The David Protein bar packs a whopping 28 grams of protein in just 58 oz without sacrificing calories. That will surely get the attention of gym rats looking for the best meal replacement. However, does that make it better, and how does it stack up against heavyweights like Quest Bars and RXBars? I also tackled the elephant in the room – potential side effects. Because let's face it, not all protein bars play nice with everyone's digestive system. From macronutrient breakdown to controversial ingredients like EPG and allulose, I've left no wrapper unturned. This is what you need to know about David Protein.
Who Is The David Protein Bar Named For?
The marketing of this protein bar prominently references the Statue of David by Michelangelo, suggesting that it is a work of art.
The Owner and Investors in David Protein
The company's founder is Peter Rahal, an entrepreneur who previously founded the RXBar. Angel Investors who provided startup costs include Valor Equity Partners and podcasters Peter Attia MD (The Drive Podcast) and Andrew Huberman MD (Huberman Lab Podcast). Peter Attia is also the company's Chief Science Officer.
How Much Protein Does David Bar Contain?
This protein bar packs an impressive 28 grams of protein per 52-gram bar. This means each bar has 1 oz of protein, which is a lot more than that of any of its main competitors. The protein is a blend composed of the following sources:
- Milk protein isolate
- Collagen
- Whey protein concentrate
- Egg whites
A specific breakdown of how much each source contributes is not given. However, since ingredients must be listed in order of abundance, this may indicate David Protein bars may have more collagen than whey protein. Considering that collagen is less effective than whey protein for muscle-building, this may pose an issue for certain individuals.
David Bar Flavors and Nutrition Facts
Currently, there are 4 flavor options:
- Chocolate chip cookie dough
- Double fudge brownie
- Cake batter
- Raspberry pie
Each bar has only 150 calories and the following Nutrition Facts information.
Nutrition Facts per 1 Bar (52 grams)
| Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | Double Fudge Brownie | Cake Batter | Raspberry Pie | |
| Calories | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Fat | 2 g (3% DV) | 2 g (3%DV) | 3 g (3% DV) | 2 g (3% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g (8% DV) | 15. g (8% DV) | 1.5 g (8% DV) | 1.5 g (8% DV) |
| Trans Fat | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg (2% DV) | 10 mg (3% DV) | 5 mg (2% DV) | 5 mg (2% DV) |
| Sodium | 230 mg (10% DV) | 210 mg (9% DV) | 230 mg (10 DV) | 150 mg (7% DV) |
| Total Carbs | 14 g (5% DV) | 14 g (5% DV) | 13 g (5% DV) | 14 g (5% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g (7% DV) | 2 g (7% DV) | 2 g (7% DV) | 2 g (7% DV) |
| Total Sugars | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Added Sugars | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Protein | 28 g | 28 g | 28 g | 28 g |
| Vitamin D | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Calcium | 140 mg (10% DV) | 170 mg (15% DV) | 130 mg (10% DV) | 130 mg (10% DV) |
| Iron | 0 | 1 mg (6% DV) | 0 | 0 |
| Potassium | 100 mg (2% DV) | 140 mg (2% DV) | 80 mg (2% DV) | 90 mg (2% DV) |
Key points to notice are that neither flavor have:
- any added sugars
- any total sugars
- almost modest amounts of saturated fats (8% Daily Value)
- moderate amounts of sodium (7% to 10% Daily Value)
David Protein Review Video
Watch on my YouTube channel
Nutrition Facts Typo
The website for this nutrition bar (DavidProtein.com) incorrectly lists the amount of calcium as micrograms (mcg) instead of milligrams (mg). I'm confident this will be eventually corrected.
What About The Carbs?
David Protein has 13 to 14 grams of carbs per bar (cake batter has 14 grams). This equates to only 5% of the Daily Value of carbohydrates. According to FDA regulations, ingredients present as 5% or less Daily Value represent a low amount. Thus, this protein bar is low in carbohydrates. Combining this fact with no added sugars should appeal to those following keto, paleo, and low-carb lifestyles.
