As you stroll through the supermarket, the sheer volume of ultra-processed foods can be overwhelming. With new studies and health warnings constantly in the spotlight, making nutritious choices often feels like a daunting task. Many of these products are marketed as healthy, making it even harder for consumers to differentiate between genuinely nutritious options and those loaded with additives and preservatives.

The food industry plays a significant role in this landscape, with ongoing debates among nutritionists, public policy experts, and industry leaders about the classification and health implications of these foods.

This is where the WISEcode app comes in—a game changer for consumers. This groundbreaking app lets users scan or search for foods to quickly understand their processing levels, offering an easy path to more informed and healthier decisions. Not all processed foods are created equal, and with WISEcode, you can easily distinguish between those that are minimally processed, those that reach the super ultra-processed level, and everything in between, empowering you to make smarter choices across the entire spectrum of foods.

Today, we’re diving into the world of chocolate chip bars. We unleashed our marketing team across supermarkets nationwide, and they used the WISEcode app to evaluate 35 of the most popular options.

The results are in! Discover which bars are champions of minimal processing and which ones might need a serious rethink. A key takeaway? Don’t rely on front-of-package marketing—it’s often misleading. Instead, let WISEcode be your tool to get to the real story behind the label.

Introduction to Food Processing

Food processing is a complex and multifaceted industry that involves transforming raw ingredients into consumable products. This process can range from simple procedures like washing and cutting to more complex operations such as cooking, canning, and packaging. The primary goal of food processing is to create products that are safe, nutritious, and appealing to consumers. However, the level of processing can vary greatly. Some products may contain ultra-processed ingredients, which can negatively impact human health. Understanding the different types of food processing and their effects on our diet is crucial for making informed choices about what we eat. By recognizing the spectrum of food processing, from minimally processed to ultra-processed, we can better navigate our food choices and prioritize our health.

The Top 5 Least Processed Chocolate Chip Bars

GOOD & GATHER Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Minimally Processed

Bearded Brothers Chocolate, Minimally Processed

TIE For Third Place

LARABAR Chocolate Chip, Lightly Processed

IQ Bar Chocolate Mint Chip, Lightly Processed

TIE For Fifth Place

GoMacro Mocha Chocolate Chip, Moderately Processed

88 Acres Chocolate Chip Blondie, Moderately Processed

These bars stand out for their use of minimally processed culinary ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more natural snack option.

Tied at the very top of our list are two impressive chocolate chip bars. Target's GOOD & GATHER Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, a private label brand, shares the number one spot with Bearded Brothers Chocolate, both Minimally Processed.

It’s a remarkable achievement for Target, outshining many highly marketed brands by sticking to simple, whole foods without unnecessary additives or fillers. Bearded Brothers, born from two siblings’ mission to create an organic, nutrient-rich bar, stands equally strong, showing that minimal processing doesn’t compromise quality.

LÄRABAR Chocolate Chip and IQBAR Chocolate Mint Chip tied for third place with their Lightly Processed offerings.

LÄRABAR, owned by General Mills through its Small Planet Foods division, continues to thrive under the guidance of founder Lara Merriken, who stayed on after the brand’s acquisition in 2008 for $56 million. On the other hand, IQBAR, a Boston-based company, is making waves with its “ultra clean label” products designed for the brain and body, proving that thoughtful processing can lead to smart snacking without the need for chemical additives.

Rounding out the Super Six least processed chocolate chip bars are GoMacro Mocha Chocolate Chip and 88 Acres Chocolate Chip Blondie, both moderately processed.

GoMacro, founded by mother-daughter duo Amelia Kirchoff and Jola Sonkin, has a heartwarming origin story—Amelia crafted the MacroBar™ recipe on their Wisconsin family farm during her battle with cancer in 2003. Similarly, 88 Acres was born from a health crisis when co-founders and couple Rob Dalton and Nicole Ledoux decided to create nut- and allergen-free bars and butters after Dalton experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction to nuts. Both brands are a testament to resilience, turning personal challenges into healthier snack options. These bars provide a good balance of nutrients and energy, making them a suitable option for a quick and healthy snack.

