"No added sugar", "low sugar", and "sugar free" do not mean the same thing. To understand what a protein bar actually provides, read the front-of-pack statement alongside total sugars, polyols, energy, and the ingredient list.
What no added sugar means
Under EU rules, "no added sugar" means that no monosaccharides, disaccharides, or other foods used for their sweetening properties have been added. The product may still contain naturally occurring sugars, as well as authorised sweeteners and polyols. No added sugar therefore does not mean sugar-free.
The separate claims have specific thresholds: low sugars means no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g for solid foods, while sugars-free means no more than 0.5 g per 100 g or 100 ml.
So do not stop at the front of the package. Read the nutrition panel and ingredient list.
The quick label guide
| Label item | What it tells you |
|---|
| Total sugars | Sugars in the finished product, including those naturally present in ingredients |
| Polyols | A group of carbohydrates used for sweetness and often listed separately from sugars |
| Sweeteners | Shows how the recipe creates sweetness |
| Energy | Still needs to suit the serving and your day |
| Protein | Shows how much the bar contributes to a protein-focused snack |
Why no added sugar can help
Sweetness can appear several times a day through milk tea, cookies, pastries, soft drinks, or sweet coffee. A no added sugar protein bar is useful when you want a sweet-tasting snack without adding sugar to the formula.
What are maltitol and polyols?
Yobeve uses maltitol, a type of polyol, to help provide sweetness and body without adding sugar. The labels declare 6 g of polyols in Coconut and 7.5 g in Chocolate Caramel. Polyols are not included in the total-sugars line, but they remain part of the recipe and its total energy.
Individual tolerance to polyols varies. Larger amounts may cause digestive discomfort or a laxative effect, so follow the serving on the label and avoid eating several bars within a short period.
Yobeve and no added sugar
Yobeve states total sugars and polyols for each 50 g bar:
Both have no added sugar, use MPC as the main protein ingredient, and include hydrolyzed collagen. These numbers let you assess the complete label rather than relying on one statement in isolation.
Before you buy
- Does the product clearly say no added sugar?
- Is the protein amount meaningful?
- Do the total sugars, polyols, and energy fit your needs?
- Are there milk allergens or other ingredients you avoid?
- Do you enjoy the flavor enough to repeat it?
Bottom line
A no added sugar protein bar offers sweetness without adding sugar to the formula. For a complete comparison, read total sugars, polyols, energy, protein, allergens, and serving size together.
