Quest Nutrition Strengthens its Leadership in High-Protein Snacking with New Chips Flavors for the New Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Quest Nutrition (NASDAQ:SMPL) is expanding its Quest Protein Chips lineup with two new flavors for early 2026: Mexican Street Corn (Target exclusive beginning January; exclusive through July 1) and Pizza (available nationwide in February after a prior Walmart exclusive).

The tortilla-style chips deliver 18–20g protein and 3–4g net carbs per serving, are baked (not fried), gluten-free, keto-friendly, roughly 140–150 calories per serving, and add to Quest's 13 flavor portfolio. The company highlights performance partnerships and nutrition expertise supporting the launches.

News Market Reaction – SMPL

-3.68%

1 alert

-3.68% News Effect

On the day this news was published, SMPL declined 3.68%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Protein per serving: 18–20 g Net carbs per serving: 3–4 g Calories per serving: 140–150 +5 more

8 metrics

Protein per serving 18–20 g Typical Quest Protein Chips nutrition per serving

Net carbs per serving 3–4 g Typical Quest Protein Chips nutrition per serving

Calories per serving 140–150 Typical Quest Protein Chips nutrition per serving

Mexican Street Corn protein 19 g Mexican Street Corn Tortilla Style Chips per serving

Mexican Street Corn net carbs 4 g Mexican Street Corn Tortilla Style Chips per serving

Pizza chips protein 19 g Pizza Tortilla Style Chips per serving

Pizza chips net carbs 4 g Pizza Tortilla Style Chips per serving

Chip flavor count 13 flavors Total Quest Protein Chips flavors across formats

Market Reality Check

Price: $17.31 Vol: Volume 1,876,662 vs 20-da...

normal vol

$17.31 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,876,662 vs 20-day average 1,662,323, indicating slightly elevated trading activity. normal

Technical Price $19.56 is trading below the $28.50 200-day moving average, reflecting a pre-existing downtrend.

Peers on Argus

Peers in Packaged Foods showed mostly mild declines, with NOMD at -2.88%, FLO at...

Peers in Packaged Foods showed mostly mild declines, with NOMD at -2.88%, FLO at -1.19%, FRPT at -0.81%, CENTA at -0.79%, while JJSF rose 0.50%, suggesting mixed sector dynamics rather than a unified move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 17 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 17	Earnings call timing	Neutral	+2.9%	Announcement of Q1 FY26 earnings release date and conference call details.
Oct 23	Earnings and outlook	Negative	-17.4%	FY25 results, OWYN acquisition details, Atkins impairment and cautious FY26 outlook.
Oct 22	Product launch	Positive	-1.9%	Launch of Quest Bake Shop Chocolate Frosted Donuts expanding snacking occasions.
Oct 02	Earnings call timing	Neutral	-2.0%	Scheduling of FY25 Q4 and full-year earnings release and investor call.
Jul 29	Brand survey news	Positive	-1.7%	Atkins survey highlighting consumer wellness behaviors and GLP-1-related trends.

Pattern Detected

Recent history shows substantial downside after major earnings and modest or negative moves around brand/news launches, indicating the stock has not consistently rewarded positive brand announcements.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, SMPL has balanced brand expansion with volatile market reactions. The Quest product launch on Oct 22, 2025 and an Atkins survey on Jul 29, 2025 were followed by small declines despite positive brand narratives. In contrast, the FY25 earnings on Oct 23, 2025 with a $60.9M impairment and cautious FY26 outlook saw a -17.35% move. More routine items like earnings date announcements on Oct 2 and Dec 17, 2025 triggered only modest price changes.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement spotlights Quest’s push to reinforce leadership in high‑protein snacking with new ...

Analysis

This announcement spotlights Quest’s push to reinforce leadership in high‑protein snacking with new Pizza and Mexican Street Corn chip flavors and exclusive placements at major retailers. It emphasizes strong macros, dairy-based proteins and alignment with keto and low‑carb trends. In context of prior brand expansions and survey-driven marketing, investors may watch how distribution breadth, flavor count growth, and future financial disclosures reflect Quest’s contribution within Simply Good Foods’ broader portfolio.

