Quest candy bars.

NCSteveVH

No problem, I just think it needs to be known, glad I could shed some light on things. It’s just aggravating someone like me can gain weight REALLY easily so even when I'm maintaining I track everything I eat. I am also a slow loser and secret "hidden, no-counted" calories started to cause weight loss plateaus. Also consider things like sugar substitute and PAM, they are NOT calorie free. They are however allowed to claim calorie free based on the serving size (PAM's serving size is 1/3 second spray, who uses that little?) The FDA considers the calories negligible but say you spray PAM on your pans for 3 meals, use maybe 5 packets of sweetener and eat a Quest Bar and BAM! You just added around 100 calories you don’t even know about! Do that 7 days a week, add in a few extras on the weekends because you have done so good with your tracking; You think you are doing everything right but then you stall...sometimes maybe you are doing everything right but you don’t have all the information in front of you, ugh... off my soapbox now just frustrated with food companies.

Wow, I eat a Quest bar per day, use several packets of "non-calorie" artificial sweetener in my coffee every morning, and spray a hefty amount of "non-calorie" Pam in my skillet before making my daily omlette. Never knew any of this! Thanks for sharing; I'll be adjusting my MFP entries to account for these hidden calories....

LianaG1115

Macro Breakdown--> protein: 21g (21 X 4 = 84), Fat: 7g (7 X 9 =63), Carbs: 22 (22 X 4 =88)

What is all this stuff?? I'm learning macros now, so I'm not getting where you got the 4, 9, and 4 numbers?? Can ya help me out? Thanks.

1 g protein has 4 calories
1 g fat has 9 calories
1 g carbs has 4 calories

Awesome thanks for explaining!

dbmata

There's 21 g carbs, 21 g protein, and 17 g fiber in the chocolate chip cookie dough Quest bar.

Exactly my point. That's a ton of carbs for a "protein bar".

You are failing to see that there are only 4 g NET CARBS in the bar.

You must not know how to calculate net carbs… So I'll teach you… total carbs - fiber = net carbs.

I'm not failing to see anything. Thanks though. I'll deal with subtracting net carbs when I see enough peer reviewed evidence showing that it is reasonable to do so. Not some snarky post.

dbmata

Macro Breakdown--> protein: 21g (21 X 4 = 84), Fat: 7g (7 X 9 =63), Carbs: 22 (22 X 4 =88)

What is all this stuff?? I'm learning macros now, so I'm not getting where you got the 4, 9, and 4 numbers?? Can ya help me out? Thanks.

1 g protein has 4 calories
1 g fat has 9 calories
1 g carbs has 4 calories

Awesome thanks for explaining!

Keep that in mind when looking at macro counts. It's great knowledge to know even though it does lack a little precision.

dbmata

Those things any good? Looks like a 1:1 protein to carb ratio.

How is the taste? Digestability? Looking at these right now.
http://www.questnutrition.com/protein-bars/cookies-and-cream/?type=box

Yes, very.

Put on wax paper and in microwave for ~12 sec. Enjoy

No microwave! We got rid of that a few years back. I did toss them in the freezer though, that'll be a good test for them.

ds1007

Cookie dough is the greatest low carb thing ever created. I order them by the box!

ds1007

Yes, to some of us. They go for 35 bucks for a box of 12 where I live. It's ridiculous. However, I've only ever gone to buy some once, and the only flavor out of the four I chose that I LOVED was the cookie dough one (because when cold, it tastes like real cookie dough, haha). I'd personally only ever buy them if super cheap.

I also buy pure protein bars, as someone mentioned above. I think they're pretty decent, as well.

