Quest Protein Bar S'mores
Quest Protein Bar S'mores: independently scored 10.0/10 on Protein Score and 8.0/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
21g protein per serve · 182 cal · 0.7g sugar · 212mg sodium · 60g serve.
Overview
The S'mores flavour sits right alongside Quest's other heavy hitters like the Choc Chip Cookie Dough bar, matching it on protein while delivering fractionally less sugar. It's part of a lineup that consistently prioritises a high protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, targeting a shopper who reads the nutrition panel first and the flavour name second. Its position in the category is clear. With 35g of protein per 100g, it sails past the typical 27g average for protein bars we track. The sugar content is almost negligible, a stark contrast to the double-digit sugar load common in the aisle. This isn't a muesli bar masquerading as a protein snack; it's a purpose-built product for getting a protein serve in a convenient format. To achieve this, the ingredient list relies on a blend of milk and whey proteins, bulked out with prebiotic fibres like polydextrose and soluble corn fibre. Sweetness comes from a trio of sweeteners - Erythritol (E968), sucralose, and stevia - which is the standard trade-off for a bar that keeps its sugar under a single gram per serve. We see this pattern often: to get the macros this tight, formulation gets complex. Practically, this is a glovebox or gym-bag staple. It's built for portability and delivers a substantial protein hit without the calorie cost of more indulgent bars. For those who can look past the processed nature and focus purely on the numbers, it delivers on its promise.
Protein Score: 10.0/10
This bar lands on the shelf as a pure-play protein option, not a chocolate bar with a bit of protein sprinkled in. The 21g of protein per serve is a serious number for a snack, clearing the benchmark for a dedicated protein bar and earning a 10/10. It's one of the most efficient ways to get a protein hit in the snack aisle. That efficiency is best measured in protein-per-calorie, where this bar delivers 11.6g for every 100 calories consumed. This is a key metric for anyone tracking their intake closely, as it shows the product isn't wasting your calorie budget on sugars or fats. The protein itself is from high-quality milk and whey isolates, which are readily absorbed. Stacked against the rest of the category, it's a top-tier performer, sitting well above the average. For the shopper whose primary goal is supplementing their protein intake conveniently throughout the day, this bar is a direct hit. It's not a casual snack; it's a tool for a specific nutritional job.
Clean Score: 8.0/10
The 21-ingredient formula, this bar's list is right on the category average, but it's the type of ingredients that shape its 7.3/10 score. The use of multiple sweeteners and thickeners is what defines its moderately processed profile, which is common for bars in this performance-macro tier. The score is influenced by the presence of six additives, including the sweeteners Erythritol (E968) and sucralose, plus the thickener Xanthan Gum. These are the tools required to create a low-sugar, high-protein, chewy bar that holds together on the shelf. While it contains no artificial colours or preservatives, it's clearly a formulated product, not a whole-food bar. Still, it scores above the category average on our clean metric, reflecting a formulation that avoids some of the more contentious additives. For the target shopper, this represents an acceptable trade-off. You get market-leading protein macros in exchange for a list of ingredients you need a food science degree to decipher.
Wins
- A huge 21g of protein per 60g bar.
- Less than 1g of sugar per serve.
- High in prebiotic fibre for satiety.
Watch outs
- Contains sugar alcohols which can cause digestive upset.
- A long ingredient list with 21 items.
- Uses palm kernel oil.
Ingredients
Protein Blend (37%) (Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate (Milk)), Polydextrose (Prebiotic Fibre), Almonds, Water, Sweeteners (Erythritol, Sucralose, Steviol Glycosides), Chocolate Liquor (5%), Glycerin, Natural Flavours, Soluble Corn Fibre (Prebiotic Fibre), Cocoa Butter (2%), Palm Kernel Oil, Salt, Emulsifier (Lecithin (Sunflower, or Soybean)), Flavour (Cinnamon, 0.1%), Thickener (Xanthan Gum), Raising Agent (Sodium Bicarbonate), genetically modified.
21 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this a good bar for after a workout?
- Yes, it's a strong option for post-workout recovery. The bar contains 21 grams of protein, primarily from milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate, which are high-quality, fast-absorbing proteins ideal for muscle repair. This amount is comparable to many dedicated protein shakes and sits at the top end for protein bars. For a convenient, on-the-go refuel that delivers a significant protein hit, we think it's one of the better choices in the snack aisle.
- Will the sweeteners in this Quest bar cause stomach issues?
- It's possible for some people, yes. This bar uses sugar alcohols, specifically Erythritol (E968), along with sucralose and stevia to keep the sugar content low. Sugar alcohols can cause digestive discomfort like gas or bloating in sensitive individuals, especially when consumed in large amounts. If you know you're sensitive to them, you might want to be cautious. If you're unsure, we'd suggest starting with one bar and seeing how you feel.
- Is this bar filling enough for a snack?
- Yes, in our view it's more filling than a typical snack. This is due to its high protein (21g) and fibre (21g per 100g) content, both of which contribute to satiety. The combination helps to keep you feeling full between meals, making it a useful tool for managing afternoon slumps or hunger on the go. It's a dense, chewy bar that offers more substance than a simple carbohydrate-based snack.
- How does the S'mores flavour compare to other Quest bars?
- It has a very similar nutritional profile to other flavours in the range. Compared to the Quest Protein Bar Choc Chip Cookie Dough, for example, it has the exact same amount of protein (35g per 100g) and fractionally less sugar. The core of high protein, high fibre, and very low sugar is consistent across the line. The main difference comes down to flavour and texture, so the choice between them is mostly a matter of personal preference.
- Where can I buy the Quest S'mores protein bar in Australia?
- This bar is widely available in major Australian supermarkets. We have it catalogued as being stocked at both Coles and Woolworths, so you can typically find it in the health food or snack aisle of those stores. It may also be available directly from the brand's website or other speciality supplement retailers. Availability can vary by store location, so it's always a good idea to check their online portals for local stock levels.