Decoding the Nutritional Value of Quest Cookies: Keto or Low-Carb

Keto (Low Carb) | Written by Nathan Petitpas | Updated on 23 July 2024

A young woman in a red sweater wears a curious expression as she ponders the keto-friendliness of Quest cookies, taking a bite from one piece while holding another in her other hand.

Wondering if Quest cookies are approved or whether they are only low-carb.1 Considering if that sweet taste translates to an abundance of carbs.

After all, they are made with a tad bit of sugar so we’ll show you just how to know if quest cookies are keto or not.

Quest also makes other snacks geared towards dieters and quest cookies vs keto chips comes up as a common debate. Therefore, we’ll explain which is more suited for low carb dieters, go over their nutritional value, and if they’re healthy or not too.

Are Quest Cookies Fit a Keto Diet? Can You Consume Quest Cookies on Keto?

Quest cookies are generally keto friendly because they contain a relatively low amount of carbs as a result of the ingredients that are used, sugar being one of them. In addition to this, Quest cookies have a substantial amount of fat which makes it possible to eat Quest cookies when on a keto diet.

A keto diet focuses on restricting the amount of carbohydrates to between 20 and 50 grams daily that are consumed while deliberately ensuring the fat content remains high.2 Conversely, a low carb diet not only contains a daily low amount of carbs amounting to just over 25% which is just under 130 grams but has moderate fat and protein levels.3

Six pieces of chocolate chip cookies are piled up like a tower while one chocolate chip cookie leans over it.

Source: YakubovAlim via Canva.com4

Eating Quest cookies on a keto diet is permissible, just ensure they are consumed conservatively and in moderation—these cookies can provide a means on ways to reduce weight in a few hours when someone is on a mission to cut carbs or is looking for a low carb snack.

How Many Net Carbs Are in Quest Cookies?

The amount of net carbs in Quest cookies varies between the different varieties with a low range of 1-5 grams of net carbs. Net carbs differ from total carbs as it is the result of the difference between total carbohydrates and the dietary fiber present.

Quest Cookies Keto Ranked by Carbs & Reviews

Quest cookies come in 7 flavors including chocolate chip, peanut butter and peanut butter chocolate chip and they all have varying carb levels within the aforementioned range. As can be expected, some are more popular than others—here is a list detailing flavors and ranking them according to review, popularity and carbs—with one 1 being most popular.

#1 Frosted Cookie Chocolate Cake

Frosted cookie chocolate cake indulges the keto enthusiast in the flavor of a chocolate cake delivered as a cookie. They are soft and sweet and dipped in dark chocolate with colorful sprinkles and are absolutely delicious and a hit. These come individually wrapped which makes them ideal as a snack on the go and the chocolate aroma is gratifying with a soft cookie topped with a layer of frosting.

Frosted cookie chocolate cakes almost feel like the real deal and are not overly crumbly making eating them easy without causing a mess. For anyone curious asking if Quest cookies are gluten free will be pleased to know these little rascals are gluten free and can really satisfy those sweet cravings.

For those wondering about Quest cookies and their keto status, without a doubt, this flavor has an incredible 1 gram of net carbs which is mind boggling for this mouthwatering treat.

#2 Chocolate Chip

The chocolate chip comprises chocolate chip chinks embedded within the cookie and is chewy while simultaneously being soft making for a delightful treat. It has a light tan coloring and while being quite soft, it lacks the outer crisp reminiscent of divine cookies.

The artificial sweetener can make the sweet taste quite overpowering but someone can get used to it the more they munch on the cookie. Chocolate chip flavor has 4 grams of net carbs.

#3 Frosted Cookie Birthday Cake

The frosted cookie birthday cake like its sibling chocolate cake is packed with protein and ideal for those not fond of dark chocolate. They are cookies topped in white chocolate with a soft pleasant texture.

These cookies make good of their promise of providing a satisfying cake flavor without the lingering aftertaste due to the artificial sweeteners—the protein taste also remains hidden. They are perfectly sized and individually wrapped making them convenient to carry and are lower in calories than their protein counterparts. This makes them a good option to incorporate in a 1000 calorie deficit diet plan.

The keto friendliness of Quest cookies can be easily determined by observing the net carb content of frosted cookie birthday cakes at 1 gram of net carbs which should easily take out the guilt of devouring this tasty treat.

#4 Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is among the favorite and popular Quest cookies keto and for good reason too—it is a chewy, yet soft cookie made of peanut butter laden with nuts. The peanut aroma is quite satisfying but doesn’t really come too close to the real thing, passing more off like powdered peanut butter.

