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:

• Modified Fats (Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Sugar Alcohols (Maltitol Syrup, Maltitol, Sorbitol): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Isolate, Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerine, Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate 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 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.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavor.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzyme Modified Soy Protein.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Pectin.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Polydextrose, Invert Evaporated Cane Syrup, Sugar, Fructose, and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin And Mineral Blend (Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Ferric Orthophosphate, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin B-12), Mixed Tocopherols (Added To Protect Flavor).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Lactate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.