IQBAR Review: A Comprehensive Look at Taste, Nutrition, and Cognitive Enhancers
I'm pretty sure I could live on protein bars. I don’t know what it is about them but as a result, I’ve tried a lot and I’ve become a bit of a protein bar snob over the years.
Texture, taste, and nutrition are my three criteria, and it's surprisingly challenging to find a protein bar that balances an adequate amount of protein without inflammatory ingredients like seed oils, gluten, and excessive sugar. Then there's the essential factor of taste for obvious reasons and texture—not too chalky like many high-protein bars and not grossly chewy.
It was a few years back now that I discovered IQBAR which hit all the criteria with remarkable texture, a variety of great flavors, and sound nutrition. Beyond the core criteria, IQBAR offers some notable bonuses such as being a low-carb bar while also being the only protein bar I know of that includes these 6 brain-nutrient cognitive enhancers, proven to boost cognition and alertness (Omega-3, MCT, Lion’s mane, flavonoids, Vitamin-E, and choline).
Let’s dive into other reasons IQBAR has become my favorite protein bar.
IQBAR
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Essential Nutrients: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ingredient Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Health Benefits: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Bottom Line
IQBARs are a high protein, high fiber, low carb nutrition bar enriched with six proven cognitive enhancers—Omega-3, MCT, Lion’s mane, flavonoids, Vitamin E, and choline. They are low in sugar, void of seed oils, and they are free of gluten, dairy, and soy.
What sets IQBAR apart is not just its nutritional profile but also its great taste and texture, making it my favorite protein bar. Plus it comes in at an affordable price. The only drawbacks are a desire for more protein, although the 12g is commendable, and the limited availability in stores.
IQBARs are a high-quality and great-tasting protein bar that provides more than just protein and it won’t break the bank.
THe Skinny On IQBARs
What Are IQBARs?
IQBARs are a line of protein bars aiming to provide both physical and cognitive benefits. They are high protein, high fiber, and low carb. They rely on a base of whole food ingredients like nuts, seeds, dates, and chicory root fiber for sustained energy and natural sweetness. IQBARs are plant-based, low-carb, and gluten-free, with each bar containing only 1-2 grams of sugar and 3 grams of net carbs. The bars are also 100% non-GMO and are made using mostly organic ingredients.
Each bar also contains six key nutrients associated with brain health: lion's mane mushroom, MCTs, omega-3s, flavonoids, vitamin E, and choline. These nutrients support memory, focus, and overall brain function.
The ingredients in IQBARs include almonds, soluble tapioca fiber, pea protein, protein crisps (pea protein, tapioca starch), allulose, water, flaxseeds, natural flavors, banana, gum acacia, coconut oil, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, stevia extract, lion’s mane extract, and vitamin E. The bars are ketogenic, which means they are high in fat and low in carbs. They are also rich in fiber, with each bar containing 8-9 grams of fiber
From The Manufacturer
Brain Nutrients
6 key brain nutrients in each bar. IQBARs are formulated around six nutrients shown to support sustained cognitive energy, performance, and health.
Omega-3s: Essential fatty acids that the body cannot create, but must consume.
MCTs: Fats with a unique molecular composition that delivers sustained mental energy.
Lion's Mane: A powerful adaptogen used throughout Asia for millenia for its brain-boosting properties.
Flavonoids: A special group of polyphenols found in colorful vegetables and fruit.
Vitamin-E: An antioxidant found in nuts, seeds, certain grains, and leafy vegetables.
Choline: An essential nutrient present in select vegetables, seeds, and nuts.
Body Nutrients
3 key body nutrients in each bar. Our bars are also packed with three nutrients shown to support strength, stamina, and a healthy gut/metabolism.
Plant Protein: ~25% of each bar is pure plant based protein for body health.
Prebiotic Fiber: Each IQBAR contains 7-10g of fiber to support the gut microbiome.
Healthy Fats: Clean, energizing mono- and polyunsaturated fats + MCTs.
No Bad Stuff
Non-GMO
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Soy-free
Perfect For:
Grab & Go Breakfast
3pm Slump Protection
Nutritious Snacking
Pre & Post Exercise"
Selling Points
Whole food ingredients: Made with nuts, seeds, dates, and other natural components, promoting sustained energy and avoiding artificial flavors or excessive sugar (<1g per bar).
No concerns with the natural flavors. While “natural flavors” can often mean an opportunity for manufacturers to hide the unhealthy things in their products, IQ Bar’s natural flavors “are non-GMO and extracted from 100% natural sources, such as plants, fruits, spices, and vegetables. We include them in our products to naturally enhance flavor and achieve the highest level of product consistency we can. They also contain none of the Top 8 Allergens and are what's called "WONF" flavors meaning they contain extracts from the real ingredient they are aimed at enhancing (for instance, natural flavors in our Wild Blueberry are centered on extracts from literal wild blueberries),” according to a representative.
Nutrients promoting brain health: Contain six ingredients linked to cognitive health, including lion's mane mushroom, MCTs, omega-3s, and choline, enhancing memory, focus, and brain function.
Low carb: Several IQBARs stand out compared to most other high-carb bars with as low as 3g net carbs per bar.