I order them off Amazon - $24.99 per box & free shipping with Prime

dance_and_barbells

I love cookie dough and white chocolate raspberry. Apple pie is a fav as well. I really want to try cookies & creme.
I put them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and they are delicious. Not so delicious if they aren't heated though.

b7bbs

Quest Protein Bars are AMAZING! I buy them by the box. My favorites are the cinnamon bun and apple pie. I have tried all of them except the lemon one so far. They are excellent.

dbmata

Here's a couple amazon links I just looked up:

12 count variety:
http://smile.amazon.com/Quest-Nutrition-Variety-2-12-ounce/dp/B009NVR3J8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1406659482&sr=8-3&keywords=quest+protein

12 count Choc. Chip cookie dough.
http://smile.amazon.com/Quest-Nutrition-Protein-Chocolate-Cookie/dp/B00DLDH1N2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406659482&sr=8-1&keywords=quest+protein

gweneddk

I was a bigger fan of them until I actually calculated the macros on them and the calories listed on the label are way off. Most bars average around 240 calories, so not really the great calorie saver "treat" I once thought they were.

Take cookies and cream just as an example since its the new craze:
Labeled Calories: 180

Macro Breakdown--> protein: 21g (21 X 4 = 84), Fat: 7g (7 X 9 =63), Carbs: 22 (22 X 4 =88)

84 + 63 + 88 = 235 Calories, not 180 that’s a discrepancy of 55 calories, yes this occurs will a lot of our American food products because technically fiber calories are subtractable but this has turned me off from the brand completely. I guess I'm just glad I always count macros and not calories.

I can not thank you enough for this. I have found that pretty much every label is incorrect and NOT in my favor! Huff!!

The labeling is not incorrect at all. In the US, companies subtract a portion of the carbohydrates that come from fiber from the calorie count. It's not intended to be misleading and it is not the fault of the brand; EVERY label is calculated this way. Fiber is good for you, and is only partially digested. Hence, you really do not absorb 4 cal/g from fiber as you do from other carbs. The fiber used in Quest bars is used to bulk and bind the bar and really doesn't make them "high in carbs" like a traditional protein bar that is full of sugar.

So to the OP: the carb/protein ratio is nowhere near 1:1 (and I would argue that most candy is probably way higher like 5:1 or 10:1)

I tried to get my mother in law to eat them instead of "candy" protein bars and she claims that they are too dry or she can't swallow them. I will say the texture varies from flavor to flavor (and especially varies depending on if the bars are from the regular or "all natural" lines) and gets worse over time (ie, they go "stale").

I signed up for a GNC gold membership and periodically get $5 or $10 coupons which I used to get a better deal.

ETA: clarification on fiber and comment on flavors/deals

dbmata

Well, looking at the 21/22 protein to carb, we're left at sub 1. Should really be better than that, but hey, they're great little snacks it seems.

MityMax96

Well, looking at the 21/22 protein to carb, we're left at sub 1. Should really be better than that, but hey, they're great little snacks it seems.

Do they fit in your daily goals and macros??

If so, eat and enjoy

gweneddk

Well, looking at the 21/22 protein to carb, we're left at sub 1. Should really be better than that, but hey, they're great little snacks it seems.

You really don't need to count the fiber if you're looking at ratios. So it's ~20g of protein to ~5 g of [net] carbs. 4 times as much protein as carbs.

earlnabby

I'll pick a few up then, I tend to avoid protein bars, because most are just candy bars. From a few of my recent workouts though, I can use a little bit extra fuel and I'd rather not eat a snickers or a gu. The carb count is ridiculously high on them, but that is an excellent protein count.

So the flavors worth trying are:
Cookies and Cream
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

How is the peanut butter? I'm not a fan of raspberry.
I see Apple Pie mentioned too, which would be good if I had a little cheddar...

ETA - and thanks for the commentary.

My personal favorites are the Chocolate Brownie and the Chocolate Peanut Butter. Mixed Berry Bliss isn't too bad but i don't like the crunchier things in them. Same with the Chocolate chip cookie dough and Chocolate chunk, the chunks are a little too big for my preference.

earlnabby

Taste great, but expensive.

Is $2.49 really expensive?

Yes, to some of us. They go for 35 bucks for a box of 12 where I live. It's ridiculous. However, I've only ever gone to buy some once, and the only flavor out of the four I chose that I LOVED was the cookie dough one (because when cold, it tastes like real cookie dough, haha). I'd personally only ever buy them if super cheap.

I also buy pure protein bars, as someone mentioned above. I think they're pretty decent, as well.

