Are Quest Protein Chips a Healthy Snacking Option?

October 18, 2024

56 13 minutes read

What Are Quest Protein Chips?

Quest Protein Chips are a line of savory snacks produced by Quest Nutrition, a company known for its high-protein bars, shakes, and other products. These chips come in a variety of flavors meant to mimic popular chip varieties, such as:

Nacho Cheese
Ranch
Chili Lime
Loaded Taco
Sour Cream & Onion

What sets Quest Protein Chips apart from regular potato chips is their unique macronutrient profile. Each single-serving bag contains around 18-20 grams of protein, which is significantly more than the 1-2 grams found in a typical serving of potato chips. They are also lower in carbohydrates, with around 5 grams of net carbs per bag compared to 15 grams or more in regular chips.

Quest achieves this by using a blend of milk and whey protein isolates as the primary ingredients, rather than potatoes or corn. The chips are baked rather than fried, which helps reduce the fat content. Quest markets these chips as a “junk food that’s good for you” – a way to satisfy chip cravings while still hitting your protein goals and keeping carbs and calories in check.

What Are The Ingredients In Quest Protein Chips?

To determine whether Quest Protein Chips are truly a healthy choice, let’s take a closer look at what they’re made of. While the specific ingredients vary slightly by flavor, here is an overview of the main components:

Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate): This is the primary source of protein in the chips. Milk and whey protein isolates are high-quality, complete proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids. They are rapidly absorbed and can help support muscle growth and maintenance.^[2]

High Oleic Sunflower Oil: A type of sunflower oil that is higher in monounsaturated fats compared to regular sunflower oil. Monounsaturated fats are considered heart-healthy and may help improve cholesterol levels.^[3]
Calcium Caseinate: Another milk-based protein that is slow-digesting and can help promote feelings of fullness.
Soluble Corn Fiber: A type of prebiotic fiber that can help support digestive health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.^[4]
Natural Flavors: Compounds derived from natural sources like spices, fruits, and vegetables that are used to add flavor to the chips.
Psyllium Husk: A type of soluble fiber that comes from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. It can help promote regularity and may improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels.^[5]
Sea Salt: Used to enhance the savory flavor of the chips.

The remaining ingredients are specific to each variety and include things like spices, vegetable powders, and yeast extract to create the different flavors.

One important thing to note is that Quest Protein Chips do contain milk-based ingredients, so they are not suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances. They are, however, gluten-free and soy-free, making them an option for people with those dietary restrictions.

Overall, the ingredient list for Quest Protein Chips is relatively short and focuses on high-protein, lower-carb ingredients. However, they are still a processed snack food and contain added oils and fibers that you wouldn’t find in whole food protein sources.

Are Quest Protein Chips A Healthy Snacking Option?

Now that we know more about what’s in Quest Protein Chips, let’s evaluate their potential health impacts and see how they stack up as a snacking choice.

1. High Protein Content

One of the main selling points of Quest Protein Chips is their impressive protein content. With 18-20 grams of high-quality, complete protein per serving, they can certainly help you meet your daily protein needs.

Getting enough protein is important for many aspects of health, including:

Building and repairing tissues, including muscle
Making enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals
Supporting immune function
Promoting satiety and weight management

Studies show that higher protein diets can help with weight loss, body composition, and maintaining muscle mass.^[6] For reference, a typical 1-ounce serving of regular potato chips contains just 1-2 grams of protein, so Quest Protein Chips offer a significant boost.

However, it’s important to remember that most people can meet their protein needs through whole food sources like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and legumes. Relying on processed snack foods like protein chips should not be the primary way you strive to increase your protein intake.

2. Low Carb and Calorie Count

Another potential benefit of Quest Protein Chips is their lower carbohydrate and calorie content compared to regular potato chips. A single serving contains around 140 calories and 5 grams of net carbs, versus 150 calories and 15 grams of carbs in a serving of classic chips.

