Is Meal bars Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is safe for a gluten-free diet, we look for the absence of wheat, barley, rye, and often oats due to cross-contamination. The Protein Blend listed here consists of soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, and sodium caseinate. These are derived from soy and milk, not grains, making them naturally gluten-free. The primary carbohydrate sources include polydextrose and maltodextrin. Maltodextrin can sometimes be derived from wheat, but in the US, it is highly processed to remove gluten proteins and is generally considered safe for celiacs. However, it is a highly processed carbohydrate.

The fats come from sources like palm kernel oil, olive oil, and clarified butter. The hydrolyzed gelatin provides protein and texture but is derived from animal collagen, not gluten grains. The flavorings, both natural and artificial, and the sweeteners like sucralose and maltitol do not contain gluten. The ingredient list is dense with emulsifiers like soy lecithin and stabilizers like guar gum, which are safe. Essentially, the formulation relies on dairy, soy, and synthetic additives rather than grain flours.

Nutritional Value

While these bars are gluten-free, they are engineered for caloric density and satiety rather than whole-food nutrition. The presence of sucralose and acesulfame potassium indicates a reliance on artificial sweeteners to keep sugar content lower despite the presence of maltitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive distress in some individuals. The fat content is significant due to the palm kernel and palm oil in the coating and layers. While the whey protein isolate provides high-quality protein, the overall profile is processed. For someone strictly looking for a gluten-free meal replacement, this fits the bill, but for someone seeking a clean-eating option, the list of artificial flavors and sugar substitutes is something to be aware of.