David Protein Bar vs. Rx Bar
The creator is the same man who founded the popular RX Bar, so how do these protein bars compare to each other?
| David Bar (Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough / 58 g) | RX Bar (Chocolate Sea Salt /52 g) | |
| Calories | 150 | 200 |
| Fat | 2 g (3% DV) | 8 g (10% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g (8% DV) | 2 g (10% DV) |
| Trans Fat | 0 | 0 |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg (2% DV) | 0 |
| Sodium | 230 mg (10% DV) | 190 mg (8% DV) |
| Total Carbs | 14 g (5% DV) | 23 g (8% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g (7% DV) | 5 g (18% DV) |
| Total Sugars | 0 | 14 g |
| Added Sugars | 0 | 0 |
| Protein | 28 g | 12 g |
| Vitamin D | 0 | 0 |
| Calcium | 140 mg (10% DV) | 50 mg (2% DV) |
| Iron | 0 | 1.8 mg (10% DV) |
| Potassium | 100 mg (2% DV) | 430 mg (8% DV) |
As can be seen, David Protein has fewer calories than RX Bar, but, ironically, the chocolate sea salt version of RX Bar has less sodium than David Protein. The RXBar also has more carbs, has no bioengineered ingredients, and shines with more dietary fiber. The RX Bar also has more precious potassium, which most Americans do not consume enough of. However, David wins hands down with almost 2.5 times the protein found in the RXBar.
Quest Bar vs. David Protein Bar
The Quest Bar may be one of David's most direct competitors since both are promoted for being healthy. Here's how they compare to each other.
| David Bar (Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough / 58 g) | Quest Bar (Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough / 60 g) | |
| Calories | 150 | 190 |
| Fat | 2 g (3% DV) | 9 g (12% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g (8% DV) | 2.5 g (13% DV) |
| Trans Fat | 0 | 0 |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg (2% DV) | 5 mg (2% DV) |
| Sodium | 230 mg (10% DV) | 220 mg (10% DV) |
| Total Carbs | 14 g (5% DV) | 22 g (8% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g (7% DV) | 12 g (43% DV) |
| Total Sugars | 0 | 1g |
| Added Sugars | 0 | 0 |
| Protein | 28 g | 21 gg |
| Vitamin D | 0 | 0 |
| Calcium | 140 mg (10% DV) | 150 mg (10% DV) |
| Iron | 0 | 0.6 g (4% DV) |
| Potassium | 100 mg (2% DV) | Potassium 140 mg (2% DV) |
* DV: 5% or less = low. 20% or more = high.
From this, we can see that while both protein bars contain similar amounts of sodium, potassium, and calcium, Quest Bars have more calories, saturated fats, and carbohydrates. Quest outshines David in terms of its dietary fiber (12 g vs. 2 g). Quest Bars are also very high in fiber (43% Daily Value). Additionally, Quest Bars also have 6 grams of sugar alcohol, which David does not contain.
What Is Allulose?
If you scrutinize the ingredients list, you will notice allulose. Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener (0.4 calories per gram) used instead of artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame, and Splenda (sucralose). Each David protein bar contains 7 grams of allulose. For comparison, here are the approximate amounts of allulose found naturally in foods.
| Food | Allulose Content (per 100g / 3.5 oz) |
| Dried figs | 100 mg to 300 mg |
| Dried raisins | 200 mg to 500 mg |
| Maple syrup | 100 mg to 300 mg |
| Wheat flour | 100 mg to 300 mg |
| Brown sugar | 100 mg to 300 mg |
| Canned peaches | 100 mg to 300 mg |
| Canned pears | 100 mg to 300 mg |
Allulose Effects & Side Effects
Preliminary research (in animals) suggests allulose may raise GLP-1 levels. This means it may also slow down stomach emptying and reduce appetite. However, because it is rapidly removed from the blood, claims that allulose is equivalent to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic (Wegovy) should be viewed skeptically.
