CRAYV Choc Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bar Reviewed & Taste Tested

Welcome to the latest instalment of my 52 Bars in 52 weeks protein bar review series. This week I checked out the entire range of CRAYV protein bars but this article will take a closer look at the CRAYV Choc Peanut Butter Energy Protein Bar in particular. 

If you haven’t heard of the brand CRAYV, you’re not alone. These guys are much smaller than brands like SiS or Musashi – but that isn’t a reason to overlook them. 

In contrast, I actually think it’s more of a reason to take a look. Smaller brands are still building customer bases, trying to produce a superior product than what’s already out there. They’re hungry to impress both on price and quality – all of which favour the consumer. 

CRAYV excited me when I read about them. It’s an all-Australian brand that’s committed to performance, health and sustainability. It’s their mantra that performance can be fuelled naturally – with non-GMO, filler-free, vegan products that taste bloody good. 

So, do they deliver? I tasted the CRAYV Choc Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bar to find out.

CRAYV Choc Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bar First Impressions

Protein Bar Quick Details

Price

RRP: $5.50 per bar, available at CRAYV website.

Flavours available

Peanut Butter, Choc Berry Burst, Choc Mint, Choc Fudge Brownie.

Protein Bar Packaging

The packaging of this range of protein bars is fresh and fun. The blue stands out and the usual method of differentiating flavours with a logical block colour has been implemented.

I found the image on the front of this Peanut Butter Bar a little odd though – is that of a Reece’s Butter Cup? The bar doesn’t look remotely like that, and it’s not of peanuts, which I thought would be the next logical option. 

Also, it seems odd to put the image of a completely different product (let alone brand!) on the outside. Not sure what the story is here.

What's most interesting is that the bar is labelled as a 'protein energy bar'. I don't see too many of these combos out there so this is exciting. It's effectively a multi-purpose snack, which means it's useful in more circumstances than just a straight protein bar.

In any case, the nutritional information panel is clearly displayed and if you've been following this review series you'll know that's something I always appreciate. The text is easy to read and all the essential information is provided. Nicely done.

Protein Bar Nutritional Claims

• Vegan friendly

• 100% natural

• Source of fibre

• Plant-based

• Aussie made

• 11g protein

• Made with wholefoods

For packaging that doesn't feel like it's clamouring for my attention with annoying fonts or repetitive messaging, this wrapper is actually communicating quite a lot.

I'm really impressed with the subtlety, while also ensuring every one of these messages is on the front of the bar. Sure plant-based and vegan-friendly are pretty similar, but I think this has been put together very intelligently and deliberately – unlike the bars with the word 'protein' haphazardly written in different font sizes and colours seven times.

Protein Bar Taste Test

Protein Bar Appearance

The bar looks pretty standard as far as protein bars are concerned. It's covered in a chocolate coating. The first thing I noticed on opening the wrapper was that it was quite melted and tacky. You can see the melted choc on the chopping board in the photo.

While generic, there's only so many ways to differentiate the appearance of a chocolate-coated bar. It looked appealing.

Protein Bar Aroma

The protein bar has a strong, natural roasted peanut aroma. It’s savoury, not sweet. I couldn’t smell the chocolate at all. 

Protein Bar Texture

This bar from Crayv has a dense texture that dissolves slowly. The dryer inner is offset well by the exceptionally quick melting chocolate exterior. While dense, it’s not crunchy – more crumbly with smooth chocolate. 

Protein Bar Flavour

This bar has a very mild flavour, making it appealing to just about everyone. The initial impression is fleeting sweetness from the chocolate coating followed by a general nutty flavour. It doesn’t make me think of peanut butter specifically. 

While the flavour is nice, and palatable, the real standout of the bar was the texture. I cannot emphasize more clearly that this is without doubt the best tasting chocolate coating I’ve experienced on a protein bar. It’s as if the bar has been drizzled underneath a chocolate fountain. 

