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simplyFUEL Protein Balls
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Snacks

simplyFUEL Protein Balls

405 g

Bad out of 100 High confidence
  • Ultra-processed
  • High in sugar
  • Contains added sugars
  • Seed-oil free
  • Contains whole grains
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Why it scores 10

simplyFUEL Protein Balls scores 10 out of 100 (Bad) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:

  1. Honey: An added sugar. Strong
  2. Sugar: An added sugar. Strong
  3. Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong

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

Better protein bars

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

The Receipt

Protein Balls

START100

Ingredients

  • Honey
    Strong An added sugar. [1][2][3]
  • Sugar
    Strong An added sugar. [1][2][3]
  • Chocolate (sweetened, ingredient)
    Strong Contains added sugar. [1]
  • Whey protein concentrate / isolate
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [4]
  • Sunflower lecithin
    Info An additive class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [4]
subtotal−50

Processing

  • Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)
    Strong Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. [4]
  • 3 kinds of ultra-processing markers
    Emerging Industrial additive classes found: emulsifier, humectant and industrial protein. [4]
subtotal−21

Nutrition per 100 g

  • Sugars 28.9 g / 100 g
    Strong Very high in sugar. [1]
  • Saturated fat 4.4 g / 100 g
    Strong High in saturated fat. [5]
  • Energy 422 kcal / 100 g
    Info Energy-dense for its weight. [2]
  • Fiber 4.4 g / 100 g
    Strong A good source of fiber. [2]
subtotal−19
TOTAL 10Bad

100 − 90 = 10

Can’t score above 79. Contains honey, an ingredient of high concern. [1][2][3]

Can’t score above 79. High in fat and sugars (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [6]

GTIN 00852261007171 · 2026-08-06

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

High confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy422 kcal
Fat17.8 g
Saturated fat4.4 g
Carbohydrates55.6 g
Sugars28.9 g
Added sugars23.8 g
Fiber4.4 g
Protein17.8 g
Salt0 g

Serving: 2 balls (45 g)

Ingredients

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

GLUTEN FREE OATS, HONEY, PEANUT BUTTER, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CHOCOLATE CHIPS (SUGAR, UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE, COCOA BUTTER, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, VANILLA), ORGANIC COCONUT, VEGETABLE GLYCERIN, SEA SALT. CONTAINS: MILK, PEANUTS, COCONUT. MADE ON EQUIPMENT THAT PROCESSES ALMONDS.

Allergens and diets

Contains: Milk, Peanuts, Tree nuts, Gluten

  • Not vegan
  • Not gluten-free
  • Palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

More from simplyFUEL

Sources

  1. Guideline: sugars intake for adults and children

    World Health Organization · Mar 4, 2015 · Agency assessment

    “In both adults and children, WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake”

    who.int

  2. 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

  3. Added and free sugars should be as low as possible

    European Food Safety Authority · Feb 28, 2022 · Agency assessment

    “Sugar consumption is a known cause of dental caries.”

    efsa.europa.eu

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

    Public Health Nutrition · April 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  5. 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

  6. Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets

    Department of Health and Social Care / Food Standards Agency (GOV.UK) · Nov 8, 2016 · Regulator

    “Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”

    assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

  7. 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

  8. 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