$25 a box off of Amazon

kayla554

Is there any difference between a quest protein bar and a whey protein shake?

CanGirl40

My guilty pleasure:

A chocolate chip cookie dough quest bar with 5 chocolate chips on top - melt for 7 seconds in microwave. You won't believe it's a "protein bar"...unbelievable!!!

kikityme

I was a bigger fan of them until I actually calculated the macros on them and the calories listed on the label are way off. Most bars average around 240 calories, so not really the great calorie saver "treat" I once thought they were.

Take cookies and cream just as an example since its the new craze:
Labeled Calories: 180

Macro Breakdown--> protein: 21g (21 X 4 = 84), Fat: 7g (7 X 9 =63), Carbs: 22 (22 X 4 =88)

84 + 63 + 88 = 235 Calories, not 180 that’s a discrepancy of 55 calories, yes this occurs will a lot of our American food products because technically fiber calories are subtractable but this has turned me off from the brand completely. I guess I'm just glad I always count macros and not calories.

I can not thank you enough for this. I have found that pretty much every label is incorrect and NOT in my favor! Huff!!

The labeling is not incorrect at all. In the US, companies subtract a portion of the carbohydrates that come from fiber from the calorie count. It's not intended to be misleading and it is not the fault of the brand; EVERY label is calculated this way. Fiber is good for you, and is only partially digested. Hence, you really do not absorb 4 cal/g from fiber as you do from other carbs. The fiber used in Quest bars is used to bulk and bind the bar and really doesn't make them "high in carbs" like a traditional protein bar that is full of sugar.

I don't know, there's something off about them. The numbers look good on paper, but I tried 3, on 3 separate days and each time they spiked my blood sugar by 50 points. Eating pancakes and syrup doesn't spike my blood sugar that high.

tmpecus78

There's 21 g carbs, 21 g protein, and 17 g fiber in the chocolate chip cookie dough Quest bar.

Exactly my point. That's a ton of carbs for a "protein bar".

That is a ton of carbs for a protein bar? You obviously haven't look at protein bar labels often. The typical/average protein bar on the market has 30-45+ grams of carbs per bar w/ an average of 15-35grams of sugar and/or sugar alcohols and only an average of 4-6g of fiber. Questbars aren't even close to those numbers. Just go to bodybuilding.com and do a simple search and take a look for yourself.

gweneddk

Is there any difference between a quest protein bar and a whey protein shake?

The fiber and chewing action makes them more filling than a shake in general. But the main ingredients are whey protein + fiber so you might be able to get the same thing by adding a bunch of fiber to a whey shake. I just don't think that the fiber they use is available for purchase to the general public.

I don't eat that many of them to be honest, probably 1/week. But I like them much better than any alternative I've tried. Although I've been doing Epic bars occasionally when I need some portable protein.

Acidique

Update! I tried the cookies and cream bar for the first time at lunch. Actually not too bad! I'd eat it again. If the other flavors I got are at least that good, I'll consider buying a box later on. I probably won't eat them daily, but a couple of times a week when I'm too busy to pack a better snack. Convenient.

dbmata

That is a ton of carbs for a protein bar?

Yup. I'm sorry, I must not have been clear.

That is an excessive amount of carbs for something being marketed as a protein source. Which is why, in my consideration, they are essentially candy. The Quest bars seem to be the best of the bunch though, which is why for the moment, until I find something better they get the nod over another candy product, Gu for what I'm doing. I invite you to take a look at the labeling of "protein bars", if protein isn't the largest macro, it's pretty much not a protein bar.

MityMax96

Is there any difference between a quest protein bar and a whey protein shake?

Got to look at nutrition label

FitMelody4Life

I was a bigger fan of them until I actually calculated the macros on them and the calories listed on the label are way off. Most bars average around 240 calories, so not really the great calorie saver "treat" I once thought they were.

