Milly Gaines
IQ Bars are vegan, keto-friendly protein bars. They are low-carb, plant-based snack bars that contain brain-supporting ingredients, such as lion's mane, choline, and vitamin E. With only 3 grams of net carbs per bar, they are a quality snack that will keep you in ketosis. The bars are sweetened with a combination of allulose and stevia, which has minimal impact on blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of protein, with 12 grams per bar, and are packed with healthy fats and compounds that provide energy for both your brain and body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrate content | 11 grams of total carbs, 3 grams of net carbs |
| Sweetener | Non-GMO stevia |
| Protein content | 12 grams |
| Ingredients | Almonds, tapioca fiber, plant-based protein crisps (pea protein, tapioca starch), natural flavors, pea protein, flaxseeds, unsweetened chocolate, gum acacia, coconut oil, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, non-GMO steviol glycosides, lion's mane, vitamin E |
| Flavors | Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chip, Almond Butter Chip, Banana Nut, Wild Blueberry, Lemon Blueberry, Matcha Chai |
| Calories | 180 calories per bar |
| Refrigeration | Not necessary but extends shelf life from 3 weeks to 6 months |
What You'll Learn
Taste and texture
One reviewer said: "I was glad I found a protein bar that’s not as bland or awful-tasting as other protein bars. I was surprised at how good these bars taste." Another reviewer said: "I like the texture too. They're slightly crumbly."
The Chocolate Sea Salt flavour has a slightly salty taste, but mostly tastes like chocolate. One reviewer described it as "warm, nutty, and dark chocolatey."
The Lemon Blueberry flavour was described as "refreshing and fruity."
The Almond Butter Chip flavour has a slightly bitter aftertaste but has a cinnamon-y churro flavour.
The bars are available in seven flavours, including Matcha Chai, Banana Nut, and Wild Blueberry.
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Brain-boosting ingredients
IQ Bars are vegan, keto-friendly protein bars that use natural ingredients with no added sugar, synthetic preservatives, or artificial sweeteners. They are sweetened with a combination of allulose and stevia. Allulose is a type of sugar that the body cannot digest well and does not raise your blood sugar levels. Stevia is also a natural sweetener that does not spike blood sugar or insulin levels.
Each IQ Bar contains six brain nutrients that have been linked to various cognitive benefits such as improved focus, memory, and mental clarity. These ingredients are:
- Lion's mane mushrooms
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)
- Pea protein
- Flaxseeds
- Tapioca starch
- Coconut oil
The first two ingredients, lion's mane mushrooms and MCTs, are touted to improve focus and mental clarity. The remaining ingredients are plant-based protein sources that are essential for building and repairing brain cells.
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Nutritional value
IQ Bars are vegan, keto-friendly protein bars. They are made with natural ingredients and contain no added sugar, synthetic preservatives, or artificial sweeteners. Each bar contains 3g net carbs, 11-13g total fat, 7-10g dietary fibre, and less than 2g of sugar.
The bars are sweetened with a combination of allulose and stevia. Allulose is a type of sugar that the body cannot digest well and, therefore, contributes almost no calories and has a minimal glycemic effect. Stevia is another natural sweetener that does not spike blood sugar or insulin levels and has minimal calories.
The main protein in IQ Bars is pea protein, which is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids. It is also easy to metabolize and very bioavailable.
Other ingredients in IQ Bars include almonds, flaxseeds, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and lion's mane mushrooms.
The nutritional profile of IQ Bars makes them a good option for those following a keto diet.
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Natural ingredients
IQ Bars are made with natural, plant-based ingredients and are free from artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and synthetic preservatives. The bars are sweetened with a combination of allulose and stevia, which are natural sweeteners that don't spike blood sugar or insulin levels and have minimal calories.
The main protein source in IQ Bars is pea protein, which is easy to metabolize, highly bioavailable, and suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. The bars also contain almonds, flax seeds, and tapioca starch as additional protein sources.
Other natural ingredients in IQ Bars include coconut oil, cocoa butter, sea salt, lion's mane mushroom extract, and vitamin E. The vitamin E acts as a natural antioxidant and preservative.
The natural flavors in IQ Bars are derived from organic sources such as vegetables, fruits, spices, and plants. Some of the flavor-specific ingredients include peanuts, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and peanut flour.
Overall, IQ Bars are made with clean, natural ingredients that are suitable for various dietary restrictions and preferences.
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Comparison to other bars
IQ Bars are a great option for those following a keto diet, but how do they compare to other bars on the market?
Perfect Keto Bars
Perfect Keto Bars are another plant-based keto-friendly option. They have a similar nutritional profile to IQ Bars, with 2-3g net carbs, 13g protein, and healthy fats. One key difference is that Perfect Keto Bars contain collagen protein, which is great for skin health, whereas IQ Bars are vegan-friendly and use pea protein. Perfect Keto Bars are also sweetened with stevia, which is less likely to cause digestive issues than the allulose used in IQ Bars.
Quest Bars
Quest Bars are widely available in stores and are a popular low-carb option. However, they contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose, which some people prefer to avoid. Quest Bars also tend to be high in added fiber, which can cause bloating and discomfort.
Built Bars
Built Bars are a good choice for those who want a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. They are coated in dark chocolate and have a good fat-to-protein ratio.
Bhu Fit Bars
Bhu Fit Bars are tasty refrigerated keto bars that come in a variety of flavors, including Double Chocolate.
Keto Bars
Keto Bars are one of the original keto-friendly bars on the market and remain a favorite. They contain very little sugar alcohols and no added fiber, which can be a plus for those looking to avoid digestive issues.
Adapt Bars
Adapt Bars are small and sweet, and come in a range of flavors. They have the lowest total carb count of any keto-friendly bar, making them a good option for those watching their carb intake closely.
Other Options
Other keto-friendly bars on the market include the Grenade Carb Killa Bar, Robert Irvine's FITCRUNCH bar, Primal Kitchen Collagen Nut & Seed Bar, Primal Kitchen Protein Bars, Purely Elizabeth Grain-Free Bar, and Suzie's Good Fats Bars. However, some of these options contain ingredients like maltitol and added fiber, which can impact blood glucose levels and cause digestive issues.
In conclusion, IQ Bars are a great choice for those following a keto diet, especially those who are vegan. While there are other keto-friendly bars available, each has its own unique features, and some contain ingredients that may be less desirable for those watching their health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, IQ Bars are keto-friendly as they are low in net carbs, containing only 2-3 grams per bar. They are also free from artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful to the brain and body.
Each bar contains 11-13 grams of total fat, 7-10 grams of dietary fibre, and less than 2 grams of sugar. They have 180 calories and 12 grams of protein per bar.
IQ Bars are made from a variety of natural, plant-based ingredients including almonds, tapioca fibre, pea protein, flaxseeds, coconut oil, and lion's mane mushrooms.
Yes, IQ Bars currently offer seven flavours: Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chip, Almond Butter Chip, Banana Nut, Wild Blueberry, Lemon Blueberry, and Matcha Chai.
While IQ Bars are generally well-liked, some customers have mentioned that the texture can be a little chalky or mealy. The bars are also on the pricey side for a peanut-based product.
