David Protein Bar

Maltitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in processed foods. It can cause significant gastrointestinal distress including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It still raises blood sugar levels more than other sugar alcohols, making it a poor choice for blood sugar management.

Soy lecithin is a highly processed emulsifier extracted from soybeans using chemical solvents. It is a common allergen and the majority of soy in the US is genetically modified. The industrial extraction process raises concerns about chemical residues.

EPG (Esterified Propoxylated Glycerol) is a synthetic fat substitute engineered in a laboratory. It is not found in nature and is designed to mimic the mouthfeel of fat while being indigestible. Its long-term safety profile is poorly understood and it represents one of the most heavily processed ingredients in the food supply.

Natural flavors are highly processed flavor compounds that lack transparency in their composition. Despite the 'natural' label, they can contain numerous chemical compounds and provide no nutritional value.

Sucralose is a chlorinated artificial sweetener linked to disruption of the gut microbiome, potential insulin response issues, and generation of harmful compounds during metabolism. It is a heavily processed sugar derivative.

Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is an artificial sweetener flagged for potential carcinogenicity concerns. Stacking it with sucralose compounds the negative impact on gut health and metabolic signaling.

Rare-sugar sweetener — neutral: no penalty, no praise (2026-08-25 ruling).

Glycerin is used as a humectant to maintain moisture and texture in protein bars. It is generally recognized as safe but is a processed additive.

Refined but benign starch used for texture.

Dutch process cocoa is alkalized cocoa powder that has a milder flavor. The alkalization process reduces some of the natural antioxidants found in regular cocoa.

Salt is used for flavor enhancement. It is essential in small amounts but excessive intake can contribute to health issues.

Milk protein isolate is a high-quality complete protein source containing both whey and casein. It provides all essential amino acids and supports muscle recovery and growth. It is processed to remove most fats and lactose.

Collagen is a structural protein that supports skin, joint, and connective tissue health. It provides specific amino acids like glycine and proline that are underrepresented in other protein sources.

Whey protein concentrate is a well-studied protein source with a complete amino acid profile and high bioavailability. It supports muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

100% cacao — flavanol- and antioxidant-bearing.