Least Processed Snack & Energy Bars Brands
The binding matrix in snack bars — sugar alcohols, soy protein isolate, palm kernel oil, and corn syrup — is what drives processing scores, not the protein or oat content. Bars marketed as "healthy" or "protein-rich" often score higher than a simple granola bar because of the industrial ingredients needed to achieve specific textures and protein targets.
Snack & Energy Bars at a Glance
15 Least Processed Snack & Energy Bars Brands
Brands ranked by lowest average processing score across all their products in this category.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonesbar | 12 | 1.5 7.5 | 0 | 9 |
| 2 | Ekoa | 13 | 1.7 7.0 | 0 | 13 |
| 3 | Freedom | 7 | 1.9 8.2 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Fruitchia | 9 | 2.0 8.0 | 0 | 9 |
| 5 | Friendly | 5 | 2.0 8.0 | 0 | 5 |
| 6 | Thats it | 5 | 2.0 6.3 | 0 | 5 |
| 7 | So fit | 6 | 2.0 9.0 | 0 | 6 |
| 8 | Thats it. | 105 | 2.1 7.1 | 0 | 92 |
| 9 | Rise | 45 | 2.4 8.0 | 0 | 21 |
| 10 | Umchu | 14 | 2.6 7.0 | 0 | 8 |
| 11 | Freedom bar | 17 | 2.9 6.8 | 0 | 3 |
| 12 | Equal exchange | 9 | 3.0 6.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Eat to heal | 6 | 3.0 5.3 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | Backcountry | 8 | 3.0 6.6 | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | Skout organic | 11 | 3.1 8.4 | 0 | 0 |
Closest Look: Top 5 Least Processed
Least Processed Snack & Energy Bars Products
Individual products with the lowest processing scores.
Most Processed Snack & Energy Bars Products
Individual products with the highest processing scores.
What to Look for on the Label
- 1Bars with 5 or fewer recognizable ingredients (nuts, dates, oats) score Level 1-2
- 2Soy protein isolate, rice syrup, and sugar alcohols are markers of industrial processing
- 3"Protein coating" or "chocolate flavored coating" uses hydrogenated oils, not real chocolate
- 4Date-based bars (Larabars, RXBARs) typically have the shortest ingredient lists
Most Processed Snack & Energy Bars Brands
For comparison — brands with the highest average processing scores.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | H-E-B | 5 | 25.3 7.0 | 5 | 0 |
| 2 | General mills | 14 | 23.6 3.8 | 14 | 0 |
| 3 | Lucky charms | 8 | 23.4 1.5 | 8 | 0 |
| 4 | Reeses puffs | 6 | 22.9 4.0 | 6 | 0 |
| 5 | Count chocula | 5 | 22.9 3.8 | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Pampa | 9 | 21.8 5.1 | 9 | 0 |
| 7 | Tastykake | 9 | 21.0 4.5 | 9 | 0 |
| 8 | Rice krispies treats | 31 | 20.5 0.3 | 31 | 0 |
| 9 | Kudos | 14 | 20.4 4.4 | 14 | 0 |
| 10 | Glucerna | 40 | 20.4 5.3 | 40 | 0 |
| 11 | Anabar | 8 | 20.4 2.3 | 8 | 0 |
| 12 | Capn crunch | 9 | 19.8 2.6 | 9 | 0 |
| 13 | Eating right | 22 | 19.0 6.7 | 19 | 0 |
| 14 | Pop-tarts | 7 | 18.9 0.9 | 7 | 0 |
| 15 | Golden grahams | 7 | 18.8 3.4 | 7 | 0 |
How We Score Products
Every product is evaluated using two independent scores. The Processing Score (lower is better) measures the degree of industrial processing based on ingredient analysis, including the presence of artificial additives, preservatives, and highly modified ingredients. The Nutrition Score (higher is better) rates overall nutritional quality, rewarding protein and fiber while penalizing excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
Products are assigned to one of four processing levels: Minimal (score ≤ 2.5), Processed (2.6 – 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 – 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Brand averages are calculated across all products in the category to produce the rankings shown here.
Based on analysis of 1.98 million products in the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look at the methodology, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are protein bars ultra-processed?
Most protein bars are Level 3-4 due to soy protein isolate, sugar alcohols, and artificial sweeteners. Exceptions include bars made from whole food ingredients like dates, nuts, and egg whites.
What is the least processed snack bar?
Bars made from dates, nuts, and minimal binders (like RXBARs or Larabars) typically score Level 2. Our rankings show which brands consistently produce the least processed options.
Are granola bars processed?
Basic granola bars (oats, honey, nuts) are Level 2. However, most commercial granola bars add corn syrup, modified starch, artificial flavors, and preservatives, pushing them to Level 3-4.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about how individual foods are classified.
Disclaimer: All tools and data visualizations are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended as health, medical, or dietary advice. Product formulations change frequently — always check the actual label for current ingredients and nutrition facts before making purchasing decisions. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary guidance.