Is Chocolate & Crème Cupcake Sweet Treat High Protein Bar Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for when determining if a product is safe for celiacs or gluten-sensitive individuals is the grain list. In this Chocolate & Crème Cupcake Sweet Treat High Protein Bar, the primary structure relies on a heavy Protein Blend rather than flour. This blend consists of SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE, CALCIUM CASEINATE, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, and WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE. None of these are derived from gluten grains.

The sweeteners and binders used here are also safe. We see MALTITOL SYRUP and SOLUBLE CORN FIBER. It is important to note that while corn is naturally gluten-free, maltitol is a sugar alcohol derived from corn or wheat starch. However, in the US market, if maltitol is derived from wheat, it must be labeled as such. Since it is not flagged here, it is safe to assume the corn-based source is used. The texturizers, VEGETABLE GLYCERIN and PALM KERNEL OIL, are fat-based and contain no gluten.

The flavor profile comes from COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI) and UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE. Pure chocolate is naturally gluten-free. The only potential concern for those with Celiac disease is cross-contamination. The label explicitly states: MADE IN A FACILITY THAT PROCESSES. This means wheat is likely handled on the premises, so strict celiacs should exercise caution, though the ingredients themselves are clean.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this bar is designed as a high-protein snack rather than a traditional candy bar. The Protein Blend ensures a high protein count, which is excellent for muscle recovery or satiety. However, the texture of a 'cupcake' flavor usually requires added fats and sweeteners to mimic the mouthfeel of cake and frosting. Here, PALM OIL and COCONUT OIL provide the bulk of the fat content, specifically saturated fat.

Regarding carbohydrates, the use of MALTITOL SYRUP and DEXTROSE keeps the sugar content lower than a standard candy bar, but these sugar alcohols can cause digestive distress in some people if consumed in large quantities. The inclusion of SOLUBLE CORN FIBER helps boost the fiber content, which is a positive nutritional marker. Overall, this bar fits well into a low-carb or high-protein diet plan, provided you tolerate sugar alcohols well.