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No Cow Protein Bar
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Protein bars

No Cow Protein Bar

2.12 oz

Okay out of 100 High confidence
  • Ultra-processed
  • Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
  • Contains sugar alcohols
  • Contains palm oil
  • Seed-oil free
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Why it scores 55

No Cow Protein Bar scores 55 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. Erythritol: A 2023 study linked higher blood erythritol to cardiovascular events and found it increased clotting activity; long-term safety studies are warranted. Strong
  3. 6 kinds of ultra-processing markers: Industrial additive classes found: bulking agent, flavoring, humectant, industrial protein, non-nutritive sweetener and sugar alcohol (polyol). Emerging

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

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The Receipt

Protein Bar

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]
  • Rice protein
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [3]
  • Pea protein
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [3]
  • Soluble corn fiber (resistant dextrin)
    Info An additive class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [3]
  • Palm oil
    Strong About half saturated fat; WHO recommends keeping saturated fat to 10% of energy or less. [4][5][6]
  • Glycerin
    Info An additive class 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. [7][3]
  • Monk fruit extract
    Emerging WHO (2023) recommends against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight (conditional recommendation); US dietary guidelines advise limiting them. [8][9]
  • Stevia (steviol glycosides)
    Emerging WHO (2023) recommends against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight (conditional recommendation); US dietary guidelines advise limiting them. [8][9]
subtotal−19

Processing

  • Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)
    Strong Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. [3]
  • 6 kinds of ultra-processing markers
    Emerging Industrial additive classes found: bulking agent, flavoring, humectant, industrial protein, non-nutritive sweetener and sugar alcohol (polyol). [3]
subtotal−25.5

Nutrition per 100 g

  • Saturated fat 2.5 g / 100 g
    Strong High in saturated fat. [4]
  • Salt 0.9 g / 100 g
    Strong High in salt. [10]
  • Energy 317 kcal / 100 g
    Info Energy-dense for its weight. [9]
  • Fiber 28.3 g / 100 g
    Strong A good source of fiber. [9]
  • Protein 33.3 g / 100 g
    Info A good source of protein. [9]
subtotal−1
TOTAL 55Okay

100 − 45.5 = 54.5 → 55

GTIN 00852346005009 · 2026-10-09

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

High confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy317 kcal
Fat8.3 g
Saturated fat2.5 g
Trans fat0 g
Carbohydrates45 g
Sugars1.7 g
Added sugars0 g
Fiber28.3 g
Protein33.3 g
Salt0.9 g

Serving: 1 bar (60 g)

Ingredients

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

protein blend (brown rice protein, pea protein), isomalto-oligosaccharides*, peanut butter (peanut, salt, palm oil**), glycerine, peanut flour, palm oil**, cocoa butter, natural flavor, water, salt, erythritol, almonds, monk fruit, stevia extract,

Allergens and diets

Contains: Peanuts, Tree nuts

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Not palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

Healthiest protein bars in the US

More from No Cow

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. 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

  5. Process contaminants in vegetable oils and foods

    European Food Safety Authority · May 3, 2016 · Agency assessment

    “The highest levels of GE, as well as 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD (including esters) were found in palm oils and palm fats, followed by other oils and fats.”

    efsa.europa.eu

  6. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food

    European Union (Official Journal) · Apr 25, 2023 · Law

    “Glycidyl fatty acid esters, expressed as glycidol”

    eur-lex.europa.eu

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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