Meal Bars

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Processed Meats (Hydrolyzed Gelatin): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Sugar Alcohols (Peanut Butter Flavored Layer [Maltitol, Palm Kernel And Palm Oil, Peanut Butter, Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, Nonfat Dry Milk, Whey Powder, Peanuts, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Anhydrous Milk Fat, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali)]): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Mono And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose, Guar Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

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 Meal 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.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Chocolate Flavored Coating [Polydextrose, Palm Kernel And Palm Oil, Whey Protein Isolate, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium], Dipotassium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Polydextrose, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil, Olive Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin Mineral Mix [Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin E Acetate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Chromium Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.