| Primary Ingredients | Organic ingredients, including dates, nuts, seeds, and brown rice protein. | Protein blend (milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate), fiber, cocoa. |
| Dietary Philosophy | Calorie-dense, nutrient-rich fuelling for massive energy output. | Low-sugar, anti-inflammatory, and high-protein for sustained performance and health. |
Conclusion
Bryson DeChambeau's choice of protein bars is a direct reflection of his evolving athletic and physiological needs. His journey from high-calorie bulking fueled by GoMacro bars to a low-sugar, high-protein approach with ONE Brands' collaboration with Hershey's highlights his commitment to optimizing every aspect of his performance. His methodical shift to an anti-inflammatory diet demonstrates that even for elite athletes, nutritional strategies must adapt over time to support long-term health and peak performance. For other golfers, or any athlete looking to enhance their diet, DeChambeau's example serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning nutritional choices with specific fitness goals. For more insight into the physiological demands of a golfer's swing, you can explore resources on athletic performance science. DeChambeau's approach, while extreme, is rooted in principles of biomechanics and nutritional timing, which are fundamental to all high-level sports.
More Resources on Athlete Nutrition
For those interested in exploring the science behind DeChambeau's approach and other high-performance athletes' nutrition, the National Academy of Sports Medicine provides valuable information on fitness and diet needs. You can find resources at the NASM website.