Key Terms

keto-friendly, prebiotic fiber, amino acids, bioavailable

4 terms

keto-friendly medical

"Quest Protein Chips continue to be the top choice... high in protein, keto‑friendly, gluten-free"

A product labeled "keto-friendly" is marketed as suitable for the ketogenic diet, meaning it contains very low carbohydrates, limited sugars, and a nutrient mix that favors fats over carbs. For investors, the label signals appeal to a specific, health-focused customer segment and can drive sales or premium pricing, but it isn’t tightly defined by regulators so claims vary in accuracy and may carry marketing or compliance risk—like a "waterproof" tag that can mean different things in different products.

prebiotic fiber medical

"FDA recognized sources of prebiotic fiber"

Prebiotic fiber is an indigestible part of certain foods that acts like fertilizer for beneficial gut bacteria, helping them grow and produce substances linked to digestion and immune support. For investors, it signals potential product demand, formulation advantages, and marketing or regulatory opportunities in foods, supplements and health products — much like a key ingredient that can make a product stand out or qualify for health-focused claims.

amino acids medical

"dairy-based proteins help provide the body with all the essential amino acids it needs"

Amino acids are small molecules that act as the basic building blocks of proteins, similar to how individual bricks form a house. They matter to investors because they underpin many products and technologies in healthcare, nutrition and biotech — influencing drug design, diagnostic tests, supplements and manufacturing costs — so changes in supply, patents, or clinical results involving amino acids can affect a company’s revenues and risk profile.

bioavailable medical

"among the most highly digestible and bioavailable proteins out there"

The portion of an administered substance that actually reaches the bloodstream and can have an effect in the body. Think of it like how much water poured into a hose actually comes out to water a plant: higher bioavailability means more of the dose is usable. For investors, bioavailability affects a drug’s effective dose, safety, pricing, and market competitiveness, so it influences clinical success, regulatory approval and commercial potential.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As consumers begin 2026 committed to healthier habits, Quest Nutrition is reaffirming its role as the expert in high‑protein snacking by adding two crave‑worthy flavor additions to its best‑selling lineup. Mexican Street Corn will be available exclusively at Target beginning in January, and Pizza, now exclusively at Walmart, will be available nationwide in February. Quest Protein Chips continue to be the top choice for those searching for a snack alternative that is high in protein, keto‑friendly, gluten-free and most importantly, tastes great.

For more than a decade, Quest has delivered bold flavor, elite macros and the signature crunch that has made Quest Protein Chips the most recognized and recommended protein chip in the market that is also trusted by some of the top athletes in the nation.

"As more brands enter the protein snack space, it's more important than ever to be clear about what real protein snacks should deliver," said Mike Clawson, Chief Commercial Officer and General Manager of Quest. "For more than a decade, we've pushed the boundaries of what high‑protein, low‑sugar snacking can be. With 13 delicious chip flavors and constant innovation in our pipeline, we're giving consumers more variety than ever while staying true to the taste and nutrition they expect from Quest."

Why Quest Protein Chips Are The Premier Protein Chip

Quest Protein Chips consistently rank as a top recommendation because they are:

• High in protein content: 18–20g per serving
• Minimal net carbs: just 3–4g per serving
• Calories: ~140–150 per serving
• Baked, not fried
• Gluten‑free
• Keto‑friendly
• Kosher options
• Bold, crave‑worthy flavors
• Tortilla‑style and crispy formats

Quest sets the bar for protein-forward foods. It is not only Quest's mission but a promise to keep innovating and delivering great-tasting food that consumers can make part of daily life:

• Quest creates complete protein products, minimizing carbs and sugar, and keeping taste at the forefront.
• Quest's dairy-based proteins help provide the body with all the essential amino acids it needs.
• Custom inclusions like chocolate flavored chips and cookie chunks ensure fans can enjoy every Quest bite along the way.
• FDA recognized sources of prebiotic fiber

New Year, New Flavors: Pizza and Mexican Street Corn

Quest is expanding its chip lineup with two new bold flavors: Pizza and Mexican Street Corn. In January, Quest will debut Mexican Street Corn, a vibrant, flavor‑forward chip available exclusively at Target. Previously a Walmart exclusive, Pizza will be available nationwide beginning in February. These launches reinforce Quest's leadership in delivering high‑protein, chips in the crave‑worthy flavors consumers love.