It is a much denser and firmer cookie compared to the rest as a result of the peanut butter. A crunchy bite into the cookie makes way for a softer interior and the added sugar makes the texture more accommodating.

The artificial sweetener though may be unpleasant to some and not masked as it is with chocolate cookies but this cannot be avoided as this is what makes these cookies keto friendly. These have 5 grams of net carbs.

#5 Double Chocolate Chip

Double chocolate chip packs on a double punch of chocolate manifesting itself in an overwhelming cocoa aroma. It is similar in size and texture to the chocolate chip cookie but has a dark brown color—the chocolate flavor on this cookie is extremely delightful making this Quest cookie one of the best.

It is somewhat dryer than the chocolate chip cookie on the inside and these cookies are moderate in protein content while being gluten free. Gluten is protein that is contained in grains such as wheat and barley.5 These have 5 grams of net carbs.

#6 Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

The peanut butter chocolate chip cookie brings the best of both worlds combining both peanut butter and chocolate chips and has a decent amount of protein. Just like the other cookies, these are chewy and have a good texture to them with no distinctive protein taste.

They have some density and firmness from the peanut butter and like the other cookies, the artificial sweet taste is apparent. Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are filling and delicious making for a great snack or even serve as a dessert; they have 5 grams of net carbs.

#7 Snickerdoodle

Snickerdoodle delivers a winning combo of cinnamon and sugary flavors and has a soft texture to them. They are a dense cookie with the almond flour taste being very evident here which may not be desirable for some—they do however remain chewy and firm and complement a cup of coffee quite well and remain a favorite as per internet reviews.

Quest cookies take the guilt out of eating cookies and snickerdoodle cookies are no exception making for a delicious snack that can double up as a dessert. They taste similar to non-keto cookies and are loaded with protein and make an ideal add-on for a keto diet which is among the proven ways on how to reduce weight fast for men. Snickerdoodle flavor packs on 4 grams of net carbs.

Are Quest Cookies Healthy or Recommended for You?

Healthy foods or those that are good for someone are typically defined as having nutrients that bring benefits while lacking ingredients that may cause harm—Quest cookies have extremely low volumes of sugar and are packed with protein, two desirable traits in healthy foods.

Those sugar cravings are appeased by replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners in the form of sugar alcohol, and as a result these cookies have low levels of net carbs and almost no sugar.

Quest cookies use milk proteins considered a complete protein and very nutritious helping the body control blood glucose levels, maintain body weight and help improve satiety—an absence of hunger after eating a meal which is an ideal trait of a snack to prevent overeating.6 A Quest cookie is convenient to chomp down after a workout providing replenishing energy and protein to help in muscle recovery. The frosted cookies are low calorie which is beneficial to those looking for a low calorie snack.

Four cookies with white frosting piled up like a tower on a shiny red surface.

Source: SylvieBouchard via Canva.com7

Each Quest cookie also has a moderate amount of fiber—enough to supply a third of the daily needs. It is advisable to consume between 25 and 40 grams of fiber to help maintain a healthy gut, reduce risk of cancer and heart disease.8

It should be noted that the whey protein (milk protein) in the cookies may cause stomach issues in some individuals and the protein cookies’ biggest caveat is that it is high in fat but this characteristic makes it ideal for those on a keto diet.

Quest cookies do align with keto diets, and overall, Quest cookies are healthy too and actually beneficial provided they are consumed in moderation which is true for most foods to ensure the carbs and calories do not pile up. Those denying themselves this delicious treat when asking themselves if Quest cookies are healthy or good for you should put this concern aside.

Quest Cookie Ingredients

Quest protein and frosted cookies include a number of ingredients that help them maintain a low carb quantity and provide key nutrition such as protein including protein blend, butter, erythritol and palm oil.

Quest protein cookies ingredients:

  • Protein blend which includes milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate
  • Butter cream
  • Soluble corn fiber
  • Erythritol
  • Palm oil
  • Unsweetened chocolate water
  • Calcium caseinate
  • Natural flavors
  • Cocoa butter containing less than 2% of lecithin (sunflower, canola and /or soy lecithin)
  • Sea salt
  • Baking soda
  • Sodium caseinate
  • Xanthan gum
  • Stevia sweetener

Quest frosted cookies ingredients:

  • Milk proteins (whey protein isolate, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate and micellar casein)
  • Erythritol
  • Sunflower oil
  • Water
  • Almonds
  • Glycerin
  • Polydextrose
  • Palm kernel oil
  • Cellulose
  • Natural flavors
  • Sea salt
  • Soluble corn fiber
  • Sunflower lecithin
  • Beet root powder (Color)
  • Beta carotene (Color)
  • Annatto extract (Color)
  • Gum arabic
  • Xanthan gum
  • Sucralose
  • Carnauba wax
  • Baking soda

Quest Cookies Nutrition Information

The list below details the nutritional composition of each flavor of Quest cookie outlining the net carbs in Quest cookies, total carbs, protein, fat and calories contained within each serving.

