Protein Energy Bar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Artificial Flavors (Natural & Artificial Flavors): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Proto Whey Protein Blend (Micro Peptides From High-Dh Hydrolyzed Whey Protein [40% Di And Tripeptides], Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate)): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Emulsifiers (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 Energy 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.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Canola Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose, Stevia Leaf Extract.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda, Ammonium Bicarbonate.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.