Yes you’ve heard it.. how to make your own Quest bars at home!!
If you’ve never heard of Quest bars then you can read my full review of them [here] but (in my opinion) they are the ultimate ‘clean’ protein bar.. the ingredients list is faultless and they taste AMAZING .. BUT.. they are rather expensive.. which is why I couldn’t wait to make them at home thanks to Simon from The Diet Kitchen! Simon is a genius (hope your head isn’t too big now!!) and you can check out his YouTube video showing you how to make these bars [here] or by scrolling down to the end of this blog post!
I worked out that each of these ‘Homemade Quest Bars’ comes in at just 88p each, as opposed to £2.79, they contain fewer ingredients and the macronutrient stats are really similar; 206 Kcal and 24g protein for homemade vs. 180 Kcal and 21g protein for the real thing.
These bars are made from literally TWO ingredients.. Whey Protein Powder & VitaFiber (plus optional extras.. see below!). If you’ve never heard of VitaFiber before (and I hadn’t either until the other day), it’s a low calorie sweetener and prebiotic fibre which is the SECRET ingredient in many popular protein bars – including Quest Bars! VitaFiber tastes sweet and is poorly digested in the human digestive tract, thus providing fewer calories (1.5 kcal/g) overall.
The bars taste amazing and my taste tester even said ‘did you make these??’ – in a sarcastic tone, meaning ‘wow I’m impressed’ .. (!!). SO, if you want to make your own Quest Bars at home keep on scrolling.. I would love to hear what your favourite combinations are!
Nutrition stats shown are minus any Quest Bar additions!
White Chocolate Protein & Coconut | Cookies & Cream with Nuts | Vanilla Protein with PB & Jam!
[ingredients]
*VitaFiber SYRUP (NOT the powder!) is the magic ingredient and thanks to MuscleFood it is now available in the UK – use code NIC5 for 5% off! Use 55g if you’re adding a dry ingredient such as nuts/coconut to the mix.
**I used MyProtein in Cookies & Cream, White Chocolate and Vanilla as well as Protein Lifestyle in Smooth Chocolate!
***If you’re adding a liquid such a jam use 5g more protein powder (35g total) – I used a reduced sugar jam and nuts ‘n more peanut butter which is AMAZING – thanks Simon for that recipe combo!
[method]
*If you don’t heat the VitaFiber first then the bar will remain very soft even after being chilled in the fridge – heat it up first for a proper Quest Bar texture!
**I have a 5 piece Silicone Bakeware Set
My Favourite.. Peanut Butter & Jelly Quest Bar..
50g Vitafiber, 35g Vanilla Whey Protein, 15g nuts ‘n more Peanut Butter and 20g Reduced Sugar Jam
55g Vitafiber, 25-30g White Chocolate Whey with 1 tsp Vanilla topped with Desiccated Coconut!
Vegan Quest Bar .. with Sativa Protein (I added 7-8g more protein to the mix!)
P.S Don’t forget to check out Simon’s video on how to make the Quest bars below!
UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who sends me pictures of my recipes on Twitter & Facebook – here are a selection!!
*I was provided with a sample of the VitaFiber & nuts ‘n more to try. This blog post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer page for more information as well as for my opinions on protein.
Ooh i cannot wait to make these, as new to Quest bars but already a fan. These are even cleaner thanks to you and Simon. Shame I have to wait to order the VitaFiber but it will be worth the wait!
Author
Can’t wait to see your creations!!
Hi Nic – is it possible to use honey or steevia as a substitute to Vitafiber?! Just wondering as I have those ingredients in my press and can’t wait to make some homemade quest bars! Love this blog btw. Thanks 🙂
Author
Aw thank you! Unfortunately not.. the fibre is like a viscous gel and hardens once heated.. not like honey! xx
NIIIICE!! Thanks for sharing, Nic 🙂
Do you also eat protein bars purchased in the store?
If so, which ones?
Daniel
Author
Only Quest 🙂 xx
ooh wow what a brilliant idea and easy recipe (not too many things). I just spent £75 yet again on Quest Bars so I’ll be trying these for sure, would save a fortune! They look fab.
