Atkins
Chocolate Peanut Butter
TL:DR
In 2 Sentences
It tastes unapologetically like a candy bar while holding sugar to 2 grams by leaning on sucralose and fiber‑based bulk, backed by a soy–whey protein combo and a higher‑fat build for satiety.
When to choose Atkins Chocolate Peanut Butter
Low‑carb or keto‑leaning eaters who want a chocolate–peanut butter fix that actually fills the gap between meals. Best as an afternoon bridge or post‑workout snack if you tolerate artificial sweeteners and don’t mind palm‑oil‑driven saturated fat.
What's in the Atkins bar?
Atkins Chocolate Peanut Butter leans on a soy-and-whey blend for its 16g of protein, then goes big on fats—mostly from palm oils, peanuts/peanut oil, and a touch of butterfat—for that creamy, candy-bar feel.
The chocolate-peanut butter personality comes from real peanuts and alkalized cocoa, with “natural flavors” rounding things out. Sugar stays low because sweetness is largely engineered with a zero‑calorie sweetener (sucralose) plus texture‑builders like polydextrose (a synthetic soluble fiber) and vegetable glycerin (a plant‑derived, mildly sweet humectant).
The macros land in a high‑fat, moderate‑protein, low‑sugar place with calories on the higher side—more snack‑meal than nibble.
- Protein
- 16 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 23 g
- Sugar
- 2 g
- Calories
- 240
Protein
1615MIDProtein comes primarily from soy protein isolate, backed by whey protein isolate and whey concentrate, with a small assist from peanuts. That combo delivers a complete amino acid profile: whey brings fast‑digesting, leucine‑rich dairy protein, while soy adds solid plant protein (though slightly lower in leucine). Expect good muscle maintenance potential, minimal lactose from the isolates, and clear allergen flags for both soy and milk.
Fat
159HIGHMost of the 15g of fat traces to palm kernel/palm oil (rich in saturated fat), plus peanuts/peanut oil (more monounsaturated) and a little butterfat. This tilts the bar toward a higher saturated‑fat profile for structure and shelf stability, tempered somewhat by the heart‑friendlier fats in peanuts. It’s satisfying and creamy, but if you’re watching saturated fat, note the palm and dairy contributions.
Carbs
2320MIDCarbs here are largely “engineered” rather than from whole grains or fruit: polydextrose (a synthetic soluble fiber) and vegetable glycerin supply bulk and mild sweetness, with a small amount of table sugar and some cocoa/peanut carbohydrates. This design aims for a steadier glycemic response than straight sugar, though fiber and polyols can bother sensitive stomachs in larger amounts. Think more slow‑burn texture carbs than quick rice‑or‑oat energy.
Sugar
24MIDOnly 2g of sugar appear to come from a touch of table sugar and naturally occurring dairy sugars, while the sweetness is mainly delivered by sucralose (a zero‑calorie artificial sweetener) and glycerin (a refined, mildly sweet humectant). That keeps sugar low without relying on fruit. Those sensitive to artificial sweeteners or polyols may want to trial tolerance.
Calories
240210HIGHAt 240 calories (on the higher side for bars), most energy comes from fat, then protein, with carbs contributing a smaller share given the fiber-heavy formulation. The fat-forward build makes it more satiating and dessert‑like than a light snack. If you use it as a meal bridge, the macro balance fits; for a quick bite, it’s richer than it looks.
Vitamins & Minerals
No standout vitamin fortification here—nothing tops 10% DV. The modest minerals likely come naturally from cocoa, soy, and dairy (a bit of iron and calcium) and from peanuts (some potassium). Think protein‑and‑fat bar first, micronutrients second.
Additives
Expect a modern, engineered ingredient list: polydextrose for low‑calorie bulk, vegetable glycerin for moisture, sucralose for intense sweetness, plus texture helpers like cellulose powder, guar gum, and soy lecithin. These additives keep sugar down and the bar soft, but they’re highly refined rather than kitchen‑cupboard staples. If you prefer short, whole‑food labels, this isn’t that.
