Recently I tried the IQBar. I posted about the IQMIX Electrolytes (you can see the review here), and I was looking forward to trying to the IQBars as they were the first creation.
About the brand IQMIX:
IQMIX is a small group of “functional foodies.” It was founded by Will. While studying psychology and neuroscience at Harvard, he became interested in the human brain and its functions. After graduating, he spent long days selling marketing software. He found himself with mental fatigue and headaches. He found himself frustrated that he couldn’t find ready-to-eat options that fit his new hectic lifestyle and thought: “why don’t I create that”? He launched a Kickstarter campaign in late 2017, and the first version of the IQBAR was born.
About IQBar:
Each of the IQBars has 180 calories and comes full of both protein and fiber. They are designed with six key “brain” ingredients that support sustained cognitive energy, performance, and health.
- Omega-3s: Essential fatty acids that the body cannot create.
- MCTs: Fats that deliver sustained mental energy.
- Lion’s Mane: A powerful adaptogen used for brain-boosting properties.
- Flavonoids A group of polyphenols found in vegetables and fruit.
- Vitamin-E: An antioxidant found in nuts, seeds, certain grains, and leafy vegetables.
- Choline: An essential nutrient found in certain vegetables, seeds, and nuts.
They also have three body nutrients to support strength, stamina, and a healthy gut/metabolism.
- Plant Protein:25% of each bar is made from plant-based protein
- Prebiotic Fiber: Each IQBAR contains 7-10g of fiber
- Healthy Fats: Mono- and polyunsaturated fats + MCTs
What makes IQBars different?
- Vegan and Keto
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy Free
My Experience with IQBar:
I was excited to try the IQBars. As most people know, I’ve spent a lot of time in my car driving. I am always looking for healthy and easy snacks to eat while on the go (instead of spending $10 at the gas station for a mediocre snack). I loved that IQBars had unique flavors and have ingredients that support a healthy brain and body. I also like that they each have little chunks in them. Some have almond chips, another has lemon blueberry and even peanut butter chip.
The IQBars themselves are medium size and easy to digest. None of them tasted like I was eating glorified cardboard, and I found they gave me energy to stay sustained. They weren’t too dry, and I didn’t feel like I needed to wash them down with anything.
They are more of a snack bar than a “right before running bar” with the amount of fiber. They do sit in my stomach well but I prefer something with less fiber if I’m running.
A common question is: do you taste the Lion’s Mane mushroom in IQBar? You definitely don’t, and I wouldn’t know it’s there if no one told me.
I tried all seven flavors:
- Almond Chip Butter: The Almond Chip Butter was the first IQBar I tried. It tasted good, and it had a lot more “chips” than I was expecting.
- Banana Nut: Admndiately, banana is not my favorite flavor anything. The IQbar tasted good, and it wasn’t overly sweet or “banana.” It tasted similar to a piece of banana bread.
- Chocolate Sea Salt: The Chocolate Sea Salt was my favorite (by far), but I do appreciate anything chocolate. It wasn’t overly salted, and I found the salt brought out the chocolate even more.
- Lemon Blueberry: I’m a huge lemon anything fan, so I was most excited for this flavor. It tasted great, and I appreciated the lemon wasn’t too tart.
- Matcha Chai: Going on the opposite spectrum, the Matcha Chai was my least favorite flavor. I’m not a big matcha person at all. That being said, I would still eat it because it tasted good.
- Peanut Butter Chip: The Peanut Butter Chip was one of my favorite IQBar flavors and one of the better peanut butter flavors I tried. It had plenty of chips and just tasted good.
- Wild Blueberry: If you like blueberry, you’ll like the wild blueberry. I like how sweet the bars are.
Cost: 7 bars for $15 or $127.42 for 72 bars
If you buy in bulk, these are cheaper than similar types of bars (like Quest). I prefer the IQbars because they taste better, in my opinion.
IQBar Conclusion:
I really like the IQBars, and I’ll continue to consume them. While they aren’t cheap, they are more affordable than many similar products, and I find they taste good. I don’t have any complaints, and they are a good option, especially if you are looking for something to snack on.
You can try IQBar for yourself here and see all gear reviews here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried IQMIX Electrolytes?
What is your favorite electrolyte mix?