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12.03.2025 - Foods

Ökotest Protein Bars - High Protein, Additives, Concerning Residues?

The market for protein bars is booming, promising "High Protein, Low Sugar." However, the test in the current issue of Ökotest of 20 products reveals: Besides a high protein content, many bars also contain many additives – and sometimes even concerning residues.

Most tested bars contain 30 to 50 percent protein, mostly from milk and soy proteins, which provide essential amino acids. However, many manufacturers use collagen hydrolysate or gelatin for their products, which hardly contribute to muscle building.

Almost all bars contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose, which according to Ökotest, are associated with health risks such as altered gut flora or an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Only three products instead use sugar alcohols. Additionally, all bars contain flavorings, often without clear declaration of their origin. One tested bar contained the thickener carrageenan as well as more sugar than stated on the packaging.

Concerning was the detection of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH) in one of the bars. These residues can originate from packaging materials or production processes and accumulate in human fat tissue and the liver.

Do you want to test your products for mineral oil residues (MOSH/MOAH) or have the ingredients and additives checked?

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct these analyses. We provide you with fast and reliable results.

Our customer advisors are available to answer any questions you may have.

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