Quest Protein Bars Review 2024
Quest
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Protein is by far one of the most talked about macronutrients in the health and fitness space. When whole food protein sources are not convenient or available, third-party tested protein supplements, such as protein bars, can serve as a quick and practical alternative to help you meet your protein needs.
Question Nutrition, the popular and well-known protein supplement company, was founded in 2010 with a mission to create the number one protein bar available on the market. Quest protein bars come in an array of flavors and are high in protein while being low in calories, carbs and sugar, attracting fitness enthusiasts due to their desirable macronutrient profile. As a great source of protein, fat and fiber, Quest bars can help you stay full and satiated while also satisfying your sweet tooth.
Interested in trying Quest protein bars? In this review, I will discuss a few things to keep in mind before purchasing.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Quest Protein Bars At a Glance
- Made with milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate which are complete protein sources, containing all nine essential amino acids
- Made with prebiotic fiber which can promote a healthy gut
- Contains two grams of sugar or less in each protein bar
- Offers 21 flavor varieties, among its protein bars and Hero bars
- Offers fast and free delivery with orders over $79
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | Protein (grams) | Carbs (grams) | Fat (grams) | Sugar (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
190 | 21 | 21 | 9 | 1 |
Quest protein bars are popular among the health and fitness community for their desirable macronutrient profile. Higher protein and lower calorie snack bar options are typically more popular among individuals looking to lose weight while maintaining lean muscle mass. Bars with high protein content, such as Quest Nutrition protein bars, offer an easy way to consume protein, which is ideal for those looking to increase their muscle mass, lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. With 21 grams of protein per bar, consumers can easily hit the recommended amount of protein per meal while they’re on-the-go.
Quest protein bars are high in fiber, containing up to 13 grams of fiber per serving, which can help you meet your daily fiber goals. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams of fiber per day for men, which means that eating a Quest protein bar can be an easy option for consuming more protein to reach the daily guideline. Previous research shows how low-fiber diets may cause digestive symptoms such as constipation; however, excessive fiber intake may cause digestive symptoms such as gas or abdominal pain.
Quest Protein Bars Quality of Ingredients
Quest
Whey Protein Isolate: Whey protein is a protein derived from milk which contains all nine essential amino acids needed in the body. Previous research shows how the consumption of milk-based protein after resistance exercise may contribute to increased muscle strength and favorable changes in body composition. More specifically, whey protein isolate contains 90 percent or higher whey protein by weight and less than one percent lactose, which is beneficial for lactose sensitive or intolerant individuals.
Related: Whey Protein Concentrate vs Whey Isolate: How Are They Different and Which One is Right for You?
Polydextrose: Polydextrose is a prebiotic—a non-digestible carbohydrate—that stimulates the growth and activity of probiotics. Polydextrose is also a very well tolerated prebiotic as depicted in previous research. Prebiotic supplementation may serve as a useful dietary strategy for promoting a healthy gut.
Soy Lecithin: Lecithin is an emulsifier that is commonly used as a food additive to combine foods. Lecithin may cause digestive symptoms including stomach aches, diarrhea or loose stools; however, there is no recommended amount for lecithin intake.
Stevia: Stevia is a naturally sourced, zero-calorie sweetener that has been used as a natural sugar substitute and flavoring ingredient for hundreds of years. In the United States, high-purity stevia leaf extracts are considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Sucralose: Sucralose is a general-purpose sweetener that is about 600 times sweeter than table sugar and is typically sold under the brand name Splenda®. Sucralose is an approved sweetener for use in food and is regulated by the FDA as a food additive.
Quest Protein Bar Flavors
Quest protein bars come in a variety of flavors, all of which are sweet and dessert-based, making them a great treat during the day whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, dessert or post-workout fuel. I’ve tried nearly every flavor over the years, with some being better than others. I cover some of the most popular flavors below, diving into their macros, texture, taste and reviews. Each bar has similar macros, with around 170 to 200 calories, 22 to 25 grams of carbohydrates, 20 to 21 grams of protein, six to nine grams of fat and 12 to 15 grams of fiber to aid digestion and keep you full and satiated.
Quest Cookies And Cream Protein Bar
Quest’s Cookies and Cream protein bars appear to be a crowd favorite amongst many reviewers. The Cookies and Cream flavor has 190 calories, 21 grams of protein, eight grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates and 13 grams of fiber. These bars are extremely gooey without a chalky texture and are filled with little cookie crunches throughout the bar. Many love the taste of this flavor and even compare these bars to tasting just like an Oreo; however, some reviewers are disappointed with the more recent change in recipe for this product.
Quest Cookie Dough Protein Bar
Most reviewers say Quest’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough protein bars taste just like cookie dough, but without all the calories and fat; the texture and flavor are about as close as you can get to the real thing. The Cookie Dough flavor has 190 calories, 21 grams of protein, nine grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of fiber. The soft and chewy texture combined with the sweet flavor makes this a great way to satisfy a craving for something sweet without ruining your fitness goals. While the original recipe is loved amongst many reviewers, the newer and softer bars melt very fast, creating a mess after opening. Some say the flavor is now oddly bitter and more artificial tasting.
