Quest Tortilla Chips: Are They Finger-Licking Good?
Finding a crunchy, savory snack that satisfies your cravings without derailing your health goals can feel like a huge challenge. In my years as a certified sports nutritionist, I’ve seen countless clients struggle to find snacks that deliver on both taste and nutrition. That’s why Quest Nutrition’s innovative products always catch my eye, and their Quest Tortilla Chips are no exception.
Quest has a history of shaking things up, from their original protein bars to their protein cookies. These chips promise a big flavor payoff with a solid protein punch, but the real question is, are they actually good? This guide will break down the taste, texture, nutrition, and value to help you decide if they’re the right protein snack for you.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Quest Tortilla Chips provide 18-20 grams of high-quality protein per bag with only 4-5 net carbs, making them a strong choice for a low-carb, high-protein diet.
- The taste is often compared to Doritos, with Nacho Cheese, Loaded Taco, and Spicy Sweet Chili being the most popular and highly-rated flavors.
- While nutritionally superior to traditional chips, they are more expensive, typically costing between $2.00 and $3.50 per single-serving bag.
- The chips are baked, not fried, and are gluten-free, soy-free, and potato-free.
Are the Quest Tortilla Chips a Great Snack Option?
Yes, Quest Tortilla Chips are an excellent snack option, especially if you prioritize high protein and low carbs, though the flavors can be subjective. I picked up a bag of the ranch flavor and chili lime to start. The ranch had a great flavor with a satisfyingly crisp and crunchy texture that I really enjoyed.
Related Article: Is the Quest Frosted Cookies the Best Protein Cookie Out There?
However, the chili lime didn’t hit the mark for me; I found the flavor wasn’t what I expected and didn’t care for it. This seems to be a common theme, flavor preference is highly personal. The Nacho Cheese flavor is almost universally praised for tasting remarkably similar to Doritos, and other popular options include Loaded Taco and Spicy Sweet Chili.
Many people find these chips to be a fantastic “dupe” for less healthy brands, making them a go-to for curbing cravings without the guilt.
Nutrition and Ingredients
From a nutritional standpoint, these chips are solid, and I’d easily recommend them to clients who aren’t in the middle of contest prep. The protein comes from a high-quality blend of milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate, which provides all nine essential amino acids.
Here’s a typical nutritional breakdown for one bag.
Serving Size: 1 Bag (32g)
• Calories: 140-150
• Fat: 4.5-6g
• Carbohydrates: 4-5g (with 1g fiber, resulting in 3-4g net carbs)
• Protein: 18-20g
A huge benefit is that the chips are baked, not fried, which keeps the fat content down. They are also gluten-free, soy-free, and potato-free, making them accessible for people with various dietary restrictions.
How Do They Compare to Other High-Protein Options?
Quest Tortilla Chips hold their own against other protein snacks, including others from Quest Nutrition. Surprisingly, a bag of these chips contains more protein than some Quest bars and their protein cookies, which typically offer around 15g of protein.
When compared to other protein chip brands, Quest stands out for its high protein content. For example, Wilde Protein Chips, made from chicken breast, offer about 10g of protein and 8g of carbs per serving. Similarly, PopCorners Flex Protein Crisps provide 10g of plant-based protein but have around 13g of carbohydrates. For those prioritizing maximum protein with minimal carbs, Quest is often the superior choice.
One thing I was impressed with was the consistent flavoring on each chip. Unlike some snacks where you get one chip overloaded with seasoning and another that’s bland, both bags I tried had an even coating and taste throughout.
Related Article: Wrap It Up with Protein — Elevate Your Meals with Protein Tortillas
Are the Quest Tortilla Chips Worth the Price?
Quest Tortilla Chips are a premium snack, and their price reflects that. On Amazon, an 8-count box often sells for around $19.99, which breaks down to about $2.50 per bag. You can also find them at retailers like Walgreens, Target, and Walmart, where prices for a single bag can range from $2.50 to $3.49.
For nearly 20g of high-quality protein, I think the price is reasonable for what you get. It’s more than a standard bag of potato chips, but you’re paying for a much better nutritional profile. Would I buy them all the time? Probably not. But they are a fantastic option to have in the pantry for when a serious snack craving hits.
My final test always comes down to my wife’s opinion, as she represents the average consumer. She tried both the Ranch and Chili Lime flavors and wasn’t a fan of either. This just reinforces that taste is incredibly subjective, and while many people love them, they might not be for everyone.
If you’re looking for something different to satisfy a craving while keeping your protein intake up, I’d say give them a try. I still plan to try the Nacho flavor, since so many people rave about it. Quest continues to fill a necessary void in the market for innovative, high-protein snacks.
FAQs
Are Quest Tortilla Chips keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 4-5 grams of net carbs per bag, Quest Tortilla Chips are considered keto-friendly and can fit into a low-carb lifestyle. They are a popular choice for those on a ketogenic diet looking for a crunchy snack.
What are the best Quest Chip flavors?
Based on widespread reviews, the most popular and highly-rated flavors are Nacho Cheese, Loaded Taco, and Spicy Sweet Chili. Nacho Cheese is frequently compared to Doritos, while Loaded Taco is praised for tasting like a complete taco in a chip.
Can you use Quest Chips for nachos or with dip?
Absolutely. Many people use Quest chips as a high-protein base for nachos or pair them with dips like salsa and guacamole. However, some reviewers note the chips can be a bit more fragile than traditional corn tortilla chips, so they might break more easily when dipping.
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