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:

• Processed Meats (Hydrolyzed Collagen): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Powder): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Chocolate Powder (Natural Cocoa Powder, Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [An Emulsifier], Vanilla).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil, Canola Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin And Mineral Blend (Tricalcium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous Fumarate, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Copper Gluconate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.