The total carbs as per the Quest nutrition website includes erythritol— here is how to know the net carbs which is computed by deducting both fiber and erythritol (for the protein cookies) or sugar alcohol (for the frosted cookies) from the total carbohydrates. Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol used as a substitute for sugar.

Chocolate chip

  • Net carbs: 4 grams
  • Total carbohydrates: 19 grams
  • Fiber: 9 grams
  • Erythritol: 6 grams
  • Sugar: less than 1 gram
  • Fat: 18 grams
  • Protein: 15 grams
  • Calories: 250 kcal

Double chocolate chip

  • Net carbs: 5 grams
  • Total carbohydrates: 21 grams
  • Fiber: 11 grams
  • Erythritol: 5 grams
  • Sugar: less than 1 gram
  • Fat: 15 grams
  • Protein: 15 grams
  • Calories: 230 kcal

Peanut butter

  • Net carbs: 5 grams
  • Total carbohydrates: 22 grams
  • Fiber: 12 grams
  • Erythritol: 5 grams
  • Sugar: 1 gram
  • Fat: 13 grams
  • Protein: 15 grams
  • Calories: 220 kcal

Peanut butter chocolate chip

  • Net carbs: 5 grams
  • Total carbohydrates: 22 grams
  • Fiber: 11 grams
  • Erythritol: 5 grams
  • Sugar: 1 gram
  • Fat: 13 grams
  • Protein: 16 grams
  • Calories: 220 kcal

Snickerdoodle

  • Net carbs: 4 grams
  • Total carbohydrates: 19 grams
  • Fiber: 11 grams
  • Erythritol: 4 grams
  • Sugar: less than 1 gram
  • Fat: 16 grams
  • Protein: 15 grams
  • Calories: 240 kcal

Frosted cookie birthday cake

  • Net carbs: 1 grams
  • Total carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugar alcohol: 6 grams
  • Sugar: less than 1 gram
  • Fat: 7 grams
  • Protein: 5 grams
  • Calories: 90 kcal

Frosted cookie chocolate cake

  • Net carbs: 1 grams
  • Total carbohydrates: 9 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugar alcohol: 5 grams
  • Sugar: less than 1 gram
  • Fat: 7 grams
  • Protein: 5 grams
  • Calories: 90 kcal

Cookies variety pack

This pack is an assortment of the popular flavors which include:

  • Twelve chocolate chip cookies
  • Twelve peanut butter cookies
  • Eight birthday cake frosted cookies

The nutritional information of each flavor can be referenced in its respective section. Quest cookies are indeed keto-friendly. The information above should put to rest any concern that Quest cookies cannot be included in a keto diet.

Quest Products Keto Approved?

For those looking for alternatives of Quest cookies, the company does have a number of items that are low carb; these keto approved products include Quest chips, protein bars, hero bars and protein shakes. The list below details the full keto line up at Quest with net carb range for each product due to the different flavors in each category having varying net carb content.

Quest Chips: Keto or Not?

Quest chips are keto-friendly, and they also make an ideal alternative to Quest cookies, especially for those who may not be keen on having sweet snacks or not fond of the artificial sweeteners that go into the cookies or simply have a reaction to the milk protein contained in the cookies. They are a popular snack offered in a whopping 12 flavors, half of which have just been added to the lineup—a testament to their popularity.

A bunch of triangle-shaped chips scattered all over a white surface.

Source: milanfoto via Canva.com9

They are great when combined with keto condiments such as hot sauce or guacamole which is a high source of fat, perfect for a keto diet. Quest chips make for a great alternative to their cookies as they have a net carb range of 3-4 grams of net carbs.

