Peanut butter and jelly may go hand-in-hand, but we say the nutty spread shines best when paired with rich, dairy-free chocolate. Once the domain of candy bars and lunchbox treats, this iconic duo is getting a modern glow-up—and VegNews editors tasted their way through the latest peanut butter-chocolate creations. The result? These standout finds prove the classic pairing still reigns supreme.
Peanut butter fudge protein bars by Misfits
Forget the smart watches or viral leggings—today’s hottest gym accessory is the protein-candy bar hybrid from Misfits. Fudgy chocolate, peanut butter, and a blend of pea, soy, and fava bean proteins form the basis of this chewy, gooey candy bar that packs a whopping 14 grams of protein, four grams of fiber, and just one gram of sugar. Misfits said it best: “Protein, but make it candy.”
Mexican hot chocolate peanut butter by Backyard Peanut Butter
Maximalism is the name of the game, and Backyard Peanut Butter is in the lead. This peanut butter company goes beyond typical smooth and crunchy varieties to churn out jars unlike anything on grocery shelves (think horchata, dill pickle, and buffalo). The heat is turned up on the classic peanut butter-chocolate combo in this jar, thanks to cocoa, cinnamon, and cayenne—and a few chocolate chips for good measure. It’s a new way to do peanut butter, and there’s no going back.
Peanut butter and cornflakes candy bar by 7th Heaven
From morning bowls enjoyed with a side of fruit to late-night spoonfuls during a Netflix binge, there’s no wrong time to enjoy a bowl of cereal. But for those in-between moments when you’re juggling meetings, 7th Heaven’s cornflake-studded chocolate bar provides the ultimate fix. Layers of crispy cereal and creamy peanut butter are covered in luscious oat milk chocolate for a confection reminiscent of your favorite anytime meal.
Swiss-style chilled oat bars by Mooski
Not all granola bars are created equal, just ask the masterminds at Mooski. Tired of dry, crumbly granola bars laden with added sugars, the innovators at Mooski pulled inspiration from Swiss-style overnight oats to create a soft, chilled, chocolate-covered oat bar. This reimagined breakfast staple is perfect for fueling everyday errands or mornings on the Swiss Alps.
Peanut butter brownie honeycomb ice cream by Van Leeuwen
Watch out Ben & Jerry’s, Van Leeuwen is coming for your crown. The decadent creations at this Brooklyn creamery go beyond basic vanilla with a bevy of flavor-bomb mix-ins, and this pint is no exception. Chewy chocolate brownies and ribbons of crispy bee-free honeycomb elevate this peanut butter ice cream from an occasional treat to always-in-the-freezer status.
Fully loaded Reese’s protein butter by Greenbites
Protein is all the rage, but in 2026, it’s time to break up with chalky protein powders and lackluster protein bars. Enter: peanut butter cup protein spread by Greenbites. This functional dessert is made of cashew butter, pea protein, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and vegan Reese’s for a dessert-inspired spread that boasts 11 grams of protein per serving. Dollop onto oatmeal, açai bowls, toast, or enjoy straight out of the jar.
Peanut butter and chocolate-coated cereal clusters by French Squirrel
Nostalgia doesn’t have to mean messy hands or melted chocolate bowls. French Squirrel refines the classic cereal-and-chocolate combo into snackable clusters (think upgraded puppy chow) that feel equal parts comforting and elegant. Crunchy cereal is coated in dark chocolate, one-ingredient peanut butter, date sugar, and a kiss of sea salt. It’s sweet, savory, and—if you don’t want to eat a whole bag in one sitting—dangerous to keep within arm’s reach.
Chocolate peanut butter pudding by Zen
Lunchboxes are about to get a major upgrade. Swap out ho-hum chocolate pudding cups for Zen’s indulgent, extra silky peanut butter chocolate pudding jars. Organic peanut milk, cocoa, sugar, and a touch of salt are combined to create a thick, smooth, extra-nutty chocolate pudding kids will reach for again and again. Tapioca, butterscotch, and plain chocolate, consider your days numbered.
Peanut butter cup coffee pods by Crazy Cups
Coffee lovers and candy lovers rarely speak the same language, but this morning mash-up might change that. Warm, medium-roast brew is infused with rich cocoa notes and peanut butter sweetness, turning your daily caffeine ritual into dessert-in-a-mug energy. Vegan, sugar-free, and compatible with most single-serve brewers, it’ll make you wonder why coffee doesn’t always taste this fun.
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Jocelyn Martinez is a longtime VegNews editor based in Los Angeles, CA.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
