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Kirkland Protein Bar Cookies and Cream
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Protein bars

Kirkland Protein Bar Cookies and Cream

60 g

Excellent out of 100 Medium confidence
  • Contains sugar alcohols
  • Seed-oil free
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Why it scores 92

Kirkland Protein Bar Cookies and Cream scores 92 out of 100 (Excellent) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:

  1. Erythritol: A 2023 study linked higher blood erythritol to cardiovascular events and found it increased clotting activity; long-term safety studies are warranted. Strong
  2. Protein blend (unspecified): An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
  3. Milk protein concentrate / isolate: An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info

Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.

The Receipt

Protein Bar Cookies and Cream

START100

Ingredients

  • Erythritol
    Strong A 2023 study linked higher blood erythritol to cardiovascular events and found it increased clotting activity; long-term safety studies are warranted. [1][2]
  • Protein blend (unspecified)
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [3]
  • Milk protein concentrate / isolate
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [3]
  • Whey protein concentrate / isolate
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [3]
  • Natural flavors
    Info "Natural flavor" is a legal category (21 CFR 101.22(a)(3)): flavor substances from spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy or fermentation. [4][3]
  • Sunflower lecithin
    Info An additive class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [3]
subtotal−8.5
TOTAL 92Excellent

100 − 8.5 = 91.5 → 92

GTIN 00096619356096 · 2026-09-17

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

Medium confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy283 kcal
Fat6.7 g
Saturated fat2.5 g
Carbohydrates35 g
Sugars3.3 g
Added sugars3.3 g
Fiber18.3 g
Protein36.7 g
Salt0.7 g

Serving: 1 serving (60 g)

Ingredients

High Moderate Not recognized Tap an ingredient for its evidence and rules.
Label text, as published

protein blend (milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate), dietary fiber from tapioca starch, cashew butter, erythritol, natural flavors, cocoa powder (processed with alkali), coconut oil, sea salt, whey protein concentrate, steviol glycoside (stevia), tapioca starch, calcium carbonate, sunflower lecithin

Allergens and diets

Contains: Milk, Tree nuts

May contain: Peanuts, Soy, Gluten, Egg

  • Not vegan
  • Palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

Packaging

Plastic

Context only: no points in v1.

Healthiest protein bars in the US

More from Kirkland

Sources

  1. The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk

    Nature Medicine · March 2023 · Peer-reviewed

    “Our findings reveal that erythritol is both associated with incident MACE risk and fosters enhanced thrombosis. Studies assessing the long-term safety of erythritol are warranted.”

    doi.org

  2. Re-evaluation of erythritol (E 968) as a food additive (plain language summary)

    European Food Safety Authority · Dec 20, 2023 · Agency assessment

    “In all groups of people, both acute and chronic exposure to erythritol is above the newly set ADI.”

    efsa.europa.eu

  3. Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them

    Public Health Nutrition · April 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  4. 21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives

    Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), U.S. Office of the Federal Register · Dec 19, 2016 · Law

    “whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”

    ecfr.gov

  5. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III point 2.4 (foods with more than 10 % added polyols)

    European Union (Official Journal) · Oct 25, 2011 · Law

    “‘excessive consumption may produce laxative effects’.”

    eur-lex.europa.eu

  6. 21 CFR 184.1835 Sorbitol

    Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), U.S. Office of the Federal Register · Nov 22, 2016 · Law

    ““Excess consumption may have a laxative effect.””

    ecfr.gov