Excess Exposed: The Dirty Dozen

The Bottom 12 Most Processed Chocolate Chip Bars

Quaker Chocolate Chip: Super Ultra-Processed
Fit Crunch Chocolate Chip, Super Ultra-Processed
Pure Protein Chewy Chocolate Chip, Super Ultra-Processed
TIE For Fourth Place
Kirkland Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip, Super Ultra-Processed
Ready Clean Chocolate Chip, Super Ultra-Processed
TIE For Sixth Place
Power Crunch Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Super Ultra Proc.
Sunbelt Bakery Chocolate Chip, Super Ultra-Processed
TIE For Eight Place
ProMix Chocolate Chip, Super Ultra-Processed
think! Chocolate Chip Bar, Super Ultra-Processed
Quest Chocolate Chip Dough, Super Ultra-Processed
Nugo Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Super Ultra-Processed
No Cow Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar, Super Ultra Proc.

High levels of ultra-processed food consumption have been linked to various health risks, making it crucial to be aware of the ingredients in these bars.

Health Risks and Consequences

Consuming ultra-processed foods has been linked to various health risks and consequences, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. These foods often contain high amounts of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, which can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, ultra-processed foods tend to be low in essential nutrients and high in empty calories, making them a less desirable choice for those seeking a healthy diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting the consumption of ultra-processed foods and instead opting for whole, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. By reducing our intake of ultra-processed foods, we can improve our overall health and reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions.

Making Healthier Choices

Making healthier choices when it comes to food can seem daunting, but it can be achieved by being mindful of the ingredients and processing methods used in the products we consume. Reading labels and looking for products with fewer ingredients and less processing can be a good starting point. Additionally, incorporating more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes, into our diet can provide essential nutrients and fiber. Cooking at home using whole ingredients and healthy cooking methods, like grilling or roasting, can also help reduce our reliance on ultra-processed foods. By making these small changes, we can work towards a healthier diet and reduce our risk of chronic diseases. Simple steps like choosing whole grains over refined ones and opting for fresh fruits instead of sugary snacks can make a significant difference in our overall health.

Full Rankings of Chocolate Chip Bars from Least to Most Processed

Here is a list of chocolate chip bars ranked from least to most processed:

1. Homemade chocolate chip bars made with whole wheat flour, nuts, and dark chocolate

2. Store-bought chocolate chip bars made with wholesome ingredients and minimal processing

3. Chocolate chip bars made with refined flour and added sugars, but still containing some whole ingredients

4. Mass-produced chocolate chip bars containing ultra-processed ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives

5. Chocolate chip bars with the most processing, containing a long list of ingredients, including artificial flavor enhancers and hydrogenated oils.

Note: The rankings can vary depending on the specific ingredients and processing methods used in each product. It’s essential to read labels and look for products with fewer ingredients and less processing to make healthier choices. By being vigilant about the ingredients and processing levels, we can make more informed decisions that align with our health goals.

Leading the Dirty Dozen, firmly entrenched in the undesirable top spot, is Quaker Chocolate Chip, which is super ultra-processed.

Owned by PepsiCo, Quaker has taken the crown for the most processed chocolate chip granola bar, a reminder that big brand names don’t always mean better choices when it comes to processing levels.

The prevalence of such highly processed options can significantly influence our eating habits, often leading to poorer dietary choices.

Coming in at #2 and #3 on this list that no company wants to top are Fit Crunch Chocolate Chip and Pure Protein Chewy Chocolate Chip.

It’s a bit ironic given their brand names, as both of these bars are super ultra-processed, showing that even products marketed as fitness-friendly and pure can be loaded with undesirable ingredients. These bars fall into the new classification of ultra-processed foods according to the NOVA system, which categorizes foods based on their level of processing.

Tied for fourth place are Costco's Private Label Kirkland Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip and Ready Clean Chocolate Chip.

The irony in the name ‘Ready Clean’ is hard to ignore—there’s nothing ‘clean’ about these bars. And buying these in bulk at Costco means you’re bringing home a massive amount of additives in a big box. Much like soft drinks, these bars are loaded with additives and preservatives, making them a less healthy choice.

Coming up next in the rankings are Power Crunch Chocolate Chip Cheesecake and Sunbelt Bakery Chocolate Chip, both landing in sixth place.

Despite their tempting names, these bars are heavy on the processing, securing their spots among the most processed chocolate chip bars in our review. These bars are similar to cake mixes in their high level of processing and the inclusion of numerous additives.

Closing out the Dirty Dozen of the most processed chocolate chip bars are ProMix Chocolate Chip, think! Chocolate Chip Bar, Quest Chocolate Chip Dough, Nugo Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and No Cow Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar.

