Protein bars
KIRKLAND- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bar
10 × 2.12 oz
Score
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains sugar alcohols
- Seed-oil free
Why it scores 91
KIRKLAND- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bar scores 91 out of 100 (Excellent) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 5 points Erythritol: A 2023 study linked higher blood erythritol to cardiovascular events and found it increased clotting activity; long-term safety studies are warranted. Strong
- minus 1 points Protein blend (unspecified): An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
- minus 1 points 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
Ingredients
- Erythritol minus 5 points
- Protein blend (unspecified) minus 1 points
- Milk protein concentrate / isolate minus 1 points
- Whey protein concentrate / isolate minus 0.5 points
- Soluble corn fiber (resistant dextrin) minus 0.5 points
- Natural flavors minus 0.5 points
- Sunflower lecithin minus 0.5 points
- Stevia (steviol glycosides) minus 0.5 points
100 − 9.5 = 90.5 → 91
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 296 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated fat | 4 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 25 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Salt | 0.8 g |
Serving: 1 portion (60 g)
Ingredients
- protein blend (milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate)
- soluble corn fiber
- cashew butter
- isomalto-oligosaccharides (vegetable source)
- unsweetened chocolate
- erythritol (moderate concern)
- water
- cocoa butter
- natural flavors
- sea salt
- sunflower lecithin
- steviol glycosides (stevia)
Label text, as published
protein blend (milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate), soluble corn fiber, cashew butter, isomalto-oligosaccharides (vegetable source), unsweetened chocolate, erythritol, water, cocoa butter, natural flavors, sea salt, sunflower lecithin, steviol glycosides (stevia).
Allergens and diets
Contains: Milk, Tree nuts
- Not vegan
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Sources
-
The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk
“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
-
Re-evaluation of erythritol (E 968) as a food additive (plain language summary)
“In all groups of people, both acute and chronic exposure to erythritol is above the newly set ADI.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III point 2.4 (foods with more than 10 % added polyols)
“‘excessive consumption may produce laxative effects’.”
eur-lex.europa.eu