You may have seen these protein bars at Costco, but are Robert Irvine Protein Bars a healthy choice? This dietitian review will help you decide if they’re a healthy addition to your grocery cart. Read on for our review of taste, nutritional properties, and ingredients.
This protein bar review is part of our Protein & Snack bar series. Check out more protein and snack bar reviews here.
About Robert Irvine’s Protein bars
Robert Irvine Protein bars are a line of snack-sized and full-sized protein bars. They are marketed as “chef-inspired” protein bars that “satisfy your cravings” and make “getting more protein enjoyable”.
Robert Irvine’s Protein Bar Ingredients
Note: always check the product label for up-to-date nutrition, ingredient, and allergen information.
| Flavor | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Brownie | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), soy protein isolate, vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), vegetable glycerin, sugar, gelatin (bovine), maltitol, chocolate chips (chocolate liquor, maltitol, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, vanilla powder), cocoa )processed with alkali). Contains 2% or less of the following: acetylated monoglycerides, baking soda, beta-carotene (for color), cocoa extract, glucose, syrup, maltodextrin, mono & diglycerides, natural flavor, tocopherols (to preserve freshness), potassium sorbate (preservative), propylene glycol mono esters, salt, silicon dioxide, sodium caseinate, sorbitol, soy lecithin, soybean oil, sucralose, sunflower lecithin, sunflower oil, tapioca starch, vitamin A palmitate, water, whey, almond and peanut. |
| Cinnamon Twist | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), soy protein isolate, vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), vegetable glycerin, gelatin (bovine), graham crumble (tapioca starch, sugar, rice flour, palm oil, molasses, natural flavor, salt, caramel color, sodium bicarbonate, soy lecithin, xanthan gym, annatto), sorbitol, cinnamon cream cheese wafers (sugar, palm kernel oil, nonfat dry milk solids, whole milk solids, ground cinnamon, soy lecithin, natural flavors, salt). Contains 2% or less of the following: water, glucose syrup, cinnamon, brown rice flour, sunflower oil, brown sugar. natural flavor, soybean oil, sucralose, salt, sunflower lecithin, vanilla powder, titanium, dioxide, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, baking soda, sugar, propylene glycol mono esters, mono & diglycerides, potassium sorbate (preservative), soy lecithin, cocoa (processed with alkali), whey, acetylated monoglycerides, beta-carotene, vitamin A palmitate, silicon dioxide, natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness), almond and peanut. |
| Apple Pie | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), maltitol, soy protein isolate, , vegetable glycerin, gelatin (bovine), sorbitol, graham crumble (tapioca starch, sugar, rice flour, palm oil, molasses, natural flavor, salt, caramel color, sodium bicarbonate, soy lecithin, xanthan gym, annatto) Contains 2% or less of the following: water, glucose syrup, cinnamon, brown rice flour, sunflower oil, natural flavor, sucralose, soybean oil, titanium dioxide, sunflower lecithin, vanilla powder, salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, sugar, propylene glycol mono esters, mono & diglycerides, potassium sorbate (preservative), tan food coloring (palm kernel oil, natural red pigment [annatto], natural rice bran extract [emulsifier], natural blue pigment [red cabbage], soy lecithin, whey, acetylated monoglycerideas, beta-carotene (for color), vitamin A palmitate, silicon dioxide, natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness), almond and peanut. |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), soy protein isolate, maltitol, vegetable glycerin, gelatin (bovine), cocoa (processed with alkali), sorbitol. Contains 2% or less of the following: acetylated monoglycerides, baking soda, beta-carotene (for color), glucose syrup, maltodextrin, mono & diglycerides, natural flavor, natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness), potassium sorbate (preservative), propylene glycol mono esters, salt, silicon dioxide, sodium caseinate, soy lecithin, soybean oil, sucralose, sunflower lecithin, sunflower oil, tapioca starch, titanium dioxide, vanilla powder, vitamin A palmitate, water, whey, almond and peanut. |