Other Quest products that are keto approved include:

  • Protein bars—their protein bars are a great source of protein and typically have a low net carb range of 3-5 grams of net carbs. They come in an array of a mind boggling 18 flavors to satisfy a wide spectrum of palates.
  • Quest protein bar minis—there are 2 flavors available of these mini protein bars and as can be expected have a low net carb content at 2 grams of net carbs for both flavors.
  • Quest pizza—in addition to snacks, Quest also makes several pizzas that are frozen and also keto approved. They come in 4 flavors and have a range 5-7 of grams of net carbs—this is the metric for a 1/3 of serving of each pizza box. If you’re wondering about the ideal pizza slice count to eat on a diet, in this case, someone on a keto diet would be better off consuming only this amount in a day which equates to 2 slices.
  • Protein powder—Quest protein powders are very much keto friendly and they have two flavors among them: coconut oil and MCT oil powder that have 0 grams of net carbs and are high in fat. They have a very low range of 0-2 net grams of carbs and come in 8 flavors.
  • Quest candy—the candy bars and butter cups are very much keto approved and friendly and are offered in 6 flavors. They have a very low range of 1-4 grams of net carbs.
  • Hero bars—the hero bars are keto friendly and come in three flavors that are tasty. They all contain 4 grams of net carbs.
  • Protein shakes—there are 3 protein shakes available from Quest and are all keto friendly and gluten free. They have 3-4 grams of net carbs.

Compared to quest cookies, quest chips and other products are mostly keto so the full line can be eaten on a keto diet as long as suggested serving sizes aren’t exceeded.

Best Keto Cookies Similar To Quest Cookies

Those who may not be satisfied with the lineup of cookies that are offered at Quest or are just looking for variety, would be pleased to know there are other keto cookie brands or alternatives on the market that are flavorful and keto approved—these include:

  • Highkey mini cookies—these are easily one of the top keto friendly cookies on the market and are arguably the best tasting with a buttery and flaky flavoring. They are made with an almond flour base and are bite sized.
  • Super fat cookies—super fat cookies are also made with almond flour base and are more keto friendly than Quest cookies containing high quality ingredients such as grass fed butter.
  • Nui cookies— formerly known as keto cookies; these have keto all over their DNA and are specially made that way.

Quest cookies are keto-friendly without a doubt. However, it’s crucial to consume them in moderation, as it’s easy to overindulge. To determine their suitability, pay close attention to their nutrition labels and understand which types of carbs are relevant for maintaining a keto diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Quest Cookies Contain Gluten?

The only Quest cookies that are gluten free are the frosted cookies offered in 2 flavors: frosted cookie birthday cake and frosted cookie chocolate cake. Quest protein cookies are not gluten free.

When Do Quest Cookies Align With a Keto Diet?

Quest cookies are keto if consumed in moderation and not all at once. The protein cookies have a net carb range of between 4-5 grams of net carbs, therefore limiting to two a day would ensure the diet remains keto. There is more flexibility with the frosted cookies as they contain 1 gram of net carbs and having up to 5 a day would still maintain keto compliance.


References

1Drobot, Dean. Canva. Accessed 13 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MABVRLZFm4I-girl-eating-cookies-portrait/>

2School, H. H. (2022, August 9). Ketogenic diet: Is the ultimate low-carb diet good for you? Retrieved 2022, from <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketogenic-diet-is-the-ultimate-low-carb-diet-good-for-you-2017072712089>

3Medicine, N. L. (2022, July 11). Low Carbohydrate Diet. Retrieved 2022, from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537084/>

4YakubovAlim. “chocolate cookies.” Canva. Accessed 13 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MADaFMWWqhE-chocolate-cookies/>

5Medicine, N. L. (2017, March). What is gluten? Retrieved 2022, from <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28244676/>

6Medicine, N. L. (2016). Health-Related Aspects of Milk Proteins. Retrieved 2022, from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5149046/>

7SylvieBouchard. “Frosted Cookies in Red.” Canva. Accessed 13 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MADAE1kboNY-frosted-cookies-on-red/>

8School, H. H. (2019, February 27). Should I be eating more fiber? Retrieved 2022, from <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/should-i-be-eating-more-fiber-2019022115927>

9milanfoto. “Tortilla chips.” Canva. Accessed 13 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEJFlflMYo-tortilla-chips/>

About the Author

Nathan Petitpas

Nathan has been a fitness enthusiast for the past 12 years and jumps between several types of training such as bodybuilding, powerlifting, cycling, gymnastics, and backcountry hiking. Due to the varying caloric needs of numerous sports, he has cycled between all types of diets and currently eats a whole food diet. In addition, Nathan lives with several injuries such as hip impingement, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis, so he underwent self-rehabilitation and no longer lives with debilitating pain.