Quest Protein Bar Review (2024): Are Quest Protein Bars Healthy? (2024)

Quest Protein Bar Review (2024): Are Quest Protein Bars Healthy? (1)

Nutrition

It hits the sweet spot of low-cal, low-sugar, and high-protein.

By Austin Letorney

February 14, 2024

Home»Edge»Nutrition»Are Quest Protein Bars Healthy? Here’s Our Honest Review

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My record for protein bars eaten in a single day is four. I’m not proud of it, nor do I recommend it. But when stuck on an eight hour train ride, I’d rather eat a protein bar than some soggy microwave pretzel, or a wilting BLT.

Especially if that protein bar is from Quest Nutrition.

Quest Nutrition Protein Bars were recommended to me by a friend and certified trainer because they’re everything you want in a protein bar. He said they’re low calorie, low sugar, taste great, and are packed with 18 to 20 grams of protein. I hate eating some sugar-bomb product when I’m rushing out the door, only to feel sick 20 minutes later. With Quest, I love how I stay full and have the energy to crush whatever workout comes my way.

Quest Protein Bars

Quest’s protein bars come from the same company that makes protein powders, shakes, and of course, my other favorite protein snack, protein chips. They’re the most convenient way for me to hit my protein goals for the day, and they actually taste good. I’ll eat them for breakfast if I’m on-the-go, before a workout for some quick fuel, or as a snack if I’m tired of munching on carrots.

Are Quest Bars healthy?

Generally speaking, yes, Quest Protein Bars are healthy. They come with a very low sugar load (1g), reasonable calorie count (190), and fairly robust fiber content to boot (13g). It’s a solid hold-me-over snack between meals, or right after a workout when your body is craving nourishment.

That said, it’s still a highly processed food and certainly can’t replace whole foods you might eat in a cooked meal. Its vitamin and nutrient profile are lacking, too. Quest Bars and other products like them are best for supplementing small gaps in a diet—not making up a significant cornerstone of one.

Taste and Texture

Hands down, my favorite flavor is cookies and cream. This flavor reminds me of a Hershey’s Cookies ‘N Creme chocolate bar and satisfies that candy itch without all the sugar. Quest has 18 other flavors to choose from like s’mores and oatmeal chocolate chip (my other go-tos) so I never get bored of the taste.

Most of the bars Quest offers are chewy and wrapped in chocolate, but they don’t get stuck in your teeth like Rx Bars do. There are “crunchy” options too, which have that crisp shell on the outside and soft chew on the inside.

Quest Protein Bar Review (2024): Are Quest Protein Bars Healthy? (2)

Nutrition Facts (for cookies and cream flavor)

Serving Size1 Bar
Fat8g
Carbs21g
Protein21g
Sugar1g (with 0g added sugar)

Protein

Quest Protein Bars range from 18 to 21 grams of protein depending on flavor. They use a blend of milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate, which both digest quickly and don’t upset my stomach. Plus, they fill me up fast and are perfect for muscle building and repair.

Sugar

With only one gram of sugar per bar (and zero added sugar), there’s nothing to complain about. A lot of bars on the market rely on sugar to keep you coming back for more—a typical protein bar can have more than 10 grams of added sugar. Not Quest. The brand uses a combination of stevia extract and sucralose, which are zero calorie sweeteners.

What’s more, they have just 150 to 200 calories per bar, around 23 grams of carbs, and under 10 grams of fat (dependent on flavor).

Quest Nutrition Quest Protein Bars

Pros

  • 18 to 21 grams of protein
  • One gram of sugar per bar
  • 19 flavors to choose from
  • Affordable and convenient on-the-go option

Cons

  • I can’t live off these alone

The Bottom Line

Quest Protein Bars hit the sweet spot of an ideal pre- or post-workout snack: they’re low in calories and sugar, but have about the same amount of protein in a protein shake. There are 19 flavors to choose from, but none of them include the garbage ingredients in many other brands’ bars. They keep me full and don’t mess up a perfect eating day.

Quest Protein Bar Review (2024): Are Quest Protein Bars Healthy? (4)

Quest Protein Bar Review (2024): Are Quest Protein Bars Healthy? (2024)

FAQs

Quest Protein Bar Review (2024): Are Quest Protein Bars Healthy? ›

This product is neither high nor low in saturated fat but falls into the moderate range. Most of the fat in this Quest bar comes from peanuts. The chocolate chip cookie dough Quest bar includes 1 gram of sugar, 0 grams of added sugar, and 6 grams of sugar alcohols. Quest bars are considered low-sugar protein bars.

