GoodSwap Get notified
Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Protein
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Protein Energy Bars

Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Protein

24.5 oz

Okay out of 100 High confidence
  • Ultra-processed
  • Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
  • Contains artificial flavors
Get GoodSwap

Why it scores 58

Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Protein scores 58 out of 100 (Okay) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:

  1. Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
  2. Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K): In the NutriNet-Santé cohort, acesulfame-K intake was associated with higher cancer risk; cause and effect is not established. Strong
  3. 4 kinds of ultra-processing markers: Industrial additive classes found: emulsifier, flavoring, industrial protein and non-nutritive sweetener. Emerging

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

Better protein powders

The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.

The Receipt

100% Whey Protein

START100

Ingredients

  • Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)
    Strong In the NutriNet-Santé cohort, acesulfame-K intake was associated with higher cancer risk; cause and effect is not established. [1][2][3][4]
  • Protein blend (unspecified)
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [5]
  • Whey protein concentrate / isolate
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [5]
  • Sunflower lecithin
    Info An additive class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [5]
  • Soy lecithin
    Info An additive class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [5]
  • 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. [6][5]
  • Artificial flavors
    Strong US dietary guidelines advise limiting foods with artificial flavors. [4][7]
subtotal−17.5

Processing

  • Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)
    Strong Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. [5]
  • 4 kinds of ultra-processing markers
    Emerging Industrial additive classes found: emulsifier, flavoring, industrial protein and non-nutritive sweetener. [5]
subtotal−22.5

Nutrition per 100 g

  • Saturated fat 3.2 g / 100 g
    Strong High in saturated fat. [8]
  • Salt 1.1 g / 100 g
    Strong High in salt. [9]
  • Energy 387 kcal / 100 g
    Info Energy-dense for its weight. [4]
  • Fiber 3.2 g / 100 g
    Strong A good source of fiber. [4]
  • Protein 77.4 g / 100 g
    Info A good source of protein. [4]
subtotal−2
TOTAL 58Okay

100 − 42 = 58

GTIN 00748927069532 · 2026-08-04

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

High confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy387 kcal
Fat4.8 g
Saturated fat3.2 g
Carbohydrates9.7 g
Sugars3.2 g
Added sugars0 g
Fiber3.2 g
Protein77.4 g
Salt1.1 g

Serving: 1 scoop (31 g)

Ingredients

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

Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein), Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali), Sunflower Lecithin and/or Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Artificial Flavor, Acesulfame Potassium. CONTAINS: Milk, Soy.

Allergens and diets

Contains: Milk, Soy

  • Not vegan
  • Palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

Healthiest protein energy bars in the US

More from Optimum Nutrition

Sources

  1. Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study

    PLOS Medicine · Mar 24, 2022 · Peer-reviewed

    “In this large cohort study, artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K), which are used in many food and beverage brands worldwide, were associated with increased cancer risk.”

    doi.org

  2. Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive (plain language summary)

    European Food Safety Authority · Apr 30, 2025 · Agency assessment

    “The acceptable daily intake (ADI) considered safe for all population groups was set at 15 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day.”

    efsa.europa.eu

  3. WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline

    World Health Organization · May 15, 2023 · Agency assessment

    “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

  4. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture · January 2026 · Regulator

    “Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”

    cdn.realfood.gov

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

    Public Health Nutrition · April 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  6. 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

  7. 21 CFR 172.515 Synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants

    Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), U.S. Office of the Federal Register · Oct 9, 2017 · Law

    ecfr.gov

  8. Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline

    World Health Organization · Jul 17, 2023 · Agency assessment

    “WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”

    who.int

  9. Sodium reduction (fact sheet)

    World Health Organization · May 11, 2026 · Agency assessment

    “For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”

    who.int

  10. Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses

    BMJ · Feb 28, 2024 · Peer-reviewed

    “Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”

    doi.org

  11. Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake

    Cell Metabolism · July 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org