Organic Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
This KIND bar contains several problematic ingredients including soy protein isolate, palm kernel oil, and peanut oil (a seed oil). Our clean version eliminates all inflammatory seed oils, replacing peanut oil with coconut oil, and uses organic pea protein instead of soy protein isolate for a cleaner, more digestible protein source.
Based on: KIND PROTEIN MAX Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter
· Makes approximately 20 bars
· Serving: 1 bar (60g)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial KIND PROTEIN MAX Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter from KIND often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original KIND PROTEIN MAX Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Organic natural peanut butter
600g (about 2.5 cups) · Santa Cruz Organic Dark Roasted Peanut Butter
Primary protein and fat source that provides the rich peanut butter flavor and creamy binding texture
Organic pea protein isolate
200g (about 1.75 cups) · Anthony's Organic Pea Protein Isolate
Clean plant protein to reach target 20g protein per bar without inflammatory soy
Organic allulose
100g (about 0.5 cup) · Anthony's Organic Allulose
Low-glycemic sweetener that provides sweetness without blood sugar spikes
Intense chocolate flavor and additional antioxidants, replaces alkalized cocoa
Organic sunflower lecithin
10g (about 2 tablespoons) · NOW Foods Sunflower Lecithin Powder
Natural emulsifier that helps bind fats and creates smooth texture without soy
Redmond Real Salt
8g (about 1.5 teaspoons) · Redmond Real Salt Fine Sea Salt
Mineral-rich salt that enhances flavors and provides trace minerals
Organic vanilla extract
15ml (about 1 tablespoon) · Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
Natural vanilla flavor to replace artificial natural flavors
Organic puffed brown rice cereal
50g (about 1 cup) · Arrowhead Mills Puffed Brown Rice
Provides the signature crispy texture found in the original KIND bars
Instructions
Step 1. Melt the organic coconut oil (120g) in a large mixing bowl using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals until just melted but not hot — this prevents the protein powder from clumping. Meanwhile, chop the organic unsweetened chocolate (60g) into small chips about 3-4mm in size for even distribution.
Step 2. In the melted coconut oil, whisk in the organic sunflower lecithin (10g, about 2 tablespoons) until completely dissolved — this step is crucial for emulsification and smooth texture. Add the organic peanut butter (600g) and mix thoroughly with a large wooden spoon until completely smooth and uniform, about 2-3 minutes of vigorous mixing.
Step 3. Create your dry mixture by combining organic pea protein isolate (200g), organic allulose (100g), organic tapioca fiber (150g), organic inulin powder (80g), organic cacao powder (40g), and Redmond Real Salt (8g) in a large bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients together for 2-3 minutes to ensure no clumps remain — protein powders and fibers can clump easily if not properly mixed.
Step 4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the peanut butter mixture in three additions, mixing thoroughly after each addition with a sturdy wooden spoon or stand mixer on low speed. The mixture will be quite thick and may require 3-4 minutes of mixing per addition. Add the vanilla extract (15ml) during the final mixing stage.
Step 5. Fold in the chopped chocolate pieces and organic puffed brown rice cereal (50g) using a folding motion to maintain the cereal's crispiness and distribute chocolate evenly. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly sticky — if too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons melted coconut oil; if too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons more protein powder.
Step 6. Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using a flat-bottomed measuring cup or offset spatula — apply firm, consistent pressure to prevent bars from crumbling later. The layer should be about 1.5cm thick. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely firm.
Step 7. Remove from refrigerator and cut into 20 equal bars using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for clean edges. Each bar should weigh approximately 60g. For best results, let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cutting to prevent cracking.
Step 8. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper or store in an airtight container with parchment between layers. These bars can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later use. For on-the-go convenience, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper.
Storage
Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen bars thaw for 15-20 minutes before eating. Keep in airtight container to prevent absorption of other flavors.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.39
Cost per serving (store-bought)$2.49
Savings84%
Initial investment in ingredients is higher but you'll have enough for multiple batches. The bulk buying approach saves significantly in the long run, and you get superior organic ingredients without inflammatory seed oils.