EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (2024)

EWG scored on three factors: nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing. Read the full scoring methodology.

Contains ingredients that may contribute small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats: Palm Oil [read more]

EWG calculates that this product is 29% sugar by weight and contains 2 teaspoons of added and natural sugar per serving [read more]

Contains low calorie sweeteners: Sorbitol [read more]

Per gram, high in protein [read more]

The nutrition factors used for scoring Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

Positive factors

Negative factors

This product is not certified organic [read more]

Rice-based ingredients may contain arsenic [read more]

This product has 3 ingredients with concerns as well as some contamination concerns:

• Arsenic Contamination from Rice Crisps
  This contaminant is of lower concern in food. Learn why.
• Natural Flavor
  This additive is of lower concern in food. Learn why.
• TOCOPHEROLS
  This additive is of lower concern in food. Learn why.
• Sorbitol
  This additive is of lower concern in food. Learn why.

Product has been classified as having high processing concerns

Products with moderate and high processing concerns generally have more artificial ingredients, more ingredients that have been significantly modified from whole foods, and more ingredients overall.

Products bearing the USDA certified organic seal must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredient, and must be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and free of genetically engineered ingredients.

Both refined oils and fully hydrogenated oils contain small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats and contribute to the total intake of trans fat in the diet (Biofortis 2014). Artificial trans fats are generated in refined oils when they are processed at high temperatures from the crude oil into a bland, odorless, colorless oil (Greyt 1999). A 2012 study conducted by FDA scientists estimated that refined oil contributes an average 0.6 grams of trans fat a day (Doell 2012). The World Health Organization recommends limits on trans fat of less than 1 to 2 grams a day—in this context, it’s easy to see that 0.6 grams is not an insignificant contribution. In the case of fully hydrogenated oils, they should theoretically be free of trans fat, but since no hydrogenation process is 100 percent efficient, trans fats are often found in fully hydrogenated oils at low levels (FDA 2013). The United States Department of Agriculture National Nutrition Database has tested refined, partially hydrogenated and fully hydrogenated oils and found trans fats in all of them (USDA 2013).Textbooks for food scientists reveal that the mono and di-glycerides and other emulsifiers are often made from hydrogenated fats (Hasenhuettl and Hartel 2008) and at temperatures above 220°C (Sikorski and Kolakowka 2011). Emulsifiers produced from hydrogenated fats “contain measurable concentrations" of trans fats (Hasenhuettl and Hartel 2008).Unfortunately, due to lack of label disclosure and the trans fat labeling loophole, only the food scientists will ever know just how much trans fat these refined oils and emulsifiers are contributing to foods and the American diet.

Eating too much of any type of sugar can lead to tooth decay. Added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, honey, sugar and dextrose are more concerning than natural sugars like raisins because they can lead to obesity by adding calories without being accompanied by important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C or fiber. Americans average 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day (NCI 2010; USDA and DHHS 2010). The World Health Organization recommends no more than 6 to 12 teaspoons of added sugar a day for adults, children should eat even less (WHO 2002; WHO 2014).

Added "flavors" are secret and often complex mixtures of chemicals that modify and manipulate the taste and smell of food. The lack of disclosure is a public right to know issue and especially concerning to people with unusual food allergies or on restricted diets.

Low calorie sweeteners were designed to impart a sweet taste without the calories or glucose effects of sugar. However there is insufficient evidence that they reduce overall calorie intake, aid with weight loss or improve overall health (Gardner 2014; Shankar 2013).Instead low calorie sweeteners may condition people to crave sweet foods (Mattes 2009) and therefore eat fewer servings of healthy foods (IOM 2007). The IOM recommends that schools not serve diet foods or beverages to young children (IOM 2007).In the meantime EWG concludes that people should limit their consumption of sugar and low calorie sweeteners, advice echoed by other nutrition experts (Swithers 2013; Shankar 2013).

Protein is a source of amino acids that are required for the proper growth, maintenance and repair of tissues. It also provides the building blocks for important enzymes and hormones. Protein provides calories and if eaten in excess will be stored as fat. Protein is found in high amounts in beans, nuts, eggs, seafood and meat. Protein is essential to health, but eating too much also carries an environmental and health cost. Learn more: http://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/

Rice plant naturally takes up arsenic from the water in the soil. The concentration of arsenic in this product will depend on the amount of rice-based ingredient used. http://www.ewg.org/foodscores/content/arsenic-contamination-in-rice

Scientists have not determined whether GE food poses risks to human health. Still, consumers have many good reasons to avoid eating genetically engineered ingredients, including limited safety studies, the development of "superweeds" and increased pesticide use. For more information on the topic visit: http://www.ewg.org/research/shoppers-guide-to-avoiding-ge-foodNote: The presence or absence of genetically engineered ingredients or ingredients derived from GE crops does not affect a product's overall score.

While over 160 food ingredients may cause allergic reactions current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations stipulate that 8 major food allergens must be labeled on products. These allergens include; milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.Note: The presence of potential allergens does not affect the overall product score.