Protein Bar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Protein Bar scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Emulsifiers (Vegetable Glycerin, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Isolate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Snack & Energy Bars, this product is more processed than about 65% of the 8,001 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Protein Bar's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Dairy Protein Blend [Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Crisp (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Tapioca Starch, Calcium Carbonate, Sunflower Lecithin)].

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Greek Yogurt Flavored Coating [Sugar, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Nonfat Milk, Greek Yogurt Powder (Cultured Nonfat Milk), Lactic Acid, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor].

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: High Oleic Sunflower Oil (With Citric Acid To Protect Flavor).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Stevia.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.