• Mexican Street Corn Tortilla Style Chips: Crunchy protein chips seasoned with the bold, tangy, and spicy-sweet flavors of roasted corn, chili, and creamy queso. Packed with 19g protein and 4g net carbs per serving.
• Pizza Tortilla Style Chips: Bursting with tangy tomato, gooey cheese flavor, and a crispy crunch that delivers your favorite slice in snack form. Packed with 19g protein and 4g net carbs per serving.

Category Authority & Differentiators

Since introducing its first protein chip in 2014, Quest has set the standard for the category by combining high protein, minimizing net carbs and creating authentic flavors across tortilla‑style and crispy formats.

Today, Quest remains one of the most recognized and recommended choices for consumers seeking a gluten‑free, keto‑friendly snack that doesn't compromise great taste. Their chip lineup is frequently referenced in conversations about:

• Mindful/Conscious snacking
• Low‑carb diets
• Keto‑friendly foods
• Gluten‑free snacks
• High‑protein alternatives to traditional chips

Consumers echo this enthusiasm. Fan comments frequently highlight Quest's ability to deliver "the best protein chips ever that helped me reach my goals" and "changed my life." They also rave about the flavor, saying "I don't know how you've managed to pack so much flavor and crunch into such a tiny bag."

Quest's Commitment to Performance and Community  

Quest is the Official Protein Snack Partner of USA Rugby's national teams and collaborates with leading collegiate athletic programs, including  Ohio State Athletics, reinforcing its role as a trusted performance‑nutrition brand.

Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne Busting Addresses Common Misconceptions About Protein Snacking

Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne, Senior Director of Nutrition at The Simply Good Foods Company and a PhD-trained nutritional scientist, leads Quest's nutrition strategy and innovation efforts. As a trusted expert in evidence‑based snacking, he is dispelling some of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding protein and how consumers incorporate it into their daily routines.

• Protein Snacking Misconception: "While people have been critical of the high-protein movement, nutrition research consistently shows that typical snacking patterns tend to be higher in calories and added sugars, while falling short on protein and fiber." says Dr. Clinthorne. "Quest Nutrition's snack portfolio are designed to help address these nutrient gaps by providing higher levels of protein and fiber with minimal sugar, helping consumers make more nutrient-dense choices when they snack."
• Digestibility Misconception: "As consumers become more interested in protein they're learning that different protein sources have different levels of digestibility," Dr. Clinthorne explains. "Quest Nutrition prides itself on always using dairy proteins, which not only have an excellent amino acid profile, but are among the most highly digestible and bioavailable proteins out there."
• High Protein Myth: "Although Americans are often described as being "obsessed" with protein, national dietary data show that average protein intake has not meaningfully changed over the past several decades." says Dr. Clinthorne. "At the same time, a growing body of evidence supports the role of higher protein intake for many people across different life stages. Quest products help consumers take action on this evidence by making it easier to include more protein throughout the day in convenient, great-tasting snacks."