For people following low-carb or ketogenic diets, the 5 grams of net carbs in Quest Protein Chips may fit into their daily carb allotment. The higher protein and fiber content can also help promote feelings of fullness and stabilize blood sugar levels.

However, “low carb” does not automatically equal “healthy.” It’s still important to consider the overall nutrient density and ingredient quality of the foods you’re eating, not just their macronutrient ratios.

3. Gluten-free and Soy-free

For individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or soy allergies, finding satisfying snack options can be a challenge. Quest Protein Chips are gluten-free and soy-free, making them a suitable choice for those dietary needs.

However, they do contain dairy-based ingredients, so they are not appropriate for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.

4. No Artificial Sweeteners

Unlike some other “healthy” snack products, Quest Protein Chips do not contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame. While these sugar substitutes are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some people prefer to avoid them due to concerns about potential health impacts and negative effects on gut bacteria.^[7]

Instead, Quest Protein Chips use small amounts of natural sweeteners like stevia leaf extract and erythritol to enhance the flavors without adding significant calories or carbs.

5. Contains Healthy Fats

The main fat source in Quest Protein Chips is high oleic sunflower oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated fats, when used in place of saturated fats, can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.^[8]

However, it’s still an added oil and should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Whole food sources of healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish are generally more nutrient-dense options.

What Are The Potential Risks Of Eating Quest Protein Chips?

While Quest Protein Chips may offer some nutritional benefits over regular potato chips, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

1. High Sodium Content

Like many savory snack foods, Quest Protein Chips are relatively high in sodium. A single serving contains around 300-400 milligrams of sodium, which is 13-17% of the daily recommended limit of 2300 milligrams.

Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.^[9] If you have high blood pressure or are sensitive to salt, you may need to limit your intake of salty snacks like Quest Protein Chips.

2. Contains Processed Ingredients

Despite being marketed as a healthier alternative to regular chips, Quest Protein Chips are still a highly processed food. They contain ingredients like protein isolates, added fibers, and natural flavors that have undergone significant processing and refinement.

While these ingredients are not necessarily harmful, they are not as nutrient-dense as whole food protein sources. Some studies suggest that diets high in ultra-processed foods may be associated with an increased risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other chronic diseases.^[10]

3. May Not Satisfy Hunger As A Snack

One potential issue with Quest Protein Chips is that, despite their high protein content, they may not be as satisfying as a snack compared to whole foods. The refined ingredients and lack of fiber can cause people to overeat them or still feel hungry afterwards.

In one study, participants who ate a high-protein snack made with whole foods (cheese and vegetables) reported feeling fuller and more satisfied compared to those who ate a processed high-protein snack (jerky).^[11]

While Quest Protein Chips are not the same as jerky, the principle still applies. Choosing snacks made with minimally processed, whole food ingredients may be more effective for curbing hunger and promoting satiety.

How Do Quest Protein Chips Compare To Other Snack Options?

To put the nutrition of Quest Protein Chips into perspective, let’s see how they stack up against some other common snack choices:

1. Compared To Regular Potato Chips

Here’s a quick comparison of a serving of Quest Protein Chips (32 grams) versus a serving of classic potato chips (28 grams):

Nutrient	Quest Protein Chips	Regular Potato Chips
Calories	140	150
Fat	5 grams	10 grams
Carbs	5 grams net	15 grams
Protein	18-20 grams	2 grams
Sodium	300-400 mg	170 mg

As you can see, Quest Protein Chips are lower in calories, fat, and carbs while being much higher in protein compared to regular chips. However, they also contain more sodium per serving.

So while Quest Protein Chips may be a better choice than regular chips if you’re looking to increase your protein intake or follow a lower-carb diet, they are still a processed snack food that should be consumed in moderation.

