Why is Chewy Protein Bar Peanut Butter & Semisweet Chocolate Chip classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The bar is labeled NOVA 4 because its formulation relies on multiple refined ingredients such as isolated soy protein, palm‑kernel oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin, gum arabic and vegetable glycerin, which are industrially processed. It also includes the food‑grade additives E322 (lecithin), E414 (gum Arabic) and E422 (glycerol), all typical of highly processed snack foods.

How does the sugar and fat content in this protein bar affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 15 g of total sugars (10 g added) per 100 g, the bar can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making it a poor choice for strict diabetic control. Its 27.5 g fat, of which 7.5 g is saturated, contributes to overall calorie load and may influence cardiovascular risk, though the salt content is negligible, which is favorable for hypertension.

Is the peanut content in this bar a concern for people with peanut allergy?

Yes. Peanuts appear as a primary ingredient and are also present in peanut butter, so the product is unsuitable for anyone with a peanut allergy. The label also lists nuts and soy as allergens, so cross‑reactivity should be considered.

Kirkland Signature • 1.41 oz

Chewy Protein Bar Peanut Butter Chocolate

Dietary Supplements

Product Insights

The Chewy Protein Bar Peanut Butter & Semisweet Chocolate Chip is a gluten‑free snack designed for active adults, featuring peanuts, soy protein, and a chocolate coating. Its nutritional profile per 100 g includes 475 kcal, 25 g protein, 27.5 g fat (7.5 g saturated), 15 g sugars (10 g added), 15 g fiber and virtually no salt, and it is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) with additives such as E322, E414 and E422 plus palm‑kernel oil, while containing common allergens like peanuts, soy, milk and tree nuts. While the high protein and fiber support satiety, the elevated fat, sugar and calorie levels make it less suitable for low‑sugar or low‑fat dietary plans.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal475 kcal

Fat27.5 g

Saturated Fat7.5 g

Carbohydrates40 g

Sugars15 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average protein bar, this bar contains more fat (27.5 g vs 16.5 g), more sugars (15 g vs 11.6 g), higher calories (475 kcal vs 386 kcal), but less protein (25 g vs 29 g) and virtually no salt.

Ingredients

PEANUTS, ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN (ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN, TAPIOCA STARCH, SALT), CHICORY ROOT EXTRACT, DARK CHOCOLATE FLAVORED COATING (SUGAR, PALM KERNEL OIL, COCOA POWDER, DRY WHOLE MILK, SOY LECITHIN, SALT), PEANUT BUTTER, SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS (SUGAR, CHOCOLATE LIQUOR, COCOA BUTTER, SOY LECITHIN, SALT, VANILLA EXTRACT), VEGETABLE GLYCERIN, CORN SYRUP, ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN, GUM ARABIC, CHICORY ROOT INULIN, MALTODEXTRIN, SEA SALT, SOY LECITHIN, DRIED UNSWEETENED COCONUT, ALMONDS, NATURAL FLAVOR, ALMOND BUTTER

84%

35%

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