Author
Awesome!! Do let me know how they go!!! xx
Hiya can you use chrystalised coconut nectar instead of the viterfibre?
Author
Sorry no! The vita fibre is the key ingredient in these.. x
Hey when you mention about using cocoa and vanilla, is that just the cocoa for choco and vanilla for vanilla or both in both if that makes sense
Can’t wait to give them a try
Author
It’s totally up to you! Either add a tsp of each or both 🙂 I added vanilla & desiccated coconut to mine this morning 🙂 x
How many bars does this recipe make?
Author
One 🙂
Thank you! I shall give it a go 🙂
hi nic. i adore your site and YT channel! (just watched your tea video whilst sipping my green tea!). do you think these would work with a soya protein powder instead of whey for a dairy free option, if i was to add the flavour back in with maybe some vanilla/cocoa etc? x
Author
Hi Izzy! Yes of course it will work & sure you can add cocoa or vanilla – just add 5g more fiber if you add cocoa or another dry ingredient 🙂 x
Taste great and very filling!
Author
Aw thank you so much!
How long do they keep for? Can I make a batch for a week and keep them refrigerated?
Thanks
Author
Yes no problem!
Hi
Love this idea! Struggled to get consistency right do i need to adjust amounts when using 12g of ppb? Tried 55g vita 30g of protein and ppb but not sure consistency seemed right?
Author
Hello! You should get like a doughy consistency which you can then mould into shape – add more liquid/powder to get the right consistency.. amounts will vary depending on the protein powder used. Hope this helps! x
Nic how do you work out the carbs for the bar? According to there site 55g of vitafiber = 41carbs 39 fiber
Author
Hi Lee! I personally deduct the fibre from the carbs, it’s a tough one though as most of the carbs are not fully digested. Hope this helps x
Hi
Love your site
I want to make coconut quest bars and also
Peanut butter quest bars
Im not quite sure the best way on how to make them
I am wanting to keep calories down as I am losing weight and use them for snacking
Could you help me I would be greatful
Regards
Author
Thanks Jane! What about following the recipe? x
Awesome recipe! I love how simple this is. I’ve been wanting to make my own protein bars, but it always seemed like so much work. But now I see how easy it can actually be! I actually found an alternative to VitaFiber as well called FiberYum that also sells imo-syrup and imo-powder that are less expensive and also corn-free. If you can’t get your hands on VitaFiber or want to try out another brand I would definitely recommend it. You can also buy other ingredients from the company at the same time such as chia seeds, flax seeds, chlorella, barley grass powder, kale powder, pea protein crisps, etc. I think I need to get crafty and make my own bars now!
Author
Oooh thanks for the tip Laura!! Happy Quest bar making!!! Nic xx
How do you calculate the calories in the syrup? Per the bottle 5 grams = 2 calories. The website says 100 grams = 160 calories. So is it 20 or 80?
Author
I personally wouldn’t worry about it as not all of the calories are available for digestion!
If I’m counting calories (not just carbs/fiber) isn’t a calorie a calorie regardless?
Author
Not when it’s not digestible .. similar to xylitol .. some carbs don’t get digested so calories aren’t released!
How many bars does this recipe make?
Author
1 or 2 🙂
Pllseee heelp! I made them 5 times but they turn out really chewy, is that normal ?i havent tried a quest bar befor so i dont know what texture they are like but it makes a really chewy hard bar , is that normal? When i bake them they blow up! I followed all the instructions carefully! Plse tell me my problem i really want to make a good one
Author
Hello! It sounds like you’ve made them right – Quest bars are hard and chewy! If you want them less hard microwave them for 10 seconds before eating with a spoon 🙂 x
I tried making the bars but when I heat up the vitafiber it hardens very quickly and becomes un-mixable. What should I do?
Author
Heat it for less time 🙂 or at a lower temp on the hob x
what’s the best way to heat up the vitafiber amd does it have to boil? is it mictowave friendly? thanks for any suggestions ❤
Author
Hello! You can do either 🙂 NO it just needs to melt!