| Peanut Butter & Jelly | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), soy protein isolate, maltitol, palm kernel oil, vegetable glycerin, peanuts, palm oil, sorbitol, peanut flour, gelatin (bovine), peanut butter (dry roasted peanuts, palm oil, dextrose, salt), water. Contains 2% or less of the following: acetylated monoglycerides, baking soda, beta-carotene (for color), glucose syrup, maltodextrin, mono & diglycerides, natural flavor, natural color (water, glycerin, beet extract, spirulina, grape juice extract, vegetable juice color, modified food starch, cultured dextrose [preservative], turmeric extract, annatto extract, citric acid), natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness), propylene glycol mono esters, salt, silicon dioxide, sodium caseinate, soy lecithin, soybean oil, sucralose, sugar, sunflower lecithin, sunflower oil, titanium dioxide, vanilla powder, vitamin A palmitate, whey, almond and peanut. |
| Chocolate Peanut Butter | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), soy protein isolate, vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), vegetable glycerin, peanut butter (dry roasted peanuts, palm oil, dextrose, salt), sorbitol, peanuts, sugar, maltitol, gelatin (bovine), peanut flour, cocoa (processed with alkali), brown rice flour and water. Contains 2% or less of the following: glucose syrup, sunflower oil, tapioca starch, salt, natural flavor, soybean oil, sucrose, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, sunflower lecithin, propylene glycol mono esters, baking soda, mono & diglycerides, potassium sorbate (preservative), acetylated monoglycerides, whey powder, soy lecithin, beta-carotene (for color), vitamin A palmitate, silicon dioxide, natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness) , and almond. |
| Lemon Cake | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), soy protein isolate, maltitol, palm kernel oil, vegetable glycerin, vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), gelatin (bovine), sorbitol and water. Contains 2% or less of the following: glucose syrup, sunflower oil, natural yellow food color (vegetable glycerin, beta carotene, water, cultured dextrose), sugar, natural flavor, soybean oil, citric acid, sucralose, salt, titanium dioxide, sunflower lecithin, vanilla powder, maltodextrin, baking soda, sodium caseinate, propylene glycol mono esters, natural yellow color (cocoa butter oil, riboflavin, rice bran extract [emulsifier]), mono & diglycerides, potassium sorbate (preservative), soy lecithin, whey, acetylated moinoglycerides, beta-carotene (for color), vitamin A palmitate, silicon dioxide, natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness), almond and peanut. |
| Chocolate Coconut Almond | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), soy protein isolate, sugar, vegetable glycerin, gelatin (bovine), maltitol, sorbitol, cocoa (processed with alkali), almonds. Contains 2% or less of the following: water, gluten free oats, glucose syrup, natural flavor, sunflower oil, sucralose, soybean oil, sunflower lecithin, salt, baking soda, maltodextrin, sodium, caseinate, propylene glycol mono esters, potassium sorbate (preservative), mono & diglycerides, soy lecithin, whey, acetylated monoglycerides, beta-carotene (for color), vitamin A palmitate, titanium dioxide, vanilla powder, silicon dioxide, natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness) and peanut. |
| Milk & Cookies | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), maltitol, soy protein isolate, vegetable glycerin, gelatin (bovine), sorbitol, sugar and cocoa (processed with alkali). Contains 2% or less of the following: water, glucose syrup, tapioca starch, natural flavor, sunflower oil, sucralose, sunflower lecithin, soybean oil, salt, baking soda, titanium dioxide, vanilla powder, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, propylene glycol mono esters, potassium sorbate (preservative), mono & diglycerides, soy lecithin, whey, acetylated monoglycerides, beta-carotene (for color), vitamin A palmitate, silicon dioxide, natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness), peanut and almond. |
| Mint Chocolate Chip | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), soy protein isolate, maltitol, vegetable glycerin, sugar, gelatin (bovine),cocoa (processed with alkali), sorbitol. Contains 2% or less of the following: glucose syrup, water, tapioca starch, sunflower oil, natural flavor, sunflower lecithin, sucralose, soybean oil, salt, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, propylene glycol mono esters, baking soda, mono & diglycerides, potassium sorbate (preservative), soy lecithin, acetylated monoglycerides, whey, beta-carotene (for color), vitamin A palmitate, peppermint oil, silicon dioxide, natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness), titanium dioxide, vanilla powder, almond and peanut. |
