Protein Meal Bar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Red 3, Blue 1, Red 40): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Isolate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Gum Arabic): 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 Protein 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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Maltodextrin, Fructose, Invert Sugar Syrup.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Palm 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: Barley Malt Extract. Mixed Tocopherols (Used To Protect Quality), Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E Acetate, Niacinamide, and 7 more.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Yellow 5. Vitamins And Minerals: Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Pantothenate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.