The Smart Way to Fuel Your Next Protein Bar
Protein bars have come a long way from being just a post-gym convenience. Today, they’re part of a bigger picture: quick nutrition, lifestyle choices, and even self-expression through food. Shoppers are scanning labels for more than protein grams they’re searching for unique ingredients, natural stories, and textures that surprise them.
This is where mushrooms are taking the spotlight. Ingredients like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps are stepping into the nutrition bar category, bringing a fresh angle for brands that want to stand out. Traditionally found in hot beverages or capsules, these mushrooms are now inspiring bars that aim to appeal to consumers looking for products with a distinctive edge.
At Van Wankum Ingredients, we offer mushroom powders and extracts in various grades, suitable for bars, bites, and functional snacks. They blend seamlessly into recipes and pair well with both plant- and dairy-based proteins. For product developers, they open up possibilities for limited editions, seasonal launches, or premium lines that tell a story on the wrapper.
Our mushroom range for bars
- Lion’s Mane Powder – Often linked to “mind and focus” concepts in product positioning
- Reishi Extract – Featured in traditional wellness product ranges
- Chaga Powder – A nature-inspired choice for premium bars
- Cordyceps Extract – Common in active lifestyle formulations
Don’t forget the foundation
Of course, a great bar is more than its star ingredient. That’s where our polydextrose comes in a versatile fiber ingredient that helps create the right texture, improves binding, and supports recipe stability. In other words, it’s the quiet co-star making sure your mushrooms, proteins, and flavors work together in harmony.
Let’s create your Brains and Body Bar
Whether you’re exploring mushrooms for the first time, looking to refine your texture with polydextrose, or planning your next big product launch, we’re here to guide you through ingredient selection and formulation possibilities.