Take cookies and cream just as an example since its the new craze:
Labeled Calories: 180

Macro Breakdown--> protein: 21g (21 X 4 = 84), Fat: 7g (7 X 9 =63), Carbs: 22 (22 X 4 =88)

84 + 63 + 88 = 235 Calories, not 180 that’s a discrepancy of 55 calories, yes this occurs will a lot of our American food products because technically fiber calories are subtractable but this has turned me off from the brand completely. I guess I'm just glad I always count macros and not calories.

I can not thank you enough for this. I have found that pretty much every label is incorrect and NOT in my favor! Huff!!

The labeling is not incorrect at all. In the US, companies subtract a portion of the carbohydrates that come from fiber from the calorie count. It's not intended to be misleading and it is not the fault of the brand; EVERY label is calculated this way. Fiber is good for you, and is only partially digested. Hence, you really do not absorb 4 cal/g from fiber as you do from other carbs. The fiber used in Quest bars is used to bulk and bind the bar and really doesn't make them "high in carbs" like a traditional protein bar that is full of sugar.

I don't know, there's something off about them. The numbers look good on paper, but I tried 3, on 3 separate days and each time they spiked my blood sugar by 50 points. Eating pancakes and syrup doesn't spike my blood sugar that high.

Some information from the Quest Bar Lawsuit:
http://www.strengthsociety.com/quest-bar-nutrition-lawsuit/

FitMelody4Life

I was a bigger fan of them until I actually calculated the macros on them and the calories listed on the label are way off. Most bars average around 240 calories, so not really the great calorie saver "treat" I once thought they were.

Take cookies and cream just as an example since its the new craze:
Labeled Calories: 180

Macro Breakdown--> protein: 21g (21 X 4 = 84), Fat: 7g (7 X 9 =63), Carbs: 22 (22 X 4 =88)

84 + 63 + 88 = 235 Calories, not 180 that’s a discrepancy of 55 calories, yes this occurs will a lot of our American food products because technically fiber calories are subtractable but this has turned me off from the brand completely. I guess I'm just glad I always count macros and not calories.

I can not thank you enough for this. I have found that pretty much every label is incorrect and NOT in my favor! Huff!!

The labeling is not incorrect at all. In the US, companies subtract a portion of the carbohydrates that come from fiber from the calorie count. It's not intended to be misleading and it is not the fault of the brand; EVERY label is calculated this way. Fiber is good for you, and is only partially digested. Hence, you really do not absorb 4 cal/g from fiber as you do from other carbs. The fiber used in Quest bars is used to bulk and bind the bar and really doesn't make them "high in carbs" like a traditional protein bar that is full of sugar.

I don't know, there's something off about them. The numbers look good on paper, but I tried 3, on 3 separate days and each time they spiked my blood sugar by 50 points. Eating pancakes and syrup doesn't spike my blood sugar that high.

Some information from the Quest Bar Lawsuit:
http://www.strengthsociety.com/quest-bar-nutrition-lawsuit/

Also a link to the lab reports, you can dowload the PDF for the full report: http://www.strengthsociety.com/quest-bar-lab-results/

JoRocka

tried a corner of one ... not worth it.

I don't care for most protein bars in general- I have started eating the Nature Valley "protein chewy bar"
I have been eating the PB dark chocolate one- about 190 calories and 10 grams protein + 14 grams of carbs + 12 grams of fat. Pretty much it's just nuts with some PB and chocolate- but that's exactly what it looks like- a trail mix/nut bar with a chocolate base. It's a perfect post lift/pre dance snack- easy- portable- and tasty.

They cost me 3.99/5.99? for a box of 10 I think. No way I could cough up 25-35$ for a box.

kikityme

Some information from the Quest Bar Lawsuit:
http://www.strengthsociety.com/quest-bar-nutrition-lawsuit/

Also a link to the lab reports, you can dowload the PDF for the full report: http://www.strengthsociety.com/quest-bar-lab-results/
[/quote]

Interesting. But a lawsuit? Sheesh. I just stopped eating them.

dbmata

A lawsuit?! Wow.

r524reed

If it wasn't for the chocolate chip cookie dough Quest bar, I would probably have gone insane a long time ago trying to cut out junk. They are amazing.

Totally. They are awesome. Warmed up 10 secs. Yummy !!!