When you want to see your hard work in the gym pay off, you know you need to consume enough protein. But when your shaker bottle isn’t around — or when you want something to chew rather than drink — it may be time for a snack. But while many of the best protein bars have solid macros, the chewy texture can get tiring. But Power Crunch Bars? We think these bars are more like the crunchy wafer cookies you may remember from childhood while packing a solid punch of protein.
At BarBend, our expert team puts every product through our supplement testing methodology. For this Power Crunch Bar review, we got the whole crew involved — two of our expert registered dietitians and two testers (a CPT and a weightlifter). Overall, we think this is an excellent bar for a moderate amount of protein on the go (with a big dose of sugar to match). As a CPT and certified nutrition coach myself, I’ll also give my take on the macros, ingredients, and how these can fit into your plan.
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
The Power Crunch Original Protein Bars are creme filled wafer bars that have a high protein content at thirteen grams per bar and taste like a healthier way to get in a dessert. The flavor comes primarily from the high fat content since these bars are significantly lower in carbohydrates when compared to the other major bars on the market.
Main Takeaways
- Power Crunch Bars recall the crispy wafer cookies of childhood and offer a break from chewy protein energy bars.
- They have 12 to 14 grams of protein (from a whey blend) and 215 to 220 calories.
- Power Crunch Bars contain 4 to 8 grams of added sugar and also use artificial sweeteners.
Power Crunch Bar Specs
| Price Per Serving | $1.83 |
| Available Flavors | Red Velvet, Cookies & Creme, Peanut Butter Fudge, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Creme, Chocolate Mint, Triple Chocolate, French Vanilla Creme, Peanut Butter Creme, Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Coconut, S’mores, Wild Berry Creme, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Cinnamon Roll, Peanut Butter Honey (16) |
| Main Ingredients | Whey Protein Blend (High-DH hydrolyzed whey protein, whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate), Sugar, Salt, Palm, Canola, and Coconut Oils, Flour, Soy Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Fructose, Stevia Leaf Extract, Monk Fruit, Natural Flavors |
| Calories | 215 – 220 |
| Sweeteners Used | Sugar, sucralose, Stevia leaf extract, monk fruit |
As much as we love the convenience, a classic protein bar can be chewy and stick to your teeth as you make your way through it. Power Crunch Bars offer a light, crispy wafer to satisfy your sweet tooth. One of our expert testers, a USAW-L1 and competitive weightlifter, describes Power Crunch Bars as a “light and wafer texture that’s easy to consume and fun to finish.” They also mention a nostalgia factor: “I’d probably compare this to the texture of the cheap water snacks 90s kids would have by the handful.”
Power Crunch Bars get their protein from a proto-whey protein blend, which includes their “signature” high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein, whey protein isolate, and milk protein isolate. Whey protein is high-quality, and a hydrolyzed or isolate type typically means it can be easily digested. As registered dietitian Austin Bou, CDCES, ACE-CPT points out, “Whey is a fast-digesting milk protein that offers the most benefits when consumed post-workout.”
Since this is in a bar with other ingredients, it likely won’t absorb as quickly as a high-quality whey isolate powder. Still, this will probably be a great bar to toss into your gym bag for a post-workout snack.
Speaking of snacks, let’s talk macros and calories — you get 12 to 14 grams of whey protein, 10 to 13 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 to 15 grams of fat for 215 to 220 calories. Since they’re not particularly high-protein or low-calorie, these may not sound like one of the best protein bars for weight loss, but they could work as a filling dessert option.
Power Crunch Bars come in 16 inventive flavors that add to their fun wafer bar vibe. But our weightlifter tester adds about the variety, “The flavors aren’t entirely pronounced in the bars as you eat them. However, in a blindfold taste test, the flavors can easily be described.”
