It seems as if protein bars are growing in popularity in today’s world, giving people the option of a healthy snack to take with them on the go. Quest Bars in particular have gained fame as they are packed with protein and have been shared many times on social media, with people sharing favorite flavors and ways to use the bars in other recipes.
Quest Bars have an impressive quantity of fiber and protein and only a gram of sugar in a low-calorie bar. This makes them seem like the ideal snack. If you are wondering, however, are Quest Bars good for you, then you will need to dig deeper and pay attention to the label.
Are Quest Bars Good for You?
All foods have pros and cons and will be right for some people but a bad idea for others. To help you evaluate the healthiness of the bars, consider their nutrition information. Keep in mind that these numbers will vary depending on which flavor Quest Bar you choose.
20 grams of whey-based protein- 4 grams of net carbs
- 18 grams of fiber
- 160 to 210 calories based on flavor
- 95 to 100 percent all natural based on flavor
At a glance, most people are tempted to answer “yes” to are Quest Bars good for you. It is true that they work well as a dietary supplement and can be helpful for those trying to lose weight. They are a great source for dietary fiber, which will keep you full and be easy on your gut without giving you a lot of calories. They are also rich in proteins of a high quality.
Keep in mind, however, that Quest Bars won’t be right for everyone, meaning they may not always be “good for you.” Since the ingredients focus primarily on weight loss and maintenance, they will not be very helpful if you want gain weight or bulk up. They also probably don’t help if you want to eat more calories than normal.
Quest Bar Ingredients and Their Pros & Cons
1. Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate and Milk Protein Isolate)
Pros:
Whey isolate has a great amino acid profile with the ability to deliver protein that is highly usable, making it great for enhancing your immune system, losing body fat, or increasing muscle mass. Both of the main ingredients in Quest Bars are high-quality protein that can let you increase muscle mass when you pair them with the appropriate weight training. The bars also have magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium and are low on the glycemic index.
Cons:
Whey protein isolate as well as milk protein isolates are byproducts of cheese production. This means that sometimes, they can lead to gas, cramps, bloating, or other digestive issues. The whey protein isolates and milk protein also probably contain rBGH, which is a hormone known for its use in dairy factory farming. This unnatural substance is a con for purists and we don’t know its long-term health effects.
2. Isomalto-Oligosaccharide (IMO)
Pros:
When wondering are Quest Bars good for you, some people think of them as a meal replacement. If you want them to be a complete meal, you need to consider if they have enough fiber to make a difference. Almost all of the carbs in the bars are from fiber, helping you stay full and keep insulin levels low. Fiber can also prevent certain diseases, control hunger, and improve digestive health. IMO is a type of fiber that comes from plant sources and it is similar in nature to chicory root fiber, having the same texture, feel, and taste. It is also helpful for weight loss.
Cons:
- Intestinal Upset: The short-chain carbohydrate structure of IMO has properties that are digestion-resistant. You can find IMO naturally in certain foods and in manufactured items. In some cases, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset like soft stool, bloating, flatulence, or occasional diarrhea.
- A Past Lawsuit: Some people may not trust the information regarding fiber content on Quest Bars. There was a class action lawsuit against the company for understating calories and overstating dietary fiber. The company, however says that the plaintiff’s claims are without basis and that he doesn’t understand fiber science.
- Not for Diabetics: Diabetics may have to answer no to are Quest Bars good for you. A test showed that they had an increase in blood sugar levels after eating the bars. The cause isn’t known, but experts think IMOs may contribute.
3. Artificial Sweeteners
Quest Bars contain Splenda, an artificial sweetener. It is the last of the bars’ ingredients, showing its small quantities and it appears after other low-sugar sweeteners such as stevia and erythritol. Although there is speculation about Sucralose (Splenda) and its health complications, some studies have linked it to an increased risk of digestive disease or cancer. In studies on rats, it was suggested that it may lead to an increased pH balance and digestive upset. Those concerned with holistics will say that you should avoid unnatural substances, but experts still feel that Splenda may be found in small quantities. If you want to follow a balanced, healthy diet, then it is best to avoid artificial sweeteners.
Advice on Quest Bar Consumption
You should never rely on a supplement or protein bar as a key part of your diet. Whenever you have the chance, always eat actual food as your body will recognize it and it will be more natural. Natural foods are also best for your body.
Quest Bars are a tasty way to get a great deal of protein while on the go. You can also turn them into other low-calorie treats by microwaving, baking, or broiling them. That being said, there are also healthier options for nutritious and portable snacks.
While you can occasionally replace a meal with a Quest Bar or other protein bar, you should not do so too often. Whole food made using fresh ingredients will always be healthier than a processed bar. They are, however, a great way to avoid temptation and stay healthy.