What are the ingredients in Power Crunch protein bars?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the brand's official FAQ, Power Crunch bars are known for their signature and superior high-DH hydrolyzed Proto Whey protein blend, which is efficiently absorbed by the body. This unique blend is the central ingredient, distinguishing it from many other protein bars on the market. But what are the ingredients in Power Crunch protein bars besides their main protein source, and how do they impact the bar's unique taste and texture?

Quick Summary

An overview of Power Crunch protein bar ingredients, exploring the unique hydrolyzed Proto Whey protein, creamy fillings, crispy wafers, and sweeteners like Stevia and Monk Fruit. Learn about the primary components that give the bars their distinct flavor and texture.

Key Points

Proto Whey Blend: The bars' core ingredient is high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein, which is more easily digestible and absorbed by the body.
Wafer Texture: The signature light and crispy wafer is made with enriched flour, distinguishing it from the chewy texture of most other protein bars.
Mixed Sweeteners: Power Crunch uses a combination of sweeteners, including Stevia, Monk Fruit, Sucralose, and small amounts of sugar and fructose, to achieve a low-sugar profile.
No Sugar Alcohols: Many Power Crunch bars avoid sugar alcohols, which can cause gastric distress in some individuals.
Flavor Variety: Natural flavors and cocoa are used to create the wide array of flavor options available, catering to different preferences.
Oil Content: Palm oil and other fats are used to achieve the bar's creamy filling and crispy texture.

The composition of Power Crunch bars can be broken down into their key components, including the proprietary Proto Whey protein blend, fats, sweeteners, and the signature wafer structure. The specific ingredients can vary slightly by flavor, but the core formula remains consistent across the 'Original' and 'PRO' lines.

The Proto Whey Protein Blend

At the heart of every Power Crunch bar is the Proto Whey protein blend, a mixture of specialized milk proteins, most notably high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein.

High-DH Hydrolyzed Whey Protein: This is the primary protein source and a key differentiator. Hydrolyzed protein is broken down into smaller peptides, making it easier for the body to digest and absorb more rapidly than other forms of whey protein. This results in a product that is less likely to cause bloating or digestive discomfort, which can be a common issue with other protein bars.
Whey Protein Isolate and Milk Protein Isolate: These additional protein sources complement the hydrolyzed whey, contributing to the overall protein content of the bar.

Fats and Oils for Texture and Flavor

To achieve its signature crispy wafer texture and creamy filling, Power Crunch bars use a combination of fats and oils.

Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil: These oils are used to create the creamy consistency of the filling and to maintain the bar's structure. While effective for this purpose, some consumers are mindful of palm oil sourcing due to environmental concerns.
Canola Oil and Coconut Oil: Depending on the flavor, other oils may be included to contribute to the bar's overall texture and flavor profile.

Sweeteners and Flavoring

Power Crunch bars are known for their relatively low sugar content compared to many other protein bars. This is achieved by using a combination of natural and artificial sweeteners.

Fructose and Sugar: Small amounts of these traditional sugars are included to enhance flavor.
Stevia Leaf Extract and Monk Fruit: These are natural, calorie-free sweeteners used to provide sweetness without adding significant sugar content.
Sucralose: An artificial sweetener that contributes to the low sugar profile.
Natural Flavors: Used to create the wide variety of flavor options, such as Triple Chocolate, S'mores, and Peanut Butter Creme.

The Wafer Structure and Other Components

Beyond the protein and flavor, the crispy wafer is a defining characteristic of the Power Crunch bar.

Enriched Flour: Wheat flour is used to create the light and crispy wafer layers, providing the satisfying crunch that sets these bars apart from dense, chewy alternatives.
Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier derived from soy, used to help blend the ingredients smoothly.
Baking Soda and Ammonium Bicarbonate: Leavening agents that help create the airy, wafer-like texture.
Cocoa Processed with Alkali: For chocolate flavors, cocoa is processed this way to reduce bitterness and provide a rich color.

A Comparison of Popular Power Crunch Flavors

While the base formula is similar, there are slight variations in ingredients across different flavors. Below is a comparison of a few popular options.


Ingredient Category	Triple Chocolate	Peanut Butter Fudge	S'mores
Protein Source	Proto Whey® protein blend	Proto Whey® protein blend	Proto Whey® protein blend
Primary Sweeteners	Sugar, Fructose, Stevia, Monk Fruit	Sugar, Fructose, Stevia	Sugar, Fructose, Sucralose, Stevia
Flavoring	Cocoa processed with alkali, Natural flavors	Peanut butter, Cocoa processed with alkali, Natural flavors	Cocoa processed with alkali, Natural flavors
Unique Ingredients	Maltodextrin	Peanut butter, Coconut oil, Chicory root fiber	Milk, Soy Lecithin

The Difference in Power Crunch PRO

Power Crunch also offers a 'PRO' line of bars, which contain more protein per serving. This is achieved by adjusting the ratios of the core ingredients.

Higher Protein Content: PRO bars typically contain 20 grams of protein, compared to the 13-14 grams in the Original series.
Flavor and Texture: While still maintaining the wafer format, the macronutrient adjustment can slightly alter the bar's density and mouthfeel compared to the original version.

Conclusion: The Unique Formula of Power Crunch

The ingredients in Power Crunch protein bars center around their easily digestible, high-DH hydrolyzed Proto Whey protein blend and their distinctive wafer layers. Unlike the dense, chewy texture of many competitor bars, the combination of light wafers, creamy filling, and a balanced blend of sweeteners creates a taste and texture reminiscent of a candy bar. While the exact formulation varies slightly by flavor, the core components—including the specific protein blend, palm oils, and a mix of sweeteners like Stevia and Sucralose—are what provide the nutritional benefits and enjoyable eating experience for which the brand is known. This makes them a unique choice for those seeking a lighter, crispier protein snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Proto Whey is a proprietary blend of milk proteins, primarily consisting of high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein. This means the protein is broken down into smaller peptides, which are more easily and rapidly absorbed by the body, aiding digestion.

Yes, Power Crunch bars are relatively low in sugar compared to many other protein bars. They use a blend of natural and artificial sweeteners like Stevia and Monk Fruit to keep the sugar content between 4 to 8 grams per bar, depending on the flavor.

The signature crunch comes from the use of layered, enriched flour wafers, which are a defining feature of the bar. This sets them apart from the denser, chewier texture of many competitor products.

Most Power Crunch Original bars do not contain sugar alcohols. This is a key feature that helps avoid potential gastric distress sometimes associated with these sweeteners.

The primary fats used are palm oil and palm kernel oil. These are instrumental in creating the creamy filling and maintaining the crispiness of the wafer layers.

Yes, in addition to the Original series, there is a Power Crunch PRO line. PRO bars contain a higher protein content (20g vs 13-14g) and are often targeted at those needing an extra protein boost.

The protein differs in both type and amount. Power Crunch uses a high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein (13-14g) for easy digestion and a crispy texture, while Quest bars use milk protein and have a higher protein content (20-21g) and a chewy texture.