Quest vs RXBar vs ONE Bar: Which Wins?
⚡ Quick Picks — Our Top 3
The Big Three: Quest vs RXBar vs ONE
These are the three protein bars you'll find in every gym bag, office desk, and grocery cart in America. Quest, RXBar, and ONE Bar dominate the protein bar market — but they take radically different approaches. Let's break down which one deserves your money.
Nutrition Comparison
| Metric | Quest Bar | RXBar | ONE Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 190 | 210 | 220 |
| Protein | 21g | 12g | 20g |
| Fat | 8g | 9g | 8g |
| Carbs | 21g | 24g | 23g |
| Fiber | 14g | 5g | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g | 13g | 1g |
| Net Carbs | 4g | 19g | 22g |
| Protein Source | Milk protein isolate | Egg whites | Milk protein isolate |
| Sweetener | Sucralose, Stevia | Dates (natural) | Sugar alcohols |
| Price/bar | ~$2.50 | ~$2.75 | ~$2.25 |
Category Winners
🏆 Best Macros: Quest Bar
It's not even close. Quest delivers 21g of protein at 190 calories with only 1g of sugar and 4g net carbs. If you're tracking macros — especially on keto or a cut — Quest is the clear winner. The 14g of fiber is a bonus that keeps you satiated for hours.
🏆 Cleanest Ingredients: RXBar
RXBar wins the clean-eating category decisively. Egg whites, dates, nuts, and natural flavors. No artificial sweeteners, no protein isolates, no sugar alcohols. If you prioritize whole food ingredients over macro optimization, RXBar is your bar.
The trade-off? Only 12g of protein and 13g of sugar from dates. It's clean, but it's not macro-optimized.
🏆 Best Taste: ONE Bar
In blind taste tests, ONE Bar consistently wins. Birthday Cake tastes like actual birthday cake. Almond Bliss is a better Almond Joy. The chocolate coating gives it a candy bar feel that Quest and RXBar can't match.
Who Should Buy What?
- Buy Quest if: You count macros, you're on keto, you're cutting weight, or you want the most protein per calorie.
- Buy RXBar if: You prioritize clean ingredients, you avoid artificial sweeteners, or you prefer a whole-food approach to nutrition.
- Buy ONE Bar if: Taste is king, you want a candy bar replacement, or you're bulking and macros are flexible.
Our Overall Pick
Quest Bar wins for most fitness-focused people. The protein-to-calorie ratio is unmatched, the fiber content is excellent, and the flavor lineup (especially Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough) has gotten genuinely good. Unless you specifically need clean ingredients (RXBar) or maximum taste (ONE), Quest is the most complete package.
FAQ
Which bar is best for keto?
Quest Bar, with only 4g net carbs. RXBar (19g net carbs from dates) is not keto-friendly.
Which bar has the most protein?
Quest at 21g, followed by ONE at 20g. RXBar trails at 12g.
Are any of these bars gluten-free?
Quest and ONE have gluten-free options. Most RXBar flavors are gluten-free. Always check individual flavor labels.
Which is best for kids?
RXBar Kids exists specifically for children with smaller portions and clean ingredients. Adult Quest and ONE bars may have too much sugar alcohol for sensitive stomachs.