| Strawberry Strudel | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), vegetable oils (palm kernel oil and palm), soy protein isolate, maltitol, glycerin, gelatin (bovine), sorbitol, graham crumble (tapioca starch, sugar, rice flour, palm oil, molasses, natural flavor, salt, caramel color, sodium bicarbonate, soy lecithin, xanthan gym, annatto). Contains 2% or less of the following: glucose syrup, water, sunflower oil, natural flavor, sugar, natural red food color (palm kernel oil, natural red pigment [beet], natural rice bran extract [emulsifier], natural orange pigment [annatto], natural yellow pigment [turmeric]), soybean oil, salt, sucralose, titanium dioxide, sunflower lecithin, vanilla powder, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, baking soda, propylene glycol mono esters, mono & diglycerides, soy lecithin, potassium sorbate (preservative), whey, acetylated monoglycerides, beta carotene (for color), vitamin A palmitate, silicon dioxide, natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness), peanut and almond. |
The ingredients below are from the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor. See the ingredient table above for ingredients from all flavors.
Protein blend: made from whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. These are protein powders sourced from cow’s milk.
Soy protein isolate: protein powder made from soybeans.
Palm kernel oil and palm oil: sources of saturated fat extracted from palm plants. Read everything you need to know about Palm Oil in my review here.
Vegetable glycerin: a type of sugar alcohol produced by hydrolysis of fats and oils. Glycerin has many uses as a food ingredient, including sweetener, bulking agent or filler, hydrating agent, and solvent.
Peanut butter: made from dry roasted peanuts, palm oil, dextrose, and salt.
Sorbitol: a type of sugar alcohol that adds a sweet flavor.
Peanuts: a nut rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
Sugar: table sugar added for flavor.
Maltitol: a type of sugar alcohol that adds a sweet flavor. Read everything you need to know about Maltitol in my full review here.
Gelatin: protein sourced from bovine (cow) collagen used to improve texture.
Peanut flour: a flour made from peanuts with fat removed.
Cocoa: unsweetened form of chocolate. The leftover part of the cocoa bean after the cocoa butter has been removed.
Brown rice flour: a source of carbohydrate added for texture.
Contains 2% or less of the following ingredients:
- Glucose syrup: source of added sugar.
- Sunflower oil: a source of monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acids.
- Tapioca starch: a gluten-free flour from the cassava plant. Used as a binding and thickening agent in foods.
- Salt: a source of added sodium used for flavoring.
- Natural flavor: flavoring extracted from plant or animal sources. Check out my review of Natural Flavours here for everything you need to know.
- Soybean oil: a source of omega-6 fatty acids.
- Sucrose: table sugar.
- Maltodextrin: a source of added fiber.
- Sodium caseinate: binder, emulsifier, and stabilizing agent.
- Sunflower lecithin: an emulsifier. Read our full Lecithin review here for everything you need to know.
- Propylene glycol mono esters: fatty acids typically derived from edible oils used as an emulsifier.
- Baking soda: leavening agent used in most baked goods.
- Mono & diglycerides: source of fatty acids used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent.
- Potassium sorbate: used as a common food preservative.
- Acetylated monoglycerides: source of fatty acids used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent.
- Whey powder: protein from cow’s milk.
- Soy lecithin: an emulsifier. Read our full Lecithin review here for everything you need to know.
- Beta-carotene: added as a natural source of red-orange color.
- Vitamin A palmitate: a fortified source of vitamin A.
- Silicon dioxide: an anti-caking agent.
- Natural tocopherols: a common preservative with strong antioxidant properties, typically sourced from vegetable oils. Read my Tocopherols review for everything you need to know here.
- Almond: added for flavor.