Are Quest protein bars actually healthy? ›

Generally speaking, yes, Quest Protein Bars are healthy. They come with a very low sugar load (1g), reasonable calorie count (190), and fairly robust fiber content to boot (13g). It's a solid hold-me-over snack between meals, or right after a workout when your body is craving nourishment.

Is Quest protein good for weight loss? ›

Quest Protein Powder is also low in carbohydrate and fat content. When safely supplementing your daily macro requirements with Quest protein powder, weight loss could be achieved.

Are protein bars good for weight loss? ›

Yes, low carb protein bars can be useful to a weight loss regimen. High in protein and fiber while low in carbohydrates, they can promote satiety and help you feel full longer, potentially reducing overall calorie intake. However, they should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and exercise program.

How many Quest Bars should you have a day? ›

Generally speaking, it is recommended that an individual consumes one to two protein bars a day to meet their nutritional goals. For individuals looking to gain muscle, consuming 2-3 protein bars a day can be beneficial since muscle-building requires more protein than fat loss.

What is the quest nutrition lawsuit? ›

The lawsuit alleges that Quest Nutrition misleads consumers into thinking that their protein bars are made of natural ingredients when, in fact, they are not. The lawsuit also alleges that Quest Nutrition's claims of high protein content are inaccurate, as the bars contain lower levels of protein than advertised.

What are the side effects of protein bars? ›

While they can keep sugar grams low, many have adverse effects on the body and can cause headaches, bloating, and gastrointestinal distress. You'll also want to take a look at the total calories in your protein bar.

What are the side effects of quest protein? ›

Many Quest Bars contain sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. According to registered dietician Andy De Santis, “Sugar alcohols can also interfere with blood sugar control and may lead to weight gain.” That's right, zero calorie sweeteners can make you fat.

Do Quest Bars raise blood sugar? ›

Quest® Bars

Most of the carbohydrate in these bars comes from added fiber which can help to delay how quickly blood sugars rise. Although Quest is not a whole-food product, its nutritional breakdown can help to regulate blood sugars.

Is it OK to eat protein bars everyday? ›

Protein bars meant to be used as meal replacements can be high in calories. Although higher-calorie bars are appropriate for a hearty snack or light meal, eating higher-calorie bars can lead to unintended weight gain over time if you don't consider how those calories fit into your diet as a whole.

Which protein is best for weight loss? ›

Choose protein sources that are nutrient-rich and lower in saturated fat and calories, such as:
  • Lean meats.
  • Seafood.
  • Beans.
  • Soy.
  • Low-fat dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Nuts and seeds.

Can a protein bar replace a meal? ›

The answer, laid out bare, is YES! Protein bars can double up as meal replacements.

Should you refrigerate Quest bars? ›

As with all food, the colder you store them the longer they stay at their best. While Quest Bars are fine at room temperature, many fans have reported extended freshness when the bars are stored cold. Just be sure to warm up your Quest Bar just before eating to ensure the perfect soft and chewy texture.

What to eat instead of protein bars? ›

Real Food Options
  • Lowfat yogurt and fruit.
  • Lowfat cottage cheese and fruit.
  • Snack size can of tuna and whole grain crackers.
  • Ready-to-eat whole grain cereal and milk.
  • Dried fruit and nut mix.
  • Whole grain bread spread with peanut or almond butter.
  • Hummus with vegetables or whole grain pita.
  • Homemade fruit smoothie.

Is a Quest Bar a meal replacement? ›

They are a good source of protein and fiber and are low in sodium and sugar. Quest protein bars are highly processed and do not contain the same variety of vitamins and minerals found in whole foods. They are not meant to be meal replacement bars.

Do Quest protein bars build muscle? ›

Absolutely. Getting enough high-quality protein is critical to strength gains.

Do Quest bars raise blood sugar? ›

Quest® Bars

Most of the carbohydrate in these bars comes from added fiber which can help to delay how quickly blood sugars rise. Although Quest is not a whole-food product, its nutritional breakdown can help to regulate blood sugars.

Can I eat Quest protein bars as a snack? ›

Quest bars are a revolutionary snack bar that contain between 160 and 210 calories per bar with 20 grams of high-quality protein and a whopping 17 grams of fiber. They are the perfect size to hold you over between meals, or to be part of a meal if you pair it with a fruit or vegetable.

How much sugar is in a quest protein bar? ›

Supplement Facts
Amount Per Serving% Daily Value
Total Carbohydrate25 GM8%
Dietary Fiber14 GM56%
Sugars - <1 GMN/A*
ERYTHRITOL6 GMN/A*
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