Despite Nugo and No Cow being vegan brands, they still fall into the super ultra-processed category, proving that even plant-based options aren’t always as clean as you may be led to believe.

This list is a stark reminder that when it comes to choosing snacks, it’s important to pay attention to what’s inside—not just the buzz words on the package. The consumption of these highly processed bars can lead to various health issues, including obesity and cardiovascular disease.

With such a wide range of processing levels in chocolate chip bars, knowing what’s in your food is crucial. The WISEcode app empowers consumers to make informed choices by instantly revealing processing levels with a simple scan. Stay tuned as we continue to unravel the complexities of our food supply and champion healthier eating.

Full Rankings of Chocolate Chip Bars from Least to Most Processed

Minimally Processed

Tie - 1. GOOD & GATHER Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Min. Processed, 3

These bars are made with natural foods, ensuring a healthier and more nutritious option.

Tie - 1. Bearded Brothers Chocolate: Minimally Processed, 3

Lightly Processed

Tie - 3. LARABAR Chocolate Chip: Lightly Processed, 6

These bars use processed culinary ingredients, which are extracted from natural foods and used in cooking and seasoning.

Tie - 3. IQ Bar Chocolate Mint Chip: Lightly Processed, 6

Moderately Processed

Tie - 5. GoMacro Mocha Chocolate Chip: Moderately Processed, 7

Tie - 5. 88 Acres Chocolate Chip Blondie: Moderately Processed, 7

7. GoMacro Chocolate Chip: Moderately Processed, 9

These bars include a variety of plant foods, providing essential nutrients and fiber.

Tie - 8. Clif Chocolate Chip: Moderately Processed, 10

Tie - 8. KIND Chocolate Chip: Moderately Processed, 10

Tie - 8. Zbar Chocolate Chip: Moderately Processed, 10

Tie - 8. Junkless Chocolate Chip: Moderately Processed, 10

Ultra-Processed

12. One Chocolate Chip Dough Bar: Ultra-Processed, 11

Tie -13. Cascadian Farms Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 12

Tie -13. Blake’s Chewy Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 12

Tie -13. Good & Gather Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 12

Tie -13. Ready Clean KIDS Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 12

Tie -13. Aloha Chocolate Chip Dough: Ultra-Processed, 12

Tie -18. MadeGood Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 14

Tie -18. Kroger Chewy Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 14

Tie -18. Honey Stinger Chocolate Chip Oat + Honey: Ultra-Processed, 14

Tie -21. Great Value Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 15

Tie -21. Kodiak Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 15

Tie -21. Annie’s Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 15

Tie -21. Perfect Bar Dark Chocolate Chip: Ultra-Processed, 15

The high level of processing in these bars can contribute to weight gain and negatively impact body weight management.

Super Ultra-Processed

Tie -25. No Cow Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar: Super Ultra-Processed, 16

Tie -25.  Nugo Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip: Super Ultra-Processed, 16

Tie -25.  Quest Chocolate Chip Dough: Super Ultra-Processed,16

Tie -25.  think! Chocolate Chip Bar: Super Ultra-Processed, 16

Tie -25. ProMix Chocolate Chip: Super Ultra-Processed, 16

Tie -30. Sunbelt Bakery Chocolate Chip: Super Ultra-Processed, 17

Tie -30. Power Crunch Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Super Ultra-Processed, 17

Tie -32. Ready Clean Chocolate Chip: Super Ultra-Processed, 20

Tie -32. Kirkland Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip: Super Ultra-Processed, 20

34. Pure Protein Chewy Chocolate Chip: Super Ultra-Processed, 25

35. Fit Crunch Chocolate Chip: Super Ultra-Processed, 26

36. Quaker Chocolate Chip: Super Ultra-Processed, 28

Consumption of these highly processed bars can significantly increase overall energy intake, leading to potential health risks.

In conclusion, navigating the supermarket aisles doesn’t have to be a challenge fraught with confusion and misleading health claims. With the WISEcode app, making informed decisions about your food becomes possible, straightforward, and convenient. Our evaluation of chocolate chip granola bars revealed a wide spectrum of processing levels, highlighting the importance of looking beyond marketing claims to the ingredients and processing methods used.

By utilizing WISEcode, you’re not just choosing a snack—you’re choosing to empower yourself with knowledge, aligning your choices with your health goals, and taking control of your nutrition journey.