ConsumerLab.com Examines Nutrition Bar Labeling

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—ConsumerLab.com released a new report comparing nutrition bars, which found labeling on such products has become more accurate compared to reviews conducted by the company in 2001 and 2005. Further, the company said it found a wide range of nutritional content across bars, with wide variances in protein, fiber, fat and nutrient levels.

ConsumerLab.com’s report suggested consumers watch for levels of saturated fat, which it found to be relatively high in some protein bars; total fat; sugar alcohols, which can help reduce calorie counts but can cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed in excess; and vitamins.

“Bars can be a good occasional source of nutrients such as protein for people on the go, but they vary dramatically in their content,” said Tod Cooperman, M.D., president, ConsumerLab.com. “Before eating a bar, a consumer should be sure it has what he or she needs without unwanted ingredients.”

The new report, available online, includes analyses of products from the following brands: Balance, Gnu, Greens, Kellogg’s Special K, Larabar, Luna, Met-Rx, MHP Probolic, Muscletech, Odwalla, Organic Food Bar, Promax, Pure Protein, Renew Life, Slim-Fast, South Beach Diet, Soyjoy (Pharmavite), VPX Zero Impact, and Zone Perfect. ConsumerLab.com selected 16 of the products in the report and four others were tested at the request of their manufacturers/distributors.