Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycolalginate): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerine, 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 Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavor And Artificial Flavors.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Enriched Bleached And Unbleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic Acid], Niacinamide, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, and 3 more.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Strawberry Preserves (Strawberries, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, Contains 2% Or Less Of The Following: Citric Acid, Water, Pectin, Preserved With Potassium Sorbate), Sugar, Dextrose, Honey, and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate, Ferric Orthophosphate, Zinc Oxide.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.