2. Compared To Other Protein Snacks

Let’s see how Quest Protein Chips compare to some other popular high-protein snacks:

Snack	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Quest Protein Chips (32g)	140	5g	5g net	18-20g
Hard-boiled egg (1 large)	70	5g	0g	6g
Almonds (1 oz/23 nuts)	164	14g	6g	6g
Greek yogurt (6 oz, plain, nonfat)	100	0g	7g	18g
Beef jerky (1 oz)	116	7g	3g	9g

Quest Protein Chips are similar in protein content to a serving of nonfat Greek yogurt, but contain more calories, fat, and carbs. They have significantly more protein than snacks like hard-boiled eggs, almonds, or jerky, but those whole food options offer other beneficial nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins that the chips may lack.

Choosing a variety of high-protein snacks, with an emphasis on minimally processed, nutrient-dense options, is likely the best approach for overall health.

How To Make Quest Protein Chips A Healthier Snacking Option?

If you enjoy Quest Protein Chips and want to include them in your diet, here are some tips for making them a healthier choice:

1. Limit Portion Sizes

It’s easy to overeat any kind of chip, even protein chips. Stick to a single serving (one bag) to keep calories, fat, and sodium in check. Don’t eat straight from a large bag or box, as it’s much harder to control portions that way.

2. Pair With Nutritious Foods

Instead of eating Quest Protein Chips on their own, try pairing them with other nutrient-dense foods to create a more balanced snack. For example:

Dip them in guacamole or hummus for healthy fats and extra fiber
Crush them over a salad for a crunchy topping
Enjoy with raw veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas

This can help add more vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds to your snack while also making it more filling and satisfying.

3. Choose Alternative Snack Options

Remember, Quest Protein Chips are still a processed snack food and should not be relied upon as your primary source of nutrition. Aim to get the majority of your daily protein and other nutrients from whole food sources, and enjoy protein chips as an occasional treat rather than an everyday staple.

Some nutritious high-protein snack options include:

Hard-boiled eggs
Greek yogurt with berries and nuts
Veggies with hummus or tzatziki dip
Apple slices with peanut butter
Cottage cheese with cherry tomatoes
Tuna salad with whole grain crackers
Roasted chickpeas or edamame
Chia seed pudding with protein powder

By focusing on minimally processed, whole food snacks most of the time, you’ll be getting a wider array of nutrients to support your overall health.

Takeaways

Quest Protein Chips are a crunchy, savory snack that contains 18-20 grams of milk and whey protein isolates per serving, along with 5 grams of net carbs and 140 calories.
They are lower in calories, fat, and carbs compared to regular potato chips while being much higher in protein, and are gluten-free and soy-free.
However, Quest Protein Chips are still a processed food that is high in sodium and contains refined ingredients like protein isolates and added fibers.
While they can be a better choice than regular chips for those looking to increase protein intake or follow a low-carb diet, they should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Pairing Quest Protein Chips with other nutrient-dense foods like veggies and dips can make them a more filling and nutritious snack option.
For optimal health, it’s best to choose whole food protein sources and minimally processed snacks most of the time, while enjoying protein chips as an occasional treat.

FAQs

Are Quest Protein Chips good for weight loss?

Quest Protein Chips can be a decent snack option for weight loss due to their high protein and lower calorie and carb content compared to regular chips. The protein can help promote feelings of fullness and may reduce overall calorie intake. However, they are still a processed snack food and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced, calorie-controlled diet for effective weight loss.

How many Quest Protein Chips should I eat per day?

It’s best to stick to the recommended serving size of one single-serve bag of Quest Protein Chips per day, if you choose to include them in your diet. Eating multiple servings can quickly add up in terms of calories, fat, and sodium, which may not align with your health goals. Focus on getting the majority of your daily nutrients from whole, minimally processed foods.

Can Quest Protein Chips replace a meal?

While Quest Protein Chips are higher in protein than regular chips, they are not a complete meal replacement. They lack the fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients found in a balanced meal made with whole foods. Enjoy them as a snack between meals rather than relying on them as a meal substitute.

Are Quest Protein Chips suitable for people with diabetes?

The lower carb and higher protein content of Quest Protein Chips may make them a better choice for people with diabetes compared to regular potato chips. The protein and fiber can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent rapid spikes. However, they should still be consumed in moderation as part of an overall diabetes-friendly diet, and individual responses may vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized nutrition advice.

