Protein

Quest Protein Cravings: the peanut butter cup review

Quest Protein Cravings peanut butter cups reviewed: 11g protein, under 1g sugar, taste, single pack vs 12-pack, and who they suit in NZ.

By NZ Supps Team Updated 23 September 2026 5 min read
Quest Protein Cravings peanut butter cups on a small plate beside the 12-pack box and a cup of tea

Chocolate and peanut butter is a hard craving to argue with, especially halfway through a cut. Quest Protein Cravings are Quest's answer: peanut butter cups built on protein instead of sugar. Here is what is actually in them, how they taste, and whether the box is worth it.

The short answer

  • What they are: two peanut butter cups per 42g pack, with 11g of protein, under 1g of sugar and 1g of net carbs.
  • Taste: genuinely close to the real thing, slightly firmer, with a faint cooling note from the sweetener.
  • Best buy: the 12-pack, which works out cheaper per pack than singles.
  • Best for: a sweet tooth on a cut, or an evening treat that still adds some protein.

They are one of the more popular snacks we sell. The 12-pack is our number 11 seller by units over the last 60 days.

What is in a pack

Each pack holds two cups and weighs 42g. Per pack you get:

  • 11g of dairy protein, mostly whey protein isolate
  • Under 1g of sugar
  • 1g of net carbs

The sweetness comes from erythritol rather than sugar. That is how Quest keeps the sugar so low while still tasting like a dessert.

For context, 11g is less protein than a full protein bar or a shake, and that is fine. These are not meant to replace a meal or a post-workout shake. They are there to replace a chocolate bar, and on that job they do very well.

Taste and texture

Honest take: they are one of the better protein treats around, but they are not identical to the supermarket version.

The peanut butter filling is the star, and the chocolate does its job around it. Expect a slightly firmer texture than a classic peanut butter cup, which is common with low-sugar chocolate.

The one thing some people notice is erythritol's cooling effect, a faint minty-cool feel on the tongue. If you have tried other low-sugar chocolate and hated that sensation, try a single pack before you commit.

A tip: try them at room temperature and chilled. Warmer, the filling softens; from the fridge, you get a snappier bite.

A fair warning on erythritol. Sugar alcohols can upset some stomachs, especially in big amounts. One pack is fine for most people, but eating half the box in one sitting is asking for trouble.

Single vs 12-pack value

You can buy a single pack or the Quest Protein Cravings 12-pack. The box gives you twelve 42g packs, which is 24 cups and 504g in total.

Option What you get Best for
Single pack 2 cups, 42g Trying them first
12-pack 24 cups, 504g Regular snacking, lower cost per pack

Twelve singles cost noticeably more than the box, so the 12-pack is the better buy once you know you like them. The box also sits just under our $70 free shipping threshold, so adding one more small item usually gets you there.

When they fit

A sweet tooth on a cut. This is where they shine. When you are in a calorie deficit, a chocolate craving can derail the whole day. A pack gives you the flavour you want with very little sugar and some protein to help you feel satisfied.

An evening snack. Many people find the hardest time to stick to a plan is after dinner on the couch. Keeping a box in the pantry gives you a planned treat instead of a raid on the biscuit tin.

A post-training reward. They will not replace your shake, but they are a nice extra after a session if your protein for the day is already on track.

They are still a treat with calories. They work best as a swap for regular chocolate, not an extra on top of it.

Where NZ Supps fits

We stock the full Quest range, from bars to chips to these cups. If you are not sure which Quest snack suits you, our guide to bars, cups or chips breaks it down, and Quest Bar flavours ranked is useful if you want to add bars to the order.

For more ideas, browse our protein bars and snacks and protein foods, or read the best protein snacks in NZ.

FAQ

How much protein is in Quest peanut butter cups? Each 42g pack has two cups and 11g of protein, with under 1g of sugar and 1g of net carbs. The protein comes mainly from whey protein isolate.

Do Quest peanut butter cups taste like the real thing? They get close, which is why they sell so well. The chocolate and peanut butter flavours are there, but the texture is a little firmer and the sweetness comes from erythritol, which some people notice as a faint cooling note.

Is the 12-pack cheaper than buying singles? Yes. The 12-pack works out cheaper per pack than buying twelve singles, so if you know you like them, the box is the better buy. A single pack is the low-risk way to try them first.

Are Quest Protein Cravings good for weight loss? They can help you stick to a diet because they satisfy a chocolate craving with very little sugar and a decent hit of protein. They are still a treat with calories, so they work best as a swap for a regular chocolate bar, not an extra on top.

Can erythritol upset your stomach? Sugar alcohols like erythritol can cause bloating or a loose stomach in some people, usually when they eat a lot at once. One pack is generally fine for most people, but go easy at first if you know you are sensitive.

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