Why is the Protein Bar classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Because its formulation includes refined sugar, vegetable fats, multiple emulsifiers and flavorings such as soy lecithin, sorbitan tristearate and vanillin, which are characteristic of ultra‑processed foods.

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

The 10 g of sugars per 100 g can raise blood glucose levels and may require insulin or carbohydrate counting, while the very low salt (0.19 g) is unlikely to impact blood pressure, making the bar more suitable for hypertension but less ideal for strict glucose control.

Is the whey protein in this bar a concern for people with milk allergy?

Yes, whey protein is derived from milk and is listed as a non‑vegan ingredient; individuals with cow‑milk allergy should avoid the bar.

ION • 50 g

Protein Bar

Snacks

Product Insights

The Protein Bar by ION is a 50 g sweet snack made primarily of milk chocolate, whey protein and vegetable fats, originating from Greece. It falls within the protein food category, carries a Nutri-Score of “not applicable” and is classified as NOVA 4 ultra‑processed, containing added sugars, soy lecithin and sorbitan tristearate as emulsifiers. Nutritionally it provides 5 g protein, 6.5 g fat (3.9 g saturated) and 10 g sugars per 100 g, with low salt, but the sugar level remains moderate and the protein content is modest for a bar.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal487 kcal

Fat6.5 g

Saturated Fat3.9 g

Carbohydrates11 g

Sugars10 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average snack bars, this bar has substantially less sugar (10 g vs 28.6 g), lower fat (6.5 g vs 19.2 g) and salt (0.19 g vs 5.2 g), but also delivers less protein (5 g vs 7.5 g).

Ingredients

milk chocolate 40% (whey proteins, cocoa butter, sugar, milk powder, cocoa mass, emulsifier: soya lecithin, flavor: vanillin), sugar, vegetable fat (palm, cottonseed), whey protein, soya crisp 5% (soya proteins, starch, salt, raising agent: calcium carbonate), cocoa powder 3%, water, emulsifiers: sorbitan tristearate, soya lecithin, flavor: vanillin, may contain traces of nuts and wheat proteins,

84%

35%

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