Quest Protein Chips have made a splash in the snack market with their promise of high protein content and satisfying crunch. But are they a healthy option for your diet? Let’s break it down.
What Are Quest Protein Chips?
Quest Protein Chips are a product of Quest Nutrition, a company known for its high-protein snacks and supplements. These chips are designed to offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, providing a significant amount of protein while being low in carbs and calories. Quest Protein Chips come in various flavors, each with its own nutritional profile.
Nutrition Facts of Quest Protein Chips Flavors
Quest Protein Chips come in a variety of flavors. Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition facts for some of the most popular options:
1. Quest Protein Chips – Cheddar & Sour Cream
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (32g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 340mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 19g |
2. Quest Protein Chips – BBQ
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (32g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 19g |
3. Quest Protein Chips – Nacho Cheese
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (32g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 18g |
4. Quest Protein Chips – Sour Cream & Onion
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (32g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 310mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 19g |
5. Quest Protein Chips – Loaded Taco
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (32g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 340mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 19g |
Ingredients Breakdown: Quest Protein Chips – Cheddar & Sour Cream
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients in one of the popular varieties, Quest Protein Chips – Cheddar & Sour Cream.
Ingredients:
- Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate): High-quality protein sources that help build and repair muscle.
- High Oleic Sunflower Oil: Used for frying, contains healthy fats.
- Corn Starch: Used as a thickening agent, provides some carbohydrates.
- Cheddar and Sour Cream Seasoning: Includes buttermilk powder, cheddar cheese powder, and natural flavors, which add taste but also contribute to the sodium content.
- Calcium Caseinate: A slow-digesting dairy protein.
- Natural Flavors: Enhance the taste without artificial additives.
- Salt: Adds flavor but contributes to the sodium content.
- Potato Fiber: Provides some fiber, although not a significant amount.
- Paprika Extract: Adds color and flavor naturally.
Red Flag Ingredients:
🚩 Corn Starch: While not inherently unhealthy, it is a processed ingredient and provides carbohydrates that some people might want to avoid on low-carb diets.
🚩 Sodium: Quest Protein Chips contain a moderate amount of sodium. Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
Which One to Choose?
Among the various options, the Quest Protein Chips – BBQ might be a slightly better choice if you’re looking to minimize sugar intake, as it contains 0g of sugars. However, all flavors can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Comparing with Competitor Brands
1. Proti-Thin Protein Chips – BBQ
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (32g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 14g |
Healthier? Proti-Thin Protein Chips have fewer calories and sodium, but also slightly less protein compared to Quest Protein Chips. They also offer more dietary fiber.
2. PopCorners Flex Protein Crisps – Barbecue
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Total Fat | 2.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 10g |
Healthier? PopCorners Flex Protein Crisps have fewer calories and sodium, but also less protein compared to Quest Protein Chips. They do provide more fiber per serving.
3. Simply Protein Chips – BBQ
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (33g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 290mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 15g |
Healthier? Simply Protein Chips offer similar calories but slightly less protein compared to Quest Protein Chips. They also provide more fiber and slightly less sodium.
4. Kay’s Natural Protein Chips – Chili Nacho Cheese
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (34g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 10g |
Healthier? Kay’s Natural Protein Chips have similar calories but less protein and more sugars compared to Quest Protein Chips. They do provide more fiber and have less sodium.
5. Twin Peaks Ingredients Protein Puffs – Nacho Cheese
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bag (32g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 21g |
Healthier? Twin Peaks Protein Puffs have slightly fewer calories and more protein compared to Quest Protein Chips. They also have fewer carbs but more sodium.
What We Need to Look For in a Healthy Snack
When choosing a healthy snack, here are some key things to consider:
- Protein Content: Look for snacks with higher protein content to keep you full longer.
- Carbohydrate and Sugar Content: Opt for snacks with lower carbohydrates and sugars, especially if you are watching your carb intake.
- Sodium Content: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you are watching your blood pressure.
- Ingredients: Check for natural ingredients and avoid snacks with too many processed additives.
Our Healthiest Pick
After comparing Quest Protein Chips with other brands, Twin Peaks Ingredients Protein Puffs – Nacho Cheese emerge as the healthiest pick due to their higher protein content and lower carbohydrate count.
Note: This is not sponsored.
Bottom Line
Quest Protein Chips are a good option if you’re looking for a high-protein, low-carb snack. They offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, but it’s important to be mindful of the sodium content and processed ingredients. For those looking for more protein and fewer carbs, Twin Peaks Ingredients Protein Puffs might be a better choice.
FAQ
1. Are Quest Protein Chips gluten-free?
Yes, Quest Protein Chips are gluten-free.
2. Do Quest Protein Chips contain artificial flavors or preservatives?
Quest Protein Chips do not contain artificial flavors or preservatives, but they do have some processed ingredients.
3. Can I eat Quest Protein Chips on a keto diet?
Yes, Quest Protein Chips are low in carbs and can fit into a keto diet.
4. Where can I buy Quest Protein Chips?
Quest Protein Chips are available in grocery stores, health food stores, and online through various retailers.
5. Are Quest Protein Chips vegan?
No, Quest Protein Chips contain dairy-derived ingredients and are not suitable for a vegan diet.