Protein and fiber: IQBARs provide adequate protein and fiber, contributing to satiety and potentially managing blood sugar levels.
No seed oils: They use coconut oil instead of inflammatory seed oils (vegetable oils) in many other bars.
Delicious taste and texture: Offered in a variety of flavors with a satisfying, chewy texture that’s not chalky or overly chewy like many other protein bars.
The flavors: They hit a variety of flavors including chocolate sea salt, almond butter chip, lemon blueberry, banana nut, wild blueberry, matcha chai, toasted coconut chip, and my favorite peanut butter chip.
Affordable. IQBARs are affordable coming in at around $2/bar (less if you use the MINDBODYDAD promo code or buy in bulk).
Drawback
Limited store availability: IQ Bars aren't readily available in most stores. Instead, they’re limited to online orders.
The protein quantity: While they have around the average amount of protein for a protein bar (~12g), I wish they had more.
Who Do I Recommend It For?
The health-conscious: IQBARs are made with whole food ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dates, providing sustained energy and essential nutrients without artificial additives or excessive sugar. Instead of seed oils they use coconut oil. They also include clean and healthy fats, prebiotic fiber, and plant protein.
Those looking for a low carb option: While many protein bars have upwards of 25g of carbs, IQBARs boast a total net carb as low as 3g in a bar.
Sleep-deprived individuals: New parents, late-night weekend with friends, or maybe you just got caught binging a new show. The cognitive enhancers within IQBARs made my days manageable on those nights when I was up all night with the kids. (Sidebar: another great option for the sleep-deprived is Four Sigmatic).
Cognitive performance seekers: IQBARs incorporate several nutrients linked to cognitive function, including lion's mane mushroom and omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients go beyond helping you get away with less sleep and have scientific backing for specific brain functions like memory and focus.
Time-crunched individuals with active lifestyles: IQBARs are portable and convenient, readily available for a quick source of energy and protein after a workout or during a busy day.
Tips
Get creative: Instead of just whipping them out as needed, get creative and crumble an IQBAR over yogurt or oatmeal to add flavor and more nutrition.
Keep them stashed in places where you're most likely to make bad food choices such as the car or at your desk.
Go with the sampler: They have a bunch of flavors so go with the sampler pack to find your favorite. My favorite peanut butter chip.
IQBAR also makes two other great products:
IQMIX (one of my all-time favorite forms of electrolytes)
My Experience
While I’ve eaten protein bars for a while, I’ve always been frustrated with the fact that most of the store-bought ones contain seed oils, gluten, sugar, and questionable ingredients. Most of these gave me mild GI issues too. So I looked online for better options and it was more of the same. I finally stumbled upon IQBARs and it hit all the criteria and any GI issues I had with other bars disappeared.
Soft chewy texture. 👍
The cognitive benefits are a great touch as I notice a difference, particularly on sleep-deprived days, or times when I have to get a lot of work finished in a short time. The impact isn’t like a cup of coffee (although they do make that with their IQ Joe, see above), but I sleep a little better knowing that I’m hitting nutrients that are great for the brain and (fingers crossed) help prevent any cognitive decline down the road.
I’ve been a fan of these bars for years now so I reached out to them to help spread the word. They responded by giving me giving me a 15% discount to give to all of you.
So, if you’re interested in IQBAR, use the promo code MINDBODYDAD to get 15% off (good for their IQMIX also).
Use MINDBODYDAD for 15% off.
FAQ
Are IQBARs gluten-free?
Yes, all IQBARs are gluten-free, making them a safe choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Are IQBARs vegan?
While most IQBAR flavors are vegan-friendly, some variations contain whey protein or honey. Refer to the individual bar ingredients list for confirmation.
Are IQBARs keto-friendly?
The Wild Blueberry flavor boasts the lowest net carbs, making it suitable for a keto diet. Other flavors have higher carb counts, so check the individual nutritional information if keto is your goal.
How long do IQBARs stay fresh?
Unopened, they have a shelf life of 12 months. Once opened, it's best to consume them within a few days for optimal freshness.
Do IQBARs have seed oils?
No, IQBARs avoid seed oils like canola, sunflower, and soybean in favor of healthier fats like MCT oil, coconut oil, and almonds.
Do IQBARs use artificial sweeteners?
Some IQBAR flavors use stevia as a natural sweetener, while others rely on monk fruit extract. Both are zero-calorie options.
What protein sources do IQBARs use?
IQBARs primarily rely on almond butter and whey protein for their protein content. Some flavors also include pea protein as an additional source.
Can IQBARs help with brain function?
The ingredients like Omega-3s, MCT oil, and choline are included for their potential cognitive benefits, but individual results may vary.
Do IQBARs have seed oils?
No, IQBARs avoid inflammatory seed oils like canola or sunflower oil. Instead, they use healthier fats such as MCT oil, coconut oil, and almonds.
Do IQBARs use artificial sweeteners?
No, IQBARs rely on natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit extract, which are zero-calorie options.
What protein sources do IQBARs use?
IQBARs primarily use almond butter and pea protein for plant-based protein. Some flavors also include protein crisps for added texture and nutrition.
Are IQBARs suitable for kids?
While generally safe for children, some flavors may contain ingredients like caffeine or stevia that parents may prefer to limit.
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