Copycat Quest Protein Bars

GF V SF Mar 16, 2025

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On the rare chance I need to buy some protein on the go, Quest Bars are normally what I reach for. They're convenient and tasty, but so damn expensive: at $8.88 for a measly box of 4, these can't be more than a once in a while treat. So today I'm making them myself for a third of the price and a fraction of the ingredients.
 The result is a peanut butter protein bar with over 20 g of protein in less than 200 calories, as well as healthy fats from the nuts and no added sugar. These bars store well in the freezer long term, but they're also solid enough to hold their shape in your backpack, making them great for long days on the go! If you enjoy copycat protein bar recipes, also see my Copycat Barbell Protein Bars and Copycat Chocolate RX Bars

- 2 scoop (60 g) Whey protein powder, unflavored
- 1/4 cup (48 g) Granulated monk fruit
- 6 tbsp (36 g) Powdered peanut butter
- 1 tsp (5 g) Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp (3 g) Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) Salt
- 1/4 cup (64 g) Natural peanut butter
- 3 tbsp (45 g) Water

1. In a food processor, blend together all ingredients except the water - whey protein, powdered peanut butter, sweetener, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and peanut butter. It should be very dry and crumbly, but stay together slightly when pressed

2. Any kind of natural nut butter will work here. Today I'm going with peanut, but good options are almond, pistachio, tahini, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, cashew, walnut, etc.

3. Thin out with water until you have a dough that you can mold in your hands, but not too wet where it's sticky

4. Line a small container with parchment paper (I'm using a glass meal prep container, which is 6.2 x 4.5"). Evenly press the dough into all sides of the pan

5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into 4 protein bars. Wrap each in parchment paper, and store in an airtight bag in the freezer or refrigerator

6. These bars are solid enough to hold their shape at room temperature, and purposely only use ingredients that don't need to be refrigerated. That way, you keep one in an airtight bag during the day for protein on the go

https://www.poormanprotein.com/recipes/copycat-quest-bars

Description

 On the rare chance I need to buy some protein on the go, Quest Bars are normally what I reach for. They're convenient and tasty, but so damn expensive: at $8.88 for a measly box of 4, these can't be more than a once in a while treat. So today I'm making them myself for a third of the price and a fraction of the ingredients.
 The result is a peanut butter protein bar with over 20 g of protein in less than 200 calories, as well as healthy fats from the nuts and no added sugar. These bars store well in the freezer long term, but they're also solid enough to hold their shape in your backpack, making them great for long days on the go! If you enjoy copycat protein bar recipes, also see my Copycat Barbell Protein Bars and Copycat Chocolate RX Bars

Time

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Rest Time:

1 hour

Total Time:

1 hours 10 minutes

Cost

Total Cost:

Cost per Serving:

$0.81

Ingredients

Serving(s)

2 scoop Whey protein powder, unflavored
1/4 cup Granulated monk fruit
6 tbsp Powdered peanut butter
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 cup Natural peanut butter
3 tbsp Water

Instructions

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Pictures: Shown

1. In a food processor, blend together all ingredients except the water - whey protein, powdered peanut butter, sweetener, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and peanut butter. It should be very dry and crumbly, but stay together slightly when pressed


2. Any kind of natural nut butter will work here. Today I'm going with peanut, but good options are almond, pistachio, tahini, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, cashew, walnut, etc.


3. Thin out with water until you have a dough that you can mold in your hands, but not too wet where it's sticky



4. Line a small container with parchment paper (I'm using a glass meal prep container, which is 6.2 x 4.5"). Evenly press the dough into all sides of the pan



5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into 4 protein bars. Wrap each in parchment paper, and store in an airtight bag in the freezer or refrigerator



6. These bars are solid enough to hold their shape at room temperature, and purposely only use ingredients that don't need to be refrigerated. That way, you keep one in an airtight bag during the day for protein on the go

Nutrition Facts

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Servings: 4

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 197

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Total Fat: 10.4g (13 %)
 Saturated Fat: 2.1g (10 %)
 Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.9g
 Monounsaturated Fat: 4.7g
Cholesterol: 34mg (11 %)
Sodium: 236mg (10 %)
Total Carbohydrate: 19.3g (7 %)
 Fiber: 3.1g (11 %)
 Net Carbs: 4.2g
 Total Sugar: 2.0g
  Added Sugar: 0.0g (0 %)
 Sugar Alcohol: 12.0g
Protein: 20.4g (41 %)

------------------------------------------
Vitamin B12: 0.36mcg (15 %)
Vitamin D: 0.0mcg (0 %)
------------------------------------------
Calcium: 111mg (9 %)
Iron: 0.88mg (5 %)
Magnesium: 63mg (15 %)
Potassium: 292mg (6 %)

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Glycemic Index:

5.1

Glycemic Load:

0.9