If you’re a health nut, I’m sure you’ve had a Quest protein bar sometime over the past six months. They’re all the rage. Fitness buffs go to great lengths to obtain them, paying upwards of $3 per bar (~$36 for a pack of 12). They only average about 20 grams of protein, so a 12 pack totals 240 grams. If my math is correct, you’re paying more than $6 per gram! That doesn’t seem very cost effective, when ultimately the goal is getting as much protein for buck as you can (it’s expensive in all forms). With the recipe below, you can use protein powder (loads cheaper at a cost per/gram) and make tasty bars yourself.

But even if you have money to blow, trying to meet your protein requirements per meal with Quest bars is difficult, unless you toss down 2-3. Considering EACH one has upwards of 17 grams of fibre, enjoy that trip to the bathroom afterwards! Fibre is good – to a point – but there’s a line there that shouldn’t be crossed and 40 grams of fibre in one sitting is over it.

So, what am I getting at here? If you’re still reading this, here’s a do-it-yourself natural protein bar recipe that’ll compare in taste and macros to that pricey Quest bar sitting in your cabinet. It might look like poop, but it tastes anything but.

Ingredients

• 8 scoops chocolate protein powder
• 2/3 cup ground almonds
• 1/2 cup milk (sub almond milk for lower cals)
• 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 100 grams sugar-free dark chocolate

Read the full recipe here