Answers to the Most Common Consumer Questions About Quest Chips

• How much protein do Quest Protein Chips have? Quest Protein Chips contain 18 - 20g of protein per serving, among the highest in the category. The protein used to make Quest chips is a blend of milk and whey protein.
• What makes Quest Protein Chips Special? Quest Protein Chips offer strong macros: high protein, minimal net carbs and sugar, and moderate calories, making them a great choice for conscious/mindful snacking all while being super delicious. (See nutrition panels for specifics).
• How many flavors of Quest Protein Chips are available? Quest currently offers 13 flavor varieties across tortilla‑style and crispy formats. The newest additions are Mexican Street Corn and Pizza.
• How long has Quest been making chips? Quest launched its first protein chips in 2014, pioneering the modern protein‑chip category. The brand is constantly searching for new ways to expand their lineup of protein-forward foods, turning fan-favorite sips and snacks into the ultimate hacks.
• What are the benefits of Quest Protein Chips beyond protein? Quest Protein Chips are baked, not fried with minimal net carbs. They are also gluten‑free, keto‑friendly, and contain around 140–150 calories per serving, depending on flavor.
• Are Quest Protein Chips keto‑friendly / work with low‑carb lifestyles? Yes. With 3 - 4g net carbs, Quest Protein Chips are a popular option for keto and low‑carb lifestyles.
• Are Quest Protein Chips gluten‑free? Yes. Quest Protein Chips are gluten‑free and clearly marked with the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) logo on packaging.
• Are Quest Protein Chips baked or fried? Quest Protein Chips are baked which contributes to their strong macro profile.
• Do Quest Protein Chips taste like regular chips? Are they good? Quest Protein Chips are known for their bold flavor and crunch similar to traditional chips, with a variety of flavor profiles and new additions like Mexican Street Corn and Pizza
• How does Quest compare to other protein chips? Quest Protein Chips are known for a crunch similar to traditional chips plus bold flavor now in Mexican Street Corn and Pizza They provide 18 - 20g of protein per serving, among the higher offerings on the market.
• Where can I buy Quest Chips? Major retailers, online marketplaces and club stores carry Quest Chips. Mexican Street Corn is a Target exclusive through July 1. Pizza is a Walmart exclusive but will become available nationwide in February 2026.
• Are Quest Protein Chips kosher? Yes, Quest offers some kosher‑certified varieties.
• What are the best recipes to make with Quest chips? They are great for nachos, taco salads, and high‑protein snacking. (Check out QuestNutrition.com for more info)

About The Simply Good Foods Company: The Simply Good Foods Company (Nasdaq: SMPL), headquartered in Denver, Colo., is a highly focused food company with a product portfolio consisting primarily of nutrition bars, ready-to-drink shakes, sweet and salty snacks and confectionery products marketed under the Atkins™ and Quest™ brands. Simply Good Foods is poised to expand its wellness platform through innovation and organic growth along with investment opportunities in the snacking space and broader food category. Simply Good Foods aims to lead the nutritious snacking movement with trusted brands that offer a variety of convenient, innovative, great-tasting, better-for-you snacks and meal replacements. To learn more, visit https://www.thesimplygoodfoodscompany.com/

The Quest™ brand aims to revolutionize snacking by providing products that are big on protein, low on sugar and huge on flavor. The current product line is inclusive of bars, salty snacks, cookies, candy, shakes, protein powders and pizza. Quest products are available across all 50 states and in over 90 countries worldwide. To learn more, visit QuestNutrition.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quest-nutrition-strengthens-its-leadership-in-high-protein-snacking-with-new-chips-flavors-for-the-new-year-302649025.html

SOURCE Simply Good Foods Co.

FAQ

When will Quest Nutrition (SMPL) release Mexican Street Corn and where can I buy it?

Mexican Street Corn debuts in January 2026 as a Target exclusive and remains exclusive through July 1, 2026.

When will Quest Nutrition (SMPL) make Pizza flavor available nationwide?

Pizza flavor becomes available nationwide in February 2026 after previously being a Walmart exclusive.

How much protein and net carbs do Quest Protein Chips (SMPL) contain per serving?

Quest Protein Chips contain 18–20g protein and 3–4g net carbs per serving, with about 140–150 calories depending on flavor.

Are Quest Protein Chips (SMPL) keto-friendly and gluten-free?

Yes. Quest Protein Chips are marketed as keto-friendly and certified gluten-free, with GFCO labeling on packaging.

How many Quest Protein Chips flavors does Quest Nutrition (SMPL) now offer?

With the new additions, Quest's chip lineup comprises 13 flavor varieties across tortilla-style and crispy formats.

Where else can I buy Quest Protein Chips (SMPL) besides Target and Walmart?

Quest Protein Chips are sold at major retailers, online marketplaces, and club stores; availability varies by flavor and retailer.