Protein Bars

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Sugar Alcohols (Erythritol, Maltitol): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

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

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Distilled Monoglycerides.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Sea Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Steviol Glycosides (Stevia).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.