Why is Protein bar - cookies & cream classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The NOVA system marks foods with multiple isolated ingredients, additives and industrial processing as group 4. This bar lists glycerol (E422) as a humectant, maltitol (E965) and sucralose (E955) as sweeteners, polydextrose (E1200) as a fiber additive, and lecithin (E322i) as an emulsifier, all of which contribute to its ultra‑processed status.

How does the low sugar and moderate salt content of this bar affect people with diabetes or high blood pressure?

With only 2.4 g sugars per 100 g, the bar is suitable for a diabetic diet when consumed in moderation, but the 0.315 g of salt (moderate level) may still be a concern for individuals managing hypertension, so they should monitor overall daily sodium intake.

Is the presence of soy protein in this bar a problem for consumers with soy allergy?

Yes, soy protein is listed as an ingredient and is highlighted in the allergen information; anyone with a soy allergy should avoid this product, and the same applies to the milk proteins, which are also present.

Barebells • 55g

Protein bar - cookies & cream

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Protein bar - cookies & cream by Barebells is a 55 g snack classified in the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes dietary families, marketed as a high‑protein energy bar. It provides 37 g of protein and only 2.4 g of sugars per 100 g, with no added sugar, but contains 12 g total fat (6.1 g saturated) and 0.315 g of salt, placing it in NOVA group 4 and without an official Nutri‑Score. The bar includes milk proteins and soy, may contain gluten traces, and carries “no added sugar” and “no palm oil” labels despite being an ultra‑processed product.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal353 kcal

Fat12 g

Saturated Fat6.1 g

Carbohydrates31 g

Sugars2.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average snacks, this bar contains far less sugar, fat, saturated fat and salt while delivering dramatically higher protein.

Ingredients

Mjölkproteiner, fuktighetsbevarande medel (glycerol), sötningsmedel (maltitol, sukralos), kollagenhydrolysat, polydextros, kakaosmör, helmjölkspulver, vatten, sojaprotein, solrosolja, kakaomassa tapiokastärkelse, emulgeringsmedel (lecitin). Kan innehålla spår av spannmål som innehåller gluten, jon AINESOSAT: maitoproteiinit kosteudensäilyttäjä (alucorali makan...

84%

35%

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