Think!

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Think! High Protein Bar, Brownie Crunch, falls short of meeting the criteria for cleaner food options. The bar is not organic, contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, and includes added sugars, specifically maltitol. Additionally, the presence of potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors and glycerin further diminishes its standing as a clean food choice.

The product’s ingredient list begins with a protein blend that includes soy protein isolate, calcium caseinate, and whey protein isolate. While these are common protein sources in such bars, the lack of organic certification and the presence of GMOs raise concerns. The use of maltitol syrup, a sugar alcohol, contributes sweetness but also points to added sugars, which detracts from the bar’s nutritional profile.

The inclusion of vegetable glycerin, while common in processed foods to maintain moisture, is another ingredient that raises questions regarding its healthfulness. Moreover, the term ‘natural flavor’ on food labels is often a catch-all for a variety of substances, some of which may not align with the goal of consuming cleaner, more transparent food products.

Other ingredients, such as almond butter and cocoa butter, provide texture and taste to the bar but do not redeem its overall score. The use of alkalized cocoa and chocolate contributes to the flavor, while sunflower oil and lecithin act as emulsifiers. Sodium caseinate, tapioca starch, milk fat, and salt are also part of the recipe, each playing a role in the product’s final texture and shelf stability.

The Think! High Protein Bar, Brownie Crunch, has room for improvement to align with the values of cleaner, healthier eating. By switching to organic ingredients, avoiding GMOs, eliminating added sugars, and removing ambiguous additives such as natural flavors and glycerin, the product could potentially earn a higher green leaf rating and appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking purer food options.