These protein bars are highly processed and come with a long list of ingredients, including several oils, sugars, and additives. They have 4 to 8 grams of added sugar (depending on the flavor) — which could still be considered low-sugar — and they also use artificial and natural sweeteners. They don’t use sugar alcohols, which could cause bloating, so that’s a plus for some folks. The cost of $1.83 per bar can add up if you eat them regularly.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Power Crunch Bars
Who wouldn’t want a protein-rich wafer cookie to satisfy a sweet tooth? Well, some people — especially if they don’t do dairy. On that note, one of our expert testers, who is a USAW-L1 and competitive weightlifter, says: “No adverse effects. I have a sensitive stomach, but my stomach was happy with this product.”
Here’s who else may or may not benefit from this protein snack.
Recommended for:
- People wanting a quick post-workout snack
- People who can digest whey protein
- Anyone wanting an alternative to thick, chewy protein bars
Not Recommended for:
- People looking for higher protein content or a meal replacement
- People sensitive to or avoiding whey or dairy
- Anyone avoiding added sugar or a long ingredient list
[Related: Protein Intake Calculator]
Our Experience Using Power Crunch Bars
If you’ve ever squeezed a workout during a packed day, you know it can take longer than you’d like to get to your next meal. When you’re itching for the grams of protein you need to get those gains, you may opt for a protein shake or a protein bar — and bars tend to feel a bit more substantial.
As a certified personal trainer and certified nutrition coach, I have definitely grabbed a Power Crunch protein bar on one of those days. Our expert team also tested them for you to tell you exactly what the ingredients, taste, and texture are like. You may already know the feeling of a nasty-tasting protein bar, so we’re taking the guesswork out for you. I’ll also provide ratings on price and safety.
Ingredients
Power Crunch Bars get their protein from a proto-whey protein blend of high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein, whey protein isolate, and milk protein isolate. These forms of whey protein should be easily absorbed, as hydrolyzed whey protein is the most whey product that can get broken down. The protein content is in the mid-range (12 to 14 grams). (1)
[Related: Best Whey Protein Powders]
One of our expert testers, a certified personal trainer, also points out the protein content: “With only 12 to 13 grams of protein per bar, they don’t have the highest protein content. But I love them for a quick healthy snack on the go.”
Registered dietitian Aimee Gershberg, CDN, CPT NYC, says that you’ll want to consume bars like these in the context of a well-rounded overall nutritional plan. She explains: “Protein supplements like protein powders and bars can be part of a healthy diet. However, they should be exactly as they are named — they are supplements! They should not be used as anyone’s sole source of protein when minimally processed choices are an option. While they are certainly useful for scenarios when we are on the go or short on time, they often have additives like artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives.”
Power Crunch Bars definitely serve their purpose as an on-the-go snack (including the added sugars), and you can always eat more protein later. Plus, Power Crunch does offer another bar called Power Crunch Pro, which contains 20 grams of protein — so you’ve got options.
Another one of our expert testers, who is a USAW-L1 and competitive weightlifter, adds, “This isn’t a meal replacement, but it is a good snack to hold you over until the next big meal.”
Like most processed protein bars, Power Crunch Bars have a long list of ingredients, including additives like soy lecithin to give them their texture. They use real sugar (4 to 8 grams), as well as artificial and natural sweeteners. Since some folks like to avoid these types of ingredients, and with the relatively low protein content for the calories, I’m going with a 3 out of 5 for ingredients.
Taste
With 16 interesting-sounding flavors to choose from, we of course want to let you know know how they stack up.
Our CPT tester put in the work. They report: “I tested the sampler pack with 14 flavors. I’ve had the Strawberry Creme, S’Mores, Wild Berry Creme, Cookies and Creme, Red Velvet, and French Vanilla flavors. They were all really good, which I’d say is rare. Typically, I’d find one or two to have again, but all of these flavors tasted good enough that I’d go back and eat them again. They’re a little sweet, so some may not like that. But for me, the flavor was the star of the show here.” They rate the taste a perfect 5 out of 5.
Our other expert tester, a USAW-L1 and competitive weightlifter, also tried five flavors. They say, “I consumed 5 of the bars given to me. I’ve tried Red Velvet, Peanut Butter Fudge, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Creme, and Triple Chocolate. I haven’t had a true favorite because I’m saving the better flavors towards the end. Triple Chocolate currently is my top flavor to choose from.”