Quest Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bar
Reviewers rave about the great taste of Quest’s Chocolate Peanut Butter protein bars. The Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor has 190 calories, 20 grams of protein, nine grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber. These bars have a rich peanut butter taste with just the right amount of chocolate and are not chalky. While less popular compared to other Quest bars, this flavor is a must-try for the chocolate peanut butter lovers out there.
Quest Birthday Cake Protein Bar
Among its best sellers, Quest’s Birthday Cake protein bar is one of the sweetest and softest bars amongst the different flavors and will definitely satisfy your birthday cake craving. The Birthday Cake flavor has 180 calories, 20 grams of protein, seven grams of fat, 25 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of fiber. This bar is frosted on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside with sprinkles distributed throughout. This bar has great texture and flavor with minimal protein aftertaste, making it one of my personal favorites whenever I’m looking for something sweet.
Quest Blueberry Muffin Protein Bar
The original recipe of Quest’s Blueberry Muffin bar has a desirable texture and taste surprisingly similar to blueberry muffins. The Blueberry Muffin flavor has 180 calories, 20 grams of protein, seven grams of fat, 23 grams of carbohydrates and 13 grams of fiber. This bar is a great change of pace if you normally gravitate toward chocolate flavors. However, many reviewers are also disappointed by the new blueberry muffin recipe. The new flavor is less reminiscent of a blueberry muffin, and the texture is much stickier than the original bars.
Quest Chocolate Brownie Protein Bar
Quest’s Chocolate Brownie protein bar is highly rated amongst reviewers. The Chocolate Brownie flavor has 170 calories, 20 grams of protein, six grams of fat, 24 grams of carbohydrates and 15 grams of fiber. This bar is soft, chewy and tastes just like a brownie. As a chocolate lover, this bar is perfect for satisfying my chocolate cravings without the sugar. Reviewers describe this bar as having perfect flavor and texture, while also not being too sweet or too chocolatey. Unlike other Quest flavors, Chocolate Brownie is a smooth bar without any added cookie or chocolate chunks.
Quest Protein Bars Cost
Quest protein bars have premier pricing in which they cost about $2.79 per serving when purchasing a 12-bar box or $2.75 per serving when purchasing a four-bar box, which is typically more expensive than most protein bars on the market. To save 10% on each order and ensure you are stocked with your favorite products at all times, you can set up a subscription where you will agree to recurring purchases at the frequency you set. Once your subscription is set up, Quest will automatically ship to your door for less money than the standard order and will provide free shipping after your first subscription order. Quest also offers flexible scheduling so you can skip, add or remove any products or cancel at any time.
What Customers Are Saying About Quest Protein Bars
Reviewers agree that Quest is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings while also meeting your protein and fiber goals. One Amazon reviewer says “I love the fiber, this item has become a staple in my diet. My doctor said I needed to get at least 30 grams of fiber a day. I was struggling, but I am now able to get all 30 grams very comfortably with this bar!”
Another Amazon reviewer says, “I am a protein bar connoisseur, and this is near the top of my list. It has a really good flavor, and the big chunks of chocolate are so good. The consistency is more of a doughy chewy texture, which is easy to chew and enjoyable.”
Other reviewers seem to be disappointed in the taste and texture due to recent formula changes. High fiber levels can create a grainy consistency within these bars that some may not like. Some also say that Quest protein bars are “too sweet.” Overall, Quest protein bars are highly rated protein bars with a loyal customer base despite a few disappointed reviewers.
Quest Protein Bars vs Quest Hero Bars
Quest
Quest recently launched its Hero bars, which are similar to its protein bars, but with a few key differences. Firstly, these bars are all coated in chocolate, be it white or milk chocolate, lending to a sweeter and more decadent taste than the original protein bars. While the ingredients are fairly similar to the protein bars, the Quest Hero bars have a crispy center that’s best likened to a candy bar, giving it a crispy texture. While they do contain protein (around 15 grams per bar), they’re less protein-packed than the protein bars, which have around 21 grams of protein per bar. The Quest Hero bars come in Blueberry Cobbler, Chocolate Caramel Pecan, Chocolate Coconut, Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Peanut Butter flavors.
About Quest
Quest
Question Nutrition was founded by Tom Bilyeu who had a vision to create the number one protein bar on the market. As depicted on its website, Quest Nutrition promises to set the bar high with its great-tasting, protein-packed foods that you can make part of your workout routine or your daily life. Quest claims its team is constantly searching for new, cutting-edge ingredients with metabolic advantages. Its products range from whey protein powders and bars to more untraditional protein-packed snacks, such as chips and cookies.
