Bars
Quest Double Chocolate Chunk Protein Bar
122702007
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains sugar alcohols
- Seed-oil free
Why it scores 56
Quest Double Chocolate Chunk Protein Bar scores 56 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 7.5 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 7.5 points 6 kinds of ultra-processing markers: Industrial additive classes found: bulking agent, emulsifier, flavoring, 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.
Better protein bars
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Coconut Chocolate RXBAR · 52 g Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 79 out of 100 , 23 points higher -
Chocolate Sea Salt RXBAR RXBAR · 1 bar (52 g) Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 77 out of 100 , 21 points higher -
Mosh nutrition bars Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 79 out of 100 , 23 points higher -
Fellas Peanut and Cocoa High-Protein Bar 45 g Fellas · 45 g Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 79 out of 100 , 23 points higher -
Chocolate Sea Salt IQ Bar No non-nutritive sweeteners · No sugar alcohols Score 72 out of 100 , 16 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Double Chocolate Chunk Protein Bar
Ingredients
- Erythritol minus 7.5 points
- Protein blend (unspecified) minus 2.5 points
- Milk protein concentrate / isolate minus 2.5 points
- Whey protein concentrate / isolate minus 1.5 points
- Soluble corn fiber (resistant dextrin) minus 1.5 points
- Natural flavors minus 1.5 points
- Sunflower lecithin minus 0.5 points
- Stevia (steviol glycosides) minus 0.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 6 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 7.5 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Saturated fat 3.3 g / 100 g minus 3 points
- Salt 1 g / 100 g minus 3 points
- Energy 283 kcal / 100 g minus 1 points
- Fiber 20 g / 100 g plus 4 points
- Protein 33.3 g / 100 g plus 2 points
100 − 44.5 = 55.5 → 56
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 283 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 11.7 g |
| Saturated fat | 3.3 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Sugars | 1.7 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 20 g |
| Protein | 33.3 g |
| Salt | 1 g |
Serving: 1 bar (60 g)
Ingredients
- Protein blend (milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate)
- soluble corn fiber
- almonds
- water
- erythritol (moderate concern)
- unsweetened chocolate
- cocoa processed with alkali
- natural flavors
- cocoa butter
- sea salt
- sunflower lecithin
- steviol glycosides (stevia)
Label text, as published
Protein blend (milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate), soluble corn fiber, almonds, water, erythritol, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa processed with alkali, natural flavors, cocoa butter. contains less than 2% of the following: 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
-
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
-
“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
-
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