Food
Barebells Caramel Choco
Score
- Ultra-processed
- High in saturated fat
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains sugar alcohols
- Contains seed oils
Why it scores 49
Barebells Caramel Choco scores 49 out of 100 (Okay) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 8 points 7 kinds of ultra-processing markers: Industrial additive classes found: bulking agent, flavoring, humectant, industrial protein, non-nutritive sweetener, sugar alcohol (polyol) and thickener, stabilizer or gelling agent. Emerging
- minus 7.5 points Sucralose: In a 2022 randomized study, sucralose and saccharin altered the gut microbiome and impaired glucose responses in some people; a 2023 lab study raised questions about its by-product sucralose-6-acetate. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better protein bars
-
Coconut Chocolate RXBAR · 52 g Not ultra-processed · Less saturated fat Score 79 out of 100 , 30 points higher -
Blueberry RXBAR · 1.83 oz Not ultra-processed · Less saturated fat Score 79 out of 100 , 30 points higher -
Mosh nutrition bars Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 79 out of 100 , 30 points higher -
Fellas Peanut and Cocoa High-Protein Bar 45 g Fellas · 45 g Not ultra-processed · Less saturated fat Score 79 out of 100 , 30 points higher -
Mint Cacao Meal Bar Sans · 3 oz (85 g) Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 75 out of 100 , 26 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Caramel Choco
Ingredients
- Sucralose minus 7.5 points
- Milk protein concentrate / isolate minus 2.5 points
- Whey protein concentrate / isolate minus 2.5 points
- Maltitol minus 1.5 points
- Collagen minus 1.5 points
- Soluble corn fiber (resistant dextrin) minus 1.5 points
- Glycerin minus 0.5 points
- Sunflower oil minus 0.5 points
- Xylitol minus 0.5 points
- Caseinate minus 0.5 points
- Natural flavors minus 0.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 7 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 8 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Saturated fat 7.3 g / 100 g minus 7 points
- Salt 0.8 g / 100 g minus 3 points
- Energy 345 kcal / 100 g minus 2 points
- Fiber 10.9 g / 100 g plus 4 points
- Protein 29.1 g / 100 g plus 2 points
100 − 51.5 = 48.5 → 49
Can’t score above 79. High in saturated fat (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [16]
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 345 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 14.5 g |
| Saturated fat | 7.3 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Sugars | 3.6 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 10.9 g |
| Protein | 29.1 g |
| Salt | 0.8 g |
Serving: 1 bar (55 g)
Ingredients
- milk protein blend
- whey protein concentrate
- whey protein hydrolysate
- maltitol
- hydrolyzed bovine collagen
- water
- polydextrose
- glycerin
- cocoa butter
- milk
- unsweetened chocolate
- high oleic sunflower oil
- xylitol
- calcium caseinate
- cocoa processed with alkali
- whey protein isolate
- butter
- gelatin
- salt
- natural flavors
- cocoa
- sucralose (moderate concern)
Label text, as published
milk protein blend, whey protein concentrate, whey protein hydrolysate, maltitol, hydrolyzed bovine collagen, water, polydextrose, glycerin, cocoa butter, milk, unsweetened chocolate, high oleic sunflower oil, xylitol, calcium caseinate, cocoa processed with alkali, whey protein isolate, butter, gelatin, salt, natural flavors, cocoa, sucralose
Allergens and diets
Contains: Milk
- Not vegan
- Not vegetarian
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
More from Barebells
Sources
-
Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance
“As groups, each administered NNS distinctly altered stool and oral microbiome and plasma metabolome, whereas saccharin and sucralose significantly impaired glycemic responses.”
doi.org
-
“Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer”
doi.org
-
“EFSA’s experts concluded that the sweetener sucralose (E 955) continues to be safe for consumers for its currently authorised uses as a food additive.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
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
-
“replacement of saturated fat in the diet with linoleic acid effectively lowers serum cholesterol but does not support the hypothesis that this translates to a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease or all causes.”
doi.org
-
“These data provide support for current recommendations to replace saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat for primary prevention of CHD.”
doi.org
-
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
-
Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline
“WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”
who.int
-
“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
-
“Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
-
“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