This is not a yes/no question, really. I’d do terribly in court.
Let’s discuss.
I think Quest bars are a delicious alternative to a decadent sweet food item, with a better composition in that they are so high in protein and in fibre. To answer the question honestly, however, stems beyond those two facts.
The ingredient list is short, yes. If you look at other protein bars, their lists are incredibly long with many items difficult to pronounce.
Quest bars do have a couple of questionable features, although they use more natural ingredients and compose many of their flavours in-house, than most of their competitors.
In order to be a packaged, shelf food with a decent shelf life, some processing is necessary.
Here are the ingredients:
*Protein blend (whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate), isomalto-oligosaccharides, almonds, water, natural flavors, sea salt, lo han guo, sucralose.*
The source of protein is not dairy-free and not easily digestible by many people. Most of us are intolerant to dairy to some degree. It is one of the top allergens. Getting in 18grams of fibre per serving can be a bit counter productive – it is better to eat clean and balanced meals to ingest higher amounts of fibre over the course of the day. Artifical sweeteners are artificial sweeteners… they have compromised real food to make a thing taste like something it’s not.
I would like you to read this article:
Are Quest Bars Really as Nutritious as Claimed? – Fooducate
I am going to find myself repeating what they say on every point about the ingredients. Whenever it’s processed, it’s not the top choice.
The bottom line is this:
If you are stuck somewhere on the run without access to real, whole foods such as a hard boiled egg, an apple and a couple of walnuts, this might be your best alternative. I’ve certainly grabbed one in a rush MORE than a handful of times. Not only in a desperate attempt to grab a little protein while rushed and without another option, but also if I’m juuuuuust about to grab a warm, buttery cookie. Bam. Quest bar instead.
Natural whole foods are always better. They’re a sure thing satisfaction-wise, are composed for our natural bodies without any freaky, mystery side effects.
If that is not an option, I do believe Quest bars can quell hunger pangs in a pinch and give us a boost. This pick me up is better than going without a meal in the interest of blood sugar, and of a sudden onset HANGER episode. I would recommend remaining organized and prepared with your food, to prevent falling into this desperate trap too often in the first place.
What are your thoughts? Comment away.
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