Pretzel Meal Bar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Pretzel Meal Bar 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.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Sugar Alcohols (Maltitol): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.

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 Pretzel Meal 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.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Guar Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Chocolate Flavored Coating [Palm Kernel Oil, Polydextrose, Maltitol, Whey Protein Concentrate, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Whole Milk Powder, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium].

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Pretzel Sticks (Soy Protein Isolate, Corn Starch, Soy Flour, Sesame Seeds, Palm Oil, Tapioca Starch, Inulin, Pea Fiber, Rice Syrup, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Baking Powder, Yeast), Polydextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel And Palm Oil, Sesame Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

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

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.