Animal research suggests that allulose improves the gut microbiome's production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. These improved fatty acids include butyrate, acetate, and propionate. Ironically, animal research has also suggested that allulose may promote the growth of unhealthy bacteria such as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This has not been confirmed in humans.
Allulose is generally considered a safe ingredient (up to 400 mg/kg/body weight), although some people may experience diarrhea and abdominal pain if too much is consumed by those not accustomed to it. Contrary to some reports, there is no human proof allulose causes weight gain.
What Is EPG?
Esterified propoxylated glycerol (EPG) is the bioengineered food ingredient mentioned in the ingredients list. Invented in the 1980s, EPG is used to reduce calories and saturated fat, and improve taste and texture. EPG is usually derived from vegetable oils such as soybean or canola (rapeseed) oils, and when the FDA evaluated it, they regarded it as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Using EPG allows David Protein bars to have much less saturated fats than rivals.
Protein Bar Saturated Fat Comparison
| Saturated Fat (g) & % DV* | |
| David Protein Bar | 1.5 g / 8% DV (per 58 g bar) |
| MetRX Bar | 7 g / 35 % DV (per 100g bar) |
| Kellogg's Special K Bar | 4.5 g / 23% DV (per 45 g bar) |
| Gatorade Protein Bar | 10 g / 49% DV (per 80 g bar) |
| Builders Protein Bar | 6 g / 29% DV (per 68 g bar) |
| Pure Protein Bar | 3.5 g / 18% DV (per 50 g bar) |
| Quest Protein Bar | 2.5 g / 13% DV (per 60 g bar) |
| Barbells Protein Bar | 3 g/ 15% DV (per 55 g bar) |
| Power Crunch Protein Bar | 7 g / 35% DV (per 40 g bar) |
| Fit Crunch Protein Bar | 4 g / 20% DV (per 46 g b ar) |
| Atkins Protein Bar | 5 g / 25% DV (per 48 g bar) |
| BSN Protein Bar | 3.5 g / 18% DV (per 55 g bar) |
| ALOHA Protein Bar | 3 g / 15% DV (per 56 g bar) |
| Promax Protein Bar | 4 g / 20% DV (per 75 g bar) |
* DV: 5% or less = low. 20% or more = high.
Esterified Propoxylated Glycerol Effects and Side Effects
Some people may experience GI upset. In one study, healthy people consuming EPG (30 g to 150 g) showed increased bowel movements and a shift to softer bowel movements. Based on this, it's possible that some may experience diarrhea, mainly if they are not accustomed to this ingredient. That same study revealed EPG-raised liver enzymes (AST and ALT) in those who consumed 60 to 150 g. The amounts used in that study are likely far more than the amount found in David Protein Bars.
How Does It Taste?
This review did not incorporate a taste test, but I will obtain one in the future and report my findings.
Is The David Protein Bar Healthy?
By creating a nutrition bar that is not only high in protein but low in saturated fat and calories, David Protein's creators appear to have set a new standard. While I don't foresee problems for generally healthy people, those with GI conditions or kidney issues should probably look elsewhere or at least speak with their doctor first. While choosing controversial ingredients such as allulose and EPG may turn some consumers off, those ingredients appear central to the bar's ability to deliver the most protein with the fewest calories and fat.
I did my own research on protein bars years ago. Without eating anything I took off on my bike from Encinitas up Torrey Pines hill and swam for 1 hour. That is many miles on a bike. I really needed nourishment. So, I ate a Cliff Bar. Well, it helped for a little while, yet, my need for real nutrition was knocking on the door. So, I ate a Tigers Milk Bar. Same thing, not much. However, to the rescue came a Power Bar. That really helped and go me back home. I have also been in the natural healing field since the late 60’s and have an active Holistic Practice here in Carlsbad, CA. I consider YOU a very valid resource, like Michael Murray’s work. We have emailed once. http://www.holistichealthservices.com That same day on the ride back, I stopped to play some full-court basketball and got a severe cramp, took some Spaz Out (a multi-mineral supplement pro athletes at the time were using), and, presto, the spasm went away immediately.