Quest claims to use only quality ingredients, FDA-approved fiber sources and dairy-based proteins with a complete amino acid profile. Despite these claims, it is important to note that Quest protein bars are not third-party tested for product purity, safety and quality. Before purchasing dietary supplements, as a consumer, it is important to understand that dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. To guarantee product purity and safety, it is best practice to search for dietary supplement brands that are third-party tested through reputable organizations like NSF and Informed Choice.
Quest vs RXBars
RX protein bars are known for the short and simple list of ingredients on its packaging such as egg whites, nuts, dates and natural flavors. While these bars are not plant-based, they are gluten-free and dairy-free, made with egg white protein and whole food ingredients. In comparison to Quest protein bars, RX bars are lower in protein and fiber, and higher in sugar. RX bars are naturally sweetened with dates, providing 15 grams of sugar per bar, whereas Quest bars are artificially sweetened with sugar alcohols, providing one gram of sugar per bar. RX bars have a desirable chewy consistency with an excellent assortment of flavors including Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coconut Chocolate, Banana Chocolate Walnut, Strawberry, Mixed Berry, Blueberry, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Almond and Mint Chocolate. RX protein bars are also less expensive ($2.33 per serving) in comparison to Quest protein bars ($2.79 per serving) when purchasing a 12-bar box. Overall, I would consider RX bars as a more desirable pre-workout snack due to their lower protein and fiber content and Quest protein bars as more desirable post-workout snack due to their higher protein and fiber content to minimize digestive symptoms during exercise.
Quest vs No Cow
No Cow protein bars are known for being one of the best plant-based protein bars on the market. Made with pea and rice protein, these bars have 200 calories, 20 grams of protein, 26 grams of carbohydrates, five grams of fat, one gram of sugar and 15 grams of fiber per serving to keep you full and satisfied. Similar to Quest, No Cow is a gluten-free, high-protein, high-fiber and low-sugar protein bar company. No Cow protein bars come in a wide variety of tasty flavor options including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Chunky Peanut Butter, S’mores, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Blueberry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Maple and Birthday Cake. While low in sugar, it is important to note that both No Cow and Quest protein bars are sweetened with sugar alcohols including stevia and erythritol which may cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms. In contrast to Quest, No Cow prioritizes sustainability by providing dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternatives for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, sensitive to dairy or allergic to soy. No Cow protein bars are slightly less expensive ($2.75 per serving) in comparison to Quest protein bars ($2.79 per serving) when purchasing a 12-bar box.
Quest Protein Bar FAQs
Are Quest protein bars healthy?
Quest protein bars may serve as a healthy addition to one’s diet, especially for those looking to increase their daily protein and fiber consumption. With that being said, Quest protein bars are also highly processed and contain artificial sweeteners. What is healthy for one person may not be healthy for another person, thus, it is always important to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before trying any new dietary supplement.
What are Quest protein bars sweetened with?
Quest protein bars are sweetened with sugar alcohols including stevia and erythritol. While these artificial sweeteners may be low in calories, they may also impact gut health and cause digestive symptoms including gas, bloating and diarrhea which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Is Quest protein good for weight loss?
While no one food or supplement can lead to weight loss, high-protein and high-fiber diets may be advantageous in one’s weight loss journey. Consumption of foods rich in protein and fiber can help you feel more full and satisfied throughout the day which may help to achieve a slight energy deficit to promote healthy weight loss. Please consult a doctor or registered dietitian for specific weight loss advice.
When should I eat a protein bar?
Quest protein bars can be eaten at any time throughout the day as a high-protein snack; however, eating Quest protein bars after your workout may be advantageous. Quest protein bars range from 18-21 grams of whey protein per serving. Previous research displays how the consumption of whey protein after resistance training may help maximize muscle protein synthesis and improve subsequent recovery. On the other hand, it is not recommended to consume these protein bars before exercise due to their high fiber content to avoid digestive symptoms during exercise.
Are Quest protein bars safe for diabetics?
Quest protein bars are low in sugar and high in protein and fiber, making them a safe and ideal snack for diabetics. Since Quest protein bars are low in sugar, they are sweetened with calorie-free artificial sweeteners to minimize blood sugar spikes. Artificial sweeteners can be useful in diabetes management when used properly; however, other research depicts how these sweeteners may also lead to glucose intolerance by impairing gut health.
Takeaway: Are Quest Protein Bars Good?
Quest protein bars can serve as a convenient and tasty way to meet your daily protein goals while on the go. As a Registered Dietitian, I always like to first and foremost promote eating whole foods over any protein supplement. It is important to consider that there is no magical protein supplement that will directly cause you to lose weight or gain muscle. With that being said, protein bars and powders can serve as an easy addition to your dietary regime if you have limited access to whole-food protein sources and are looking to increase your daily protein intake. Since Quest protein bars are not third-party tested, it is best practice to consult with a registered dietitian or doctor before starting any new dietary supplement.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