Ingredient List
glucose
Groundnut plant seeds
Vegetable oils (palm, soy)
Oil palm fruit
Defatted soybean flakes
Animal collagen
Cow's milk whey
Peanuts
Wood pulp or cotton linters
Cow's milk
What are people saying?
Sources
Range
“I use the meal bars (probably every other day) and snacks (usually one every evening) and lose weight easily. They really get me through any cravings and feel like I am treating myself.”
“I usually eat one almost daily. Atkins has reformulated the meal bars. They no longer use maltitol, sucrolose instead. Quest doesn't have maltitol either and the quest hero bars use allulose. I've had no issues with any of these.”
“I use them and have had no issues at all. Lost 27 pds and A1C back to normal range.”
Main Praise
Fans don’t dance around it: this bar calms cravings.
Keto and low‑carb eaters on Reddit talk about using Atkins meal bars most days because they feel like a treat while staying on plan, with a few even crediting them as part of weight loss and better A1C control.
Taste gets steady nods for being dessert‑forward rather than “chalky,” which is rare in this category.
The macro profile helps here: 16g of protein plus 15g of fat and only 2g of sugar makes it more satisfying than a typical low‑cal bite, and at 240 calories, it has enough staying power to carry you through the late afternoon.
The brand broadly sits around a 4‑plus‑star average on Amazon across flavors, suggesting that for many, the combo of flavor, convenience, and low sugar hits the brief.
Main Criticism
The biggest pushback is the ingredient philosophy.
Healthline and other reviewers flag that Atkins bars are highly processed, leaning on artificial sweeteners (sucralose here) and structure‑builders like polydextrose and glycerin; that’s a nonstarter for readers who want short, whole‑food labels.
Some folks also report palate fatigue or mild stomach discomfort with frequent use—fiber and polyols can do that—while a few Amazon reviewers find certain flavors too chewy or dry. There’s ongoing skepticism online about “net carbs” and past labeling dust‑ups, so some low‑carb eaters simply track total carbs or focus on their own glucose response.
And while it’s marketed as a meal bar, a number of people treat it as a snack—240 calories may bridge a meal better than it replaces one outright.
The Middle Ground
So where’s the truth? If your priority is a low‑sugar bar that tastes like dessert and actually helps you stick to your plan, this flavor delivers more often than it disappoints.
The soy‑and‑whey protein pairing is nutritionally sensible, and the higher‑fat build explains why it feels more filling than many 180‑calorie competitors. But the trade‑offs are real: you’re swapping cane sugar for sucralose and fiber syrups, and you’re getting structure from palm oils, which lift saturated fat.
One Redditor memorably called Atkins “chemical‑riddled garbage,” which is a bit theatrical—everything we eat is made of chemicals—but the sentiment captures a valid preference for less engineered food. On the flip side, another user credits these bars with steady progress and fewer cravings; both experiences can be true depending on your tolerance for additives and your goals.
If you’re curious, start with one bar, see how your stomach and energy respond, and don’t overthink the ‘meal replacement’ label—pair it with fruit or yogurt if you need more substance.
What's the bottom line?
Atkins Chocolate Peanut Butter is a purpose‑built, low‑sugar craving killer: 16g protein, 15g fat, 240 calories, and a dessert‑like chew with only 2g of sugar. It earns its fans by being convenient, sweet, and surprisingly satiating for a bar. It also earns its critics by being highly engineered, leaning on sucralose, polydextrose, glycerin, and palm oils.
If you’re seeking a whole‑food ingredient list, you won’t find it here. If you’re managing carbs and want something that feels like candy but behaves more like a snack‑meal, it’s a pragmatic choice. Practical notes: contains peanuts, soy, and milk (plus gelatin—skip if you avoid it).
Not certified gluten‑free. If you’re sensitive to artificial sweeteners or fiber‑heavy formulations, test your tolerance before making it a daily habit.
Listicle version: A candy‑bar‑style, low‑sugar pick that actually fills you up—16g protein and 240 calories with a soy–whey base. Great for low‑carb snackers who tolerate sucralose and don’t mind palm oil; not for the whole‑food purist or anyone avoiding peanuts, soy, dairy, or gelatin.