Is Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate Protein Chewy Bars Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Signature Kitchens
Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate Protein Chewy Bars is a snack from Signature Kitchens. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Sugar, Corn Syrup, Fructose.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes soy protein isolate and whey protein concentrate, which are common protein sources. However, the presence of sugar, corn syrup, and palm kernel oil raises concerns about the overall quality and health implications of this product, indicating a processed nature.
Main concern
Contains sugar and corn syrup, which are added sweeteners that can contribute to higher glycemic responses.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains soy protein isolate, a plant-based protein source that contributes to the protein content.
- Includes whey protein concentrate, which is a common protein supplement known for its amino acid profile.
Concerns
- Contains sugar and corn syrup, which are added sweeteners that can contribute to higher glycemic responses.
- Includes palm kernel oil, which raises environmental sustainability concerns due to palm oil production practices.
Who should avoid this product?
This snack may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Roasted Peanuts safe in this snack?
Good
Roasted Peanuts is used here as base. Roasted peanuts provide a natural source of protein and healthy fats, contributing to the overall nutritional profile of the bars without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: base
Original: Roasted peanuts
-
Is Soy Protein Isolate safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Protein Isolate is used here as base. Soy protein isolate is a processed form of soy that serves as a protein source. While it offers benefits, its processing raises some concerns about quality compared to whole food sources.
Role in formula: base
Original: soy protein isolate
-
Is Chicory Root Extract Inulin safe in this snack?
Good
Chicory Root Extract Inulin is used here as natural_extract. Chicory root extract, primarily composed of inulin, acts as a prebiotic fiber that can support digestive health, adding beneficial properties to the product.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: chicory root extract (inulin)
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a common sweetener that can lead to increased calorie intake and potential health issues when consumed in excess, raising concerns about the product's overall healthiness.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Vegetable Oil Palm Kernel Oil High Oleic Canola Oil Peanut Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil Palm Kernel Oil High Oleic Canola Oil Peanut Oil is used here as base. This blend of vegetable oils includes palm kernel oil, which is often criticized for its environmental impact, while high oleic canola oil and peanut oil are more stable options for cooking.
Role in formula: base
Original: vegetable oil (palm kernel oil, high oleic canola oil, peanut oil)
-
Is Corn Syrup safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a sweetener that can contribute to high sugar intake and is often associated with negative health effects, which diminishes the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
-
Is Whey Protein Concentrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey Protein Concentrate is used here as base. Whey protein concentrate is a dairy-derived protein that is effective for muscle recovery but may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Role in formula: base
Original: whey protein concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Whey Protein Concentrate
-
Is Peanut Butter Peanuts safe in this snack?
Good
Peanut Butter Peanuts is used here as base. Peanut butter is made from ground peanuts and adds flavor and healthy fats to the bars, enhancing their nutritional profile without artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: base
Original: peanut butter (peanuts)
-
Is Vegetable Glycerin safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Glycerin is used here as sweetener. Vegetable glycerin is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the bars. While generally recognized as safe, its presence indicates some level of processing.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: vegetable glycerin
-
Is Rice Starch safe in this snack?
Medium
Rice Starch is used here as thickener. Rice starch is used as a thickening agent in the bars. It is a processed ingredient that can affect texture but does not provide significant nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: rice starch
-
Is Cocoa Processed With Alkali safe in this snack?
Medium
Cocoa Processed With Alkali is used here as flavor. Cocoa processed with alkali, also known as Dutch-processed cocoa, is used for flavoring. This processing can reduce some of the natural antioxidants found in cocoa.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cocoa (processed with alkali)
Read the full ingredient profile for Cocoa Processed With Alkali
-
Is Chocolate Liquor safe in this snack?
Medium
Chocolate Liquor is used here as flavor. Chocolate liquor is made from ground cocoa beans and adds rich chocolate flavor. It is a processed ingredient that contributes to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: chocolate liquor
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and is a common ingredient in many food products. In moderation, it can improve taste without significant health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Water safe in this snack?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental ingredient that helps in the formulation of the bars, ensuring proper texture and moisture content without any health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients and improve texture. While it is derived from soy, its processing raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: soy lecithin
-
Is Nonfat Dry Milk safe in this snack?
Medium
Nonfat Dry Milk is used here as base. Nonfat dry milk is a dairy ingredient that adds protein and creaminess. However, it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Role in formula: base
Original: nonfat dry milk
-
Is Cocoa Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Cocoa Powder is used here as flavor. Cocoa powder is used for flavoring and adds some antioxidants, but its processing can reduce the overall health benefits compared to raw cocoa.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cocoa powder
-
Is Fructose safe in this snack?
Bad
Fructose is used here as sweetener. Fructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to increased calorie intake and potential metabolic issues when consumed in excess, raising concerns about the product's healthiness.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: fructose
-
Is Cocoa Butter safe in this snack?
Medium
Cocoa Butter is used here as base. Cocoa butter is a fat derived from cocoa beans that adds creaminess and richness to the bars. While it is a natural fat, it is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: cocoa butter
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are used to enhance taste but can be vague in terms of composition. Their presence indicates some level of processing, which may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this snack?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent that helps improve texture. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not provide nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: xanthan gum
-
Is Mixed Tocopherols safe in this snack?
Good
Mixed Tocopherols is used here as antioxidant. Mixed tocopherols are a form of vitamin E used as a natural antioxidant to preserve freshness. Their presence indicates a focus on quality and shelf life.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: mixed tocopherols
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Is Almond Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Almond Flour is used here as base. Almond flour is a nutritious ingredient that adds healthy fats and protein, contributing positively to the overall nutritional profile of the bars.
Role in formula: base
Original: almond flour
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2392310
More from this brand: Signature Kitchens products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: peanut , soy , milk , tree_nut
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.