Gastroenterologists have warned that protein bars, widely seen as a convenient and healthy snack, can significantly overload the digestive system. According to the outlet Parade, doctors are urging people to reconsider their habit of eating this ultra-processed food.
Gastroenterologist and microbiome specialist Savita Srivastava said she ate the snack daily for almost ten years before giving it up entirely.
She said manufacturers disguise ingredients that aggressively affect the gut behind the label of a healthy snack.
What's hiding in the bars
Among the culprits, she pointed to artificial fibre such as inulin and chicory root extract, which gut bacteria ferment too quickly, causing sharp pain and severe bloating. Sugar substitutes including erythritol, sorbitol, maltitol and xylitol are barely digested, draw water into the gut and trigger diarrhea and gas. Heavy concentrated protein, such as whey or soy isolates combined with guar or xanthan gum, can sit in the stomach for a long time, causing nausea and heaviness.
Doctor Nilima Reddy added that these are ultra-processed foods that lose the complex nutrient balance of whole foods once they go through factory processing.
Healthier alternatives
Srivastava advised replacing packaged snacks with ordinary food or reading labels more carefully. For those who still buy ready-made bars, she recommended choosing ones with native protein sources, such as hemp or pumpkin seeds, egg white or nut butter, while avoiding refined isolates.
She also cautioned against artificial fibres like corn fibre or chicory root extract, suggesting instead looking for simple ingredients such as oats, nuts, dates or seeds.
She said the best and easiest option for digestion is a simple combination of whole foods, such as a handful of unsalted nuts with fresh fruit, dark chocolate or crunchy roasted chickpeas.
FODMAP carbohydrates add to discomfort
Specialist Loretta Harvey pointed out that bloating, heartburn, belching and gas are often caused by poorly absorbed FODMAP carbohydrates, found in milk, wheat, legumes, onions, garlic and honey.
She said these foods should not be cut out entirely for long periods, since they are still beneficial. Anyone whose stomach is upset constantly should see a gastroenterologist to identify the exact cause and adjust their diet safely.