Priority allergens
Contains milk, soy, wheat, peanuts, and/or tree nuts. May contain eggs, peanuts and/or tree nuts. Always check your food package before consuming for up-to-date ingredient and allergen information.
Are Robert Irvine’s Protein Bars Healthy? Dietitian Review Continued
Robert Irvine’s Protein Bar Nutrition Facts (snack size)
| Chocolate Brownie | Cinnamon Twist | Apple Pie | Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | Peanut Butter & Jelly | Chocolate Peanut Butter | Lemon Cake | Chocolate Coconut Almond | Milk & Cookies | Mint Chocolate Chip | Strawberry Strudel | Caramel Peanut | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 210 | 190 | 210 | 210 | 210 | 190 | 200 | 210 | 210 | 190 | 190 | 190 |
| Fat (g) | 11 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Saturated (g) | 7 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 4 |
| Monounsaturated (g) | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Polyunsaturated (g) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 0 | 10 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 15 | 10 |
| Sodium (mg) | 140 | 200 | 115 | 130 | 220 | 200 | 120 | 150 | 135 | 200 | 120 | 200 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 16 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 14 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Added sugar (g) | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Sugar alcohols (g) | 7 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Protein (g) | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Vitamin D (mcg) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Calcium (mg) | 70 | 40 | 70 | 70 | 60 | 40 | 70 | 61 | 70 | 70 | 54 | 50 |
| Iron (mg) | 2 | 0.8 | 0 | 2 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Potassium (mg) | 160 | 140 | 70 | 110 | 130 | 140 | 70 | 95 | 100 | 110 | 58 | 110 |
The nutrition facts below are from the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor (snack size), with the range of nutrients from all flavors in parenthesis. See the above nutrition facts chart for the nutrition information for all flavors.
Calories: 210 (190-210), a standard amount of calories found in protein bars
Fat: 8g (8-11g), mostly from palm oil and peanut butter.
Saturated fat: 4g (4-8g), from palm oil.
Monounsaturated fat: 3g (1-3g), from peanuts.
Polyunsaturated fat: 1g, from peanuts.
Cholesterol: 10mg (0-15mg), from whey protein.
Fiber: 1g (0-2g), from trace amounts found in ingredients.
Sugar: 3g (1-5g), mainly from table sugar.
Sugar alcohols: 8g (7-12g), from sorbitol and maltitol.
Protein: 16g, from whey and soy protein.
Other nutrients: potassium 140mg (70-160mg), vitamin D 0mcg (0-1mcg), iron 0.8mg (0-2mg), calcium 40mg (40-70mg).
Are Robert Irvine’s Protein bars healthy?
Robert Irvine’s Protein bars received a nutrition score of 25%, meaning that these bars have a low nutrition quality. There are several reasons for the low scoring. Aside from being a good source of protein, the macronutrient composition is unfavourable. These bars are high in saturated fat and contain little healthful fat sources.
These bars are also low in fiber, and while they are low in sugar, they contain multiple non-sugar sweeteners which we know are not necessarily more healthful. In 2023 the World Health Organization (WHO) released guidelines on the use of non-sugar sweeteners, where they suggest that in addition to reducing our intake of added sugar, we should limit our intake of non-sugar sweeteners. In short, they concluded that using non-sugar sweeteners in place of added sugar does not seem to support long-term weight loss or disease prevention.
Lastly, Robert Irvine’s protein bars contain many additives and ultra-processed ingredients. Case in point: the ingredient list is LONG. While these additional ingredients alone won’t necessarily create a harmful or unhealthy product, the sheer number of these ingredients makes these bars ultra-processed. Check out our favorite protein bars here for some better options.
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Additional Sources:
- Robert Irvine’s Fit Crunch (accessed Augst 29th. 2024).
- Glycerin, Technical Evaluation Report, USDA (2013).
- Bob’s Redmill, What is Tapioca Flour & Where Does it Come from? (2022).
- List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents, Health Canada (accessed June August 29, 2024).
- List of Permitted Anti-Caking Agents, Health Canada, 2022.
- Propylene glycol mono esters, Food and Agriculture Organization (accessed August 29, 2024).