Do Quest Protein Chips contain any allergens?

Quest Protein Chips contain milk-based ingredients (milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, calcium caseinate), so they are not suitable for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. However, they are gluten-free and soy-free. Always check the packaging and ingredient list carefully if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

In conclusion, Quest Protein Chips can be a tasty and convenient way to boost your protein intake while satisfying your craving for a crunchy, savory snack. Their macronutrient profile and gluten-free, soy-free status may make them an appealing choice for some individuals, particularly those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.

However, it’s crucial to remember that Quest Protein Chips are still a processed snack food and should not be relied upon as a primary source of nutrition. They contain refined ingredients, added oils and fibers, and are high in sodium, which may not support overall health if consumed in excess.

When deciding whether to include Quest Protein Chips in your diet, consider your individual health goals, dietary needs, and preferences. If you do choose to enjoy them, be mindful of portion sizes, pair them with other nutrient-dense foods, and focus on getting the majority of your daily protein and other nutrients from minimally processed, whole food sources.

By viewing Quest Protein Chips as an occasional treat rather than an everyday staple, and prioritizing a balanced, varied diet rich in whole foods, you can support your overall health and well-being while still enjoying the convenience and taste of these protein-packed snacks.

References

Statista. (2021). Per capita consumption of potato chips in the United States from 2011 to 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/257338/per-capita-consumption-of-potato-chips-in-the-us/
Hoffman, J. R., & Falvo, M. J. (2004). Protein – Which is Best? Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 3(3), 118–130. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905294/
Huth, P. J., Fulgoni, V. L., & Larson, B. T. (2015). A Systematic Review of High-Oleic Vegetable Oil Substitutions for Other Fats and Oils on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Implications for Novel High-Oleic Soybean Oils. Advances in Nutrition, 6(6), 674–693. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.115.008979
Holscher H. D. (2017). Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut microbes, 8(2), 172–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2017.1290756
Lambeau, K. V., & McRorie, J. W., Jr (2017). Fiber supplements and clinically proven health benefits: How to recognize and recommend an effective fiber therapy. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(4), 216–223. https://doi.org/10.1002/2327-6924.12447
Leidy, H. J., Clifton, P. M., Astrup, A., Wycherley, T. P., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Luscombe-Marsh, N. D., Woods, S. C., & Mattes, R. D. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(6), 1320S-1329S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.084038
Ruiz-Ojeda, F. J., Plaza-Díaz, J., Sáez-Lara, M. J., & Gil, A. (2019). Effects of Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials. Advances in Nutrition, 10(suppl_1), S31–S48. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy037
Sacks, F. M., Lichtenstein, A. H., Wu, J., Appel, L. J., Creager, M. A., Kris-Etherton, P. M., Miller, M., Rimm, E. B., Rudel, L. L., Robinson, J. G., Stone, N. J., Van Horn, L. V., & American Heart Association (2017). Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 136(3), e1–e23. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000510
Farquhar, W. B., Edwards, D. G., Jurkovitz, C. T., & Weintraub, W. S. (2015). Dietary sodium and health: more than just blood pressure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 65(10), 1042–1050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2014.12.039
Hall, K. D., Ayuketah, A., Brychta, R., Cai, H., Cassimatis, T., Chen, K. Y., Chung, S. T., Costa, E., Courville, A., Darcey, V., Fletcher, L. A., Forde, C. G., Gharib, A. M., Guo, J., Howard, R., Joseph, P. V., McGehee, S., Ouwerkerk, R., Raisinger, K., Rozga, I., … Zhou, M. (2019). Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake. Cell metabolism, 30(1), 67–77.e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2019.05.008
Njike, V. Y., Smith, T. M., Shuval, O., Shuval, K., Edshteyn, I., Kalantari, V., & Yaroch, A. L. (2016). Snack Food, Satiety, and Weight. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 7(5), 866–878. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.115.009340