The Quest Bar-Low Carb or Not?

     For the last couple years I've been a proponent of the "just eat real food" mantra (thanks Steve Cooksey) but sometimes we just want convenience and something sweet.  Sometimes you're in a hurry and have no time to cook or would like to have something to keep in the car in case of an emergency.  So what if there were a product that tastes good, is low carb and made with as the company claims "no junk ingredients"?  Along with this it boasts of 10g of fat and 20g of protein and only 4 net carbs!  Sounds too good to be true.  So is it?  

     Recently I've been hearing about how awesome Quest bars are in the low carb circles and decided to test it out for myself.  After all, I am a type 1 diabetic so this should be a good test of whether this is truly low carb.  Starting blood sugar: 121.  I eagerly unwrap the Peanut Butter Supreme bar and take a bite.  Tasty with a satisfying texture.

   
     Thirty minutes later: 153.  Ok, that isn't HORRIBLE.  Not great but I can live with that.

       One hour in:  201.  Not good.  Maybe it will come back down?  Not likely but one can hope.

   
     An hour and a half:  217.  Still going up and I'm starting to feel crappy.  This is not looking hopeful.

     2 hours in:  229 and I feel like I am going to puke and am in a horrible mood.

 

     My conclusion:  too good to be true.  Clearly the "indigestible fiber" digested.  I do not believe this to be a low carb food and do not recommend it to fellow diabetics or low-carbers.  You are fooling yourself and might as well eat a candy bar.  Ok it might be a bit healthier than a Snickers but it has the same overall effect.    I'll stick with my real food.

A much tastier protein option and diabetes friendly!