For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, determining if a food product is safe can be challenging. With the rise in popularity of protein bars as a nutritious on-the-go snack, many are wondering: are Quest Bars celiac safe?
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks and damages the small intestine, leading to an inability to properly absorb nutrients from food.
This damage to the small intestine causes a variety of symptoms and complications. Common symptoms of celiac disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems like osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions and in rare cases, cancer. The only treatment for celiac disease is maintaining a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
What Foods Contain Gluten?
Gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley, rye and triticale. Here are some common food products that contain gluten:
- Bread, pasta, baked goods made with wheat, barley or rye
- Beer and ales
- Cereals
- Soups, sauces and gravies thickened with flour
- Oats (unless certified gluten-free)
- Malt vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Salad dressings and marinades
It’s important for those with celiac disease to closely inspect product labels, as gluten can hide in unexpected places. Products are not always labeled as “gluten-free.” Instead, check the ingredients list for wheat, barley, rye, malt, triticale or oats.
What are Quest Bars?
Quest Bars are a popular brand of protein bars marketed as a meal replacement or snack for active individuals. They contain 20-21g of protein from milk or whey protein isolates and are relatively low in sugar compared to other bars.
Quest Bars come in a variety of flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter, lemon cake and more. They have a chewy, cookie-like texture thanks to soluble corn fiber and soluble tapioca fiber that replace some flour content.
In addition to protein, Quest Bars provide 3-4g of net carbs, 13-15g of fiber and range from 190-200 calories per bar. They are also fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Are Quest Bars Gluten Free?
The majority of Quest Bars are certified gluten-free to less than 10ppm. However, there are a few varieties that do contain gluten:
- Quest Hero Blueberry Cobbler
- Quest Hero Banana Nut Muffin
- Quest Hero Lemon Cake
- Quest Hero Pumpkin Pie
These specific flavors contain wheat protein isolate and are not gluten-free. Aside from the Hero line of bars, all other Quest products are certified gluten-free and celiac safe when following a gluten-free diet.
What Makes Quest Bars Gluten-Free?
Here are the main reasons why most Quest Bars are certified gluten-free:
- They are made in a facility free from gluten exposure or cross-contamination.
- They undergo gluten testing to ensure no detectable gluten down to less than 10ppm.
- They avoid ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley and rye.
- They use gluten-free substitute flours like soluble corn and tapioca fiber.
Quest even states on their website: “Quest Products are produced in a facility free of the most common allergens: wheat, peanuts, dairy, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish and tree nuts. This allows us to produce gluten free foods with minimal risk of cross contamination.”
Are Quest Bars Celiac Safe?
For the majority of the Quest Bar flavors that are certified gluten-free, yes they can be considered celiac safe when following a strict gluten-free diet. Those with celiac disease can feel confident consuming these bars according to package instructions.
However, it’s important to note that the Hero line of Quest Bars (Banana Nut Muffin, Blueberry Cobbler, Lemon Cake and Pumpkin Pie flavors) do contain wheat protein isolate. These specific flavors would not be celiac safe.
Additionally, since celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder, some gastroenterologists advise their patients to avoid oats as well, even if certified gluten-free. Some Quest Bar flavors contain gluten-free oat fiber, like Apple Cinnamon and Cookies & Cream. Patients should discuss with their doctor before adding oats to their gluten-free diet.
How to Identify Celiac Safe Quest Bars
Reading the ingredient label is the best way to identify if a Quest Bar is celiac safe. Here are tips for selecting celiac safe Quest Bars:
- Avoid the Hero line – Steer clear of Hero bars which contain wheat protein.
- Check for gluten ingredients – Scan ingredients for wheat, barley, rye, malt or oats.
- Look for gluten-free certification – Confirm package has a certified gluten-free logo.
- Read online materials – Reference Quest website and celiac blogs for latest information.
- Call the company – You can contact Quest directly with questions or concerns.
Precautions for Celiacs Consuming Quest Bars
While Quest gluten-free bars have tested below 10ppm and are considered celiac-safe, those with celiac disease should still take some basic precautions:
- Consume bars in moderation as part of a balanced, whole foods based diet.
- Keep a food journal to identify any symptoms correlating to bar consumption.
- Look for new package designs or formulas in case of changes.
- Check Quest’s website regularly for up-to-date product information.
- Call Quest’s customer service line with any questions or concerns.
If any symptoms present themselves, discontinue eating the bars and consult with a doctor. Since celiac disease causes intestinal damage, even traces of gluten can trigger issues in some individuals.
Other Celiac-Friendly Protein Bar Options
If you require absolutely gluten-free and oat-free protein bars, here are some other celiac-friendly brands to consider:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| RXBARs | Simple ingredients; egg white protein; certified gluten-free |
| LaraBar | Made from real food like fruits, nuts; certified gluten-free |
| PROBAR | Vegan and allergy-friendly; made in dedicated gluten-free facility |
| Picky Bars | Organic; bean-based protein; certified gluten-free |
There are many gluten-free protein bars made without oat fiber, wheat protein or high-risk ingredients. Choosing certified gluten-free brands that disclose how they test for gluten can provide added assurance.
The Takeaway on Quest Bars
Here’s a quick summary on whether Quest Bars are celiac safe:
- Most Quest Bars are gluten-free to less than 10ppm and celiac safe.
- Avoid the Hero line of bars containing wheat protein isolate.
- Carefully read ingredient lists and labels for gluten-free certification.
- Take precautions and monitor symptoms when consuming.
- Consult a doctor if any concerns arise after eating them.
Quest Bars make a convenient high protein snack for those on a gluten-free diet. Just remember to double check labels and buy only certified gluten-free varieties to avoid potential cross-contamination. When in doubt, steer clear or contact the company for guidance.