Yet, they think the taste could be better. They say, “I’d rate the overall flavor a 4. The taste and texture keep me coming back to this bar as a post-workout snack, but it still has that ‘chalky-protein’ flavor towards the very end.”
With a 4 and a 5 out of 5 from each of our testers, I’ll call it even with a 4.5 out of 5 for flavor overall.
[Related: What To Eat After a Workout]
Texture
Power Crunch Bars are known for their similarity to crunchy, crispy wafers. How does the texture hold up? Our CPT tester notes, “These are similar to those tri-color stick wafer cookies you ate as a kid — they’re wafers. I did find them a bit messy and pretty crumbly, but with most other bars being dense and chewy, I liked the change. I also appreciated how light they were.” They score it a 4 out of 5.
Our USAW-L1 and competitive weightlifter tester also gives the texture a 4. They say: “The overall texture is a 4. I can easily enjoy a bar like this every day, but it isn’t a bar I would wolf down in 10 seconds. The protein within the bar builds quickly in your mouth. This build-up doesn’t take away from the experience, but you need to pace yourself when consuming the bar.”
So it’s 4’s all around.
Price Per Bar
A box of 12 Power Crunch Bars is $21.99, so it’s $1.83 per serving. If you subscribe, a box of 12 bars costs $18.69, dropping the price to $1.56 per bar. Certain flavors on Amazon offer a 12-bar box for $16.01, making it $1.33 per bar for your cheapest option.
As someone who’s grabbed one of these in a store, I know that getting a single bar off the shelf runs much pricier. Our CPT tester has done the same. They add, “I’ve been grabbing these bars for years. Especially when I’m at the airport or stopping at a gas station on a road trip, they’re so easy because I know that I like them.”
They’re a little expensive through the website and on their own, but I like that they get closer to one dollar on Amazon. I’m rating the price a 4 out of 5.
Third-Party Testing
Usually, we talk about third-party testing regarding dietary supplements because the FDA does not regulate them. Power Crunch Bars are technically food products that have their own FDA standards to adhere to. So, they don’t do any additional third-party testing. It’s not applicable to give a rating — but it’s worth noting that they don’t need the testing because they’re already FDA-regulated. So, that’s a good thing.
[Related: Best Protein Powders]
What To Consider Before Buying Power Crunch Bars
Deciding which protein bar you want waiting for you in your gym bag post-workout? If you’re considering Power Crunch, you want to think about macros, micros, sweeteners, cost, and safety. We’ve tested over 50 protein bar products, and here’s what we always look out for.
- Protein Content: A Power Crunch Bar has 12 to 14 grams of high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein.
- Fat and Carbs: Fat content ranges from 13 to 15 grams (in the Wild Berry Creme flavor). Carbohydrates range from 10 grams in the Wild Berry Creme flavor to 13 grams in the Red Velvet flavor; most have 11 grams of carbs.
- Price: A box of 12 bars costs $21.99, $1.83 per serving. A subscription reduces the cost to $18.69 for a box and $1.56 per bar.
- Sweeteners: Power Crunch Bars contain 4 to 8 grams of sugar, plus fructose, sucralose, Stevia leaf extract, and monk fruit.
- Micronutrient content: You get 60 milligrams of calcium, 100 to 180 milligrams of potassium, and 110 to 180 milligrams of sodium.
- Third-party testing: Power Crunch Bars are not third-party tested, but protein bars are classified as food products, not supplements, so the FDA regulates them.
Power Crunch Bars Vs. Competitors
Power Crunch Bar has its signature wafer texture going for it, but what else matters when you choose a protein bar? We’re comparing it to three other popular brands to see how the specs line up. We chose high-quality brands that you might see in the shop next to Power Crunch.
