Chocolate Peanut Butter Lean Bar

by General Nutrition Centers

A heavily processed protein bar with artificial sweeteners and palm oil, but decent protein content. The extensive ingredient list includes multiple concerning additives and highly refined components that outweigh the nutritional benefits.

• Soy Protein Isolate – controversial · Highly processed protein with potential estrogenic effects and digestive issues for some people
• Tapioca Starch – safe · Natural starch used for binding and texture
• Salt – safe · Basic seasoning ingredient
• Soluble Corn Fiber – safe · Synthetic fiber that may cause digestive upset in large amounts
• Oats – beneficial · Whole grain providing fiber and nutrients
• Peanuts – beneficial · Natural protein and healthy fat source
• Sugar – controversial · Refined sugar contributing to blood sugar spikes
• Palm Kernel Oil – controversial · Saturated fat with environmental sustainability concerns
• Cocoa Powder – beneficial · Natural antioxidant-rich ingredient
• Whey Powder – safe · Dairy-derived protein with good amino acid profile
• Nonfat Milk Powder – safe · Concentrated dairy protein and minerals
• Soy Lecithin – safe · Common emulsifier with minimal health concerns
• Vanilla – safe · Natural flavoring agent
• Maize Dextrin – safe · Soluble fiber derived from corn
• Palm Oil – controversial · Saturated fat with environmental and potential health concerns
• Partially Defatted Peanut Flour – safe · Processed peanut ingredient with reduced fat content
• Anhydrous Dextrose – controversial · Pure glucose that rapidly raises blood sugar
• Vegetable Glycerine – safe · Humectant that helps retain moisture
• Water – safe · Basic hydration component
• Natural Flavors – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources
• Potassium Citrate – beneficial · Essential mineral supplement
• Magnesium Citrate – beneficial · Important mineral for muscle and nerve function
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for metabolism
• Calcium D-Pantothenate – beneficial · Vitamin B5 important for energy metabolism
• Pyridoxine HCL – beneficial · Vitamin B6 crucial for protein metabolism
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production
• Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 important for nervous system function
• Folic Acid – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for DNA synthesis
• Biotin – beneficial · B vitamin important for metabolism
• Cyanocobalamin – beneficial · Vitamin B12 essential for nerve function
• Peanut Oil – safe · Natural oil from peanuts with balanced fatty acid profile
• Caramel Color – safe · Food coloring with minimal health concerns in small amounts
• Sea Salt – safe · Natural salt with trace minerals
• Xanthan Gum – safe · Natural thickener that may cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals
• Sucralose – controversial · Artificial sweetener with potential gut microbiome disruption

High protein content

Added vitamins and minerals

Contains real peanuts and oats

Convenient portable nutrition

Ultra-processed with 30+ ingredients

Contains artificial sweetener sucralose

Palm oil environmental concerns

History of brand regulatory issues

Multiple refined and synthetic components