The only downside of the delicious chocolate layer is that it’s hugely prone to melting – you’re not coming out of this experience with clean hands and plenty of chocolate was left on the inside of the wrapper. 

Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing)

4.5/5

I deducted half a point because while this bar was tasty and I very happily ate it, the chocolate coating was more dominant than the flavour of peanut butter. I wouldn’t have guessed it was peanut butter if I didn’t already know from the wrapper. 

Protein Bar Digestibility

No adverse side effects were noted by either of the two taste testers. 

Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis

Ingredients List

Peanuts (32%), Organic Dark Chocolate [20%] (organic raw cacao paste, organic coconut sugar, organic cacao butter, organic cacao solids 70%) CRAYV Organic Protein Blend (Brown Rice Protein, Pea Protein), Tapioca Starch, Date Paste, Monk Fruit and Himalayan Salt.

CONTAINS: Peanuts

May Contain: Peanuts and other tree nuts from the processing line.

• Protein sources: CRAYV Organic Protein Blend (Brown Rice Protein, Pea Protein)

• Fibre source: Peanuts, Date Paste, Tapioca Starch

• Carbs source: Organic Dark Chocolate, Date Paste, Tapioca Starch

• Healthy Fats: Peanuts, Organic Cacao Butter

Nutrition Information Panel

Protein

The 11g of protein in this bar comes from high-quality plant-based sources—brown rice and pea protein—both of which provide essential amino acids for muscle repair and recovery.

Carbohydrates

The 13.3g of carbohydrates are derived from natural sources like date paste and organic dark chocolate, offering quick-release energy to combat fatigue. While 10.5g of sugars in just a 45g bar is more than I'd recommend for a snack off the trail, when you're hiking this energy will be welcome.

Plus, the sugar comes from minimally processed ingredients, making it a preferable energy source than refined sugars. It's rare to see more carbohydrates than protein in a protein bar, but this is technically a 'protein energy bar' so the clues were there. It will help keep you full with plenty of energy in the tank.

Fat

The 8.8g of healthy fats from peanuts and cacao butter support long-lasting satiety and provide essential fatty acids for energy metabolism. However, the saturated fat (3.7g) is slightly high, mainly from cacao butter, which, while a healthier fat source, should still be consumed in moderation.

Sodium

The bar’s sodium (104mg) is very low, which is generally suitable for light activity and snacks when you're not being active, but is unlikley to fully replace electrolytes lost during intense hikes.

Key Takeaways CRAYV Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bar

This protein bar delivers a balanced macronutrient profile ideal for hikers needing both sustained energy and muscle recovery on the trail. Eat this during a hike for optimum performance.

Protein Bar

• Cost per bar: $5.50

• Cost per 100g: $12.22

• Cost per gram of protein: $0.50

Flavour

4.5/5

Consumption Recommendation

This protein bar is an excellent mid-trail snack for moderate hikes, offering a quick boost of energy and aiding in muscle recovery. You'll notice it's actually labelled as a 'protein energy bar' and that's worth keeping in mind. This is about energy as you move rather than just recovery so it's more ideal for before you start, or mid-hike compared to after you're done for the day.

Pair it with electrolytes or other salty snacks if the hike is particularly intense or sweat-inducing, as it's low in sodium. It's a brilliant trail option and very tasty – I'll definitely be picking these up for days on the trail in future as all natural, wholefood bars are few and far between.

Protein Bar FAQs

When's the best time for hikers to eat protein bars for performance and why?

High protein bars like this are ideal for pre-hike fuel or post-hike muscle recovery. The protein and fibre help stabilise blood sugar, providing sustained energy on tough trails or a protein boost right after a strenuous climb.

Where can I find more protein bar reviews?

Follow @thehikersnutritionist on Instagram for regular protein bar reviews and flavour comparisons. Otherwise, stay tuned to this website for a new protein bar review every single week.

Disclaimer

CRAYV kindly sent me this protein bar to taste for this review series. My opinions are my own and aside from a tasty snack, I received no other benefit or kickback for sharing my opinions.