Legion has the most protein and calories and costs the most, and Orgain stands out because it uses a plant-based protein blend. As a certified nutrition coach, I like RXBars because they use real food as ingredients, though they’re lower in protein. Power Crunch Bar also stands out because it’s the lowest in carbs, making it a potential contender for one of the best low-carb protein bars. They also have the most flavor options.
If you like the crunchy vibe, Power Crunch Bars may offer the most enjoyable experience, with more flavor choices and a light crispy texture, but others may have fewer additives.
| Power Crunch Bar | RXBars | Legion High-Protein Bars | Orgain Protein Snack Bar | |
| Price Per Serving | $1.83 | $2.33 | $3.33 | $1.99 |
| Available Flavors | 16 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Macros | 12 – 14 grams of protein, 10 – 13 grams of carbs, 13 to 15 grams of fat | 10 – 12 grams of protein, 22 – 29 grams of carbs, 6 – 9 grams of fat | 20 grams of protein, 24 – 29 grams of carbs, 11 – 12 grams of fat | 10 grams of protein, 18 – 19 grams of carbs, 5 – 6 grams of fat |
| Calories | 215 – 220 | 180 – 230 | 240 – 250 | 150 |
| Sweeteners Used | Sugar, sucralose, Stevia leaf extract, monk fruit | Sugar | Erythritol, monk fruit extract, Stevia | Erythritol |
| Servings Per Container | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Places to Buy Power Crunch Bars
- Powercrunch.com
- Amazon
- 7-Eleven
- Target
- Walmart
- Grocery Stores
- Drug Stores
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
If you order a box of Power Crunch Bars, here’s what you can expect and how other customers rate them.
- Shipping and Delivery:
- Time: After placing your order, it will be shipped within one to three business days.
- Price: Power Crunch offers free shipping on orders over $60. For orders less than $60, shipping is $9.99.
- Trial Period: For bars you purchase through their website, Power Crunch may offer a refund if purchased within 30 days and if 75% or more of the product was unused. If your product was defective, damaged, shipped to the wrong address, got shipped after its expiration date, or caused illness, they’ll give you a free mailing label. If you want to return it because you didn’t like the taste, you must pay for return shipping.
- Customer Reviews:
- PowerCrunch Site: All the flavors on the Power Crunch website have 1,054 reviews. They range from a 4.1 to 4.9 out of 5-star rating.
- Amazon: On Amazon, each flavor has 4 to 6,000 or more reviews and an average of 4.5 out of 5-start rating.
- Customer Thoughts: Customers like the low-sugar content, taste, and texture. They find the protein content to be satiating and the bars are big, if pricey. Some find them chalky, and that they fall apart easily. Others say they are too sweet and have an aftertaste.
Our Final Verdict on Power Crunch Bars
Power Crunch Bars are a nice post-workout treat if you want to crunch on your protein snack instead of sip it. They have a lot of ingredients, additives, and added sugars, so they may not be for folks conscious of those things. They’re a convenient bar with enough whey protein to hold you over, and you get lots of flavors.
They’re a hit with our testers. One sums it up: “I would definitely eat these again. If I happen to see them on the shelves of any supplement shop, I’d buy my favorite flavors. I’d also recommend these to anyone looking to have a snack post-workout.”
Power Crunch Bars FAQs
How much do Power Crunch Bars cost?
You can get a box of 12 Power Crunch Bars for $21.99, so they’re $1.83. You can lower the cost by getting a subscription — a box of 12 bars is $18.69, so it’s $1.56 per bar. If you buy a single bar at a store, they tend to be more expensive.
Are Power Crunch Bars good for you?
It depends. They do contain a longer list of ingredients, which usually means they are more processed than, say, RXBars if that matters to you.
Do Power Crunch Bars cause gas?
Everyone’s body is different, so the answer is maybe — especially if you are sensitive to dairy since it contains whey protein. However, protein bars that commonly cause gas often have sugar alcohols, which Power Crunch Bars do not use.
References
- Hoffman JR, Falvo MJ. Protein – Which is Best? J Sports Sci Med. 2004 Sep 1;3(3):118-30. PMID: 24482589; PMCID: PMC3905294.
