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The 17 Cleanest Protein Bars in 2023

The 17 Cleanest Protein Bars in 2023

Eating food without a barcode (AKA fresh and unprocessed food!) is always a great idea but when you are sprinting through an airport or hiking all over the universe to work or class, barcode-free foods are often scarce. Furthermore, when you’re trying to assist with recovery, keep on track with training, or trying to achieve healthy weight gain, having clean and convenient food options between meals or on the run is crucial.

So my friends, today we will offer a quick review on some of the CLEANEST protein bars money can buy. If you are looking for natural and organic high protein bars then you have come to the right place! 

How to Find a Clean Protein Bar Label

First, before we dive into the good, I’d like to show you a brief example of the bad.  

I often ask my athletes and executives to bring me labels of what they are eating so we can review the products together. I make this request because it is all too common for an individual to tell me “I found the best protein bar ever! It has ____ grams of protein and only____ grams of sugar!!” And then when I finally see the product’s ingredient list, I do my best not to mini-barf in my mouth, knowing that they are ingesting inflammatory toxins and other junk day in and day out.  I remind myself to stay calm and then prepare to politely open their eyes to all they have been ingesting.

Here is a label that was brought to us recently:

The absolute worst part about this label is the fact that it is one for a bar that is sold in just about every single grocery store in the U.S.

This company advertises most heavily to athletes looking to reach their daily protein goal, the busy executive, and the average Joe trying to curb cravings in order to achieve rapid weight loss.  It is interesting that this bar is touted as a great snack to keep you energized, yet the vast majority of its ingredients are extremely inflammatory which will run you down.

Our goal is certainly not to sit here and bash a company, but we do want you as our beloved FWDfuel readers to be an educated consumer. We want to help you feel better each day but more importantly, to help you to prevent further health complications as you age. This is done best by keeping a close eye on what you put in your mouth.   On a positive note, we are so glad this company was kind enough to let us know we may experience a laxative effect with excessive consumption.  

I could sit here all day and dissect the label but since my goal is to highlight the best quality bars, I will just touch upon the most prominent red flags to scan for when reading the labels for prospective protein bars.  

Red Flag #1: Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. The research is unclear with mainstream food scientists with supported by the big food companies claiming it as OK and then international experts not having their pockets padded by the food companies stating we need to proceed with extreme caution with this food additive.  

In examing the research, most studies performed on carrageenan used animals, others had small sample sizes, and no one has examined its effect on the microbiome environment or bacteria in the colon.  

So, here are a few facts about carrageenan:

  1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer which states that degraded carrageenan is “possibly carcinogenic in humans ”[1] 
  2. Research performed in 2017 by a group of scientists in Israel stated, “Carrageenan may reduce protein and peptide bioaccessibility, disrupt normal epithelial function, promote intestinal inflammation, and consequently compromise consumer health.”[2,3]
  3. The Center for Science in the Public Interest lists carrageenan in its list of Chemical Cuisine food additives under the category of “caution”, well below the other categories of “Safe” and “Cut Back”.[4]

While a few bites here and there would likely not cause a problem, carrageenan is a common additive found in everything from nut milks, to salad dressings, dairy products, snack bars and beyond, therefore, you must be extra careful as the amount consumed can add up in the blink of an eye.  Even more, if you’re an athlete battling leaky gut or an endurance athlete susceptible to gut issues, you will want to steer clear to this performance-robbing, brain-fog-inducing, food additive.    

Red Flag #2: Sucralose

This artificial sweetener, commercially known as Splenda is not as “sweet” as we once thought. Sucralose is the chemical combination of sucrose and chlorine. Yes, that is correct, it is sucrose mixed with chlorine

Sucralose is made by replacing 3 components of the sugar molecule with chlorine.  So, each sucralose molecule consists of 3 atoms of chlorine

Researchers have come to the conclusion that sucralose has the ability to greatly decrease the beneficial bacteria in our gut thereby changing the composition of our microbiome and enzymes.[5,6] The long term repercussions of this may include but are not limited to poor blood sugar and body weight control, inflammatory bowel disease, changes in mood and metabolism.  

Interested in learning more interesting facts about artificial sweeteners? Check out our post 9 Artificial Sweetener Side Effects: Facts You Need to Know

Red Flag #3: Maltitol

Unless your favorite pastime is experiencing bloating, gas, and diarrhea, I would not recommend consuming maltitol on a routine basis. Yes, it does have a lower caloric value and glycemic index than table sugar BUT maltitol is a sugar alcohol that our bodies do not fully digest. As a result, many individuals experience digestive discomfort with repeated consumption (think laxative).[6.7.8] Although it is completely possible to consume maltitol in small amounts without experiencing digestive distress, that unfortunately is not a common occurrence.  

Red Flag #4: Processed Soy

  Last but not least, there is an overwhelming amount of processed soy in this product. Now, before all my plant-based peeps throw their hands in the air with disgust, please be mindful of the fact that organic, unprocessed soy can be an awesome addition to your diet. High-quality soy is extremely nutrient-dense. I am only referring to the processed, “filler” soy laced throughout this product.

Is there strong research stating that processed soy is an issue? Nope, but I have coached several thousands of individuals and one major pattern I have noticed over the years is a reaction to processed soy.   

Red Flag #5: High Fructose Corn Syrup

Sad but true, the protein bars that taste the most like candy have that flavor profile for good reason- they are made with many of the same ingredients as your favorite candy!!  The big mac daddy of them all? High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)! Honestly, we could create an entire post on the dangers of long term consumption of HFCS but here is a brief and totally simplified summary:

  • HFCS is derived from corn syrup and it contains a mixture of glucose and fructose.
  • HFCS is metabolized differently in the body compared to glucose. Our liver is the only organ that can metabolize small amounts of fructose and when fructose consumption is high, our liver is burdened and turns the fructose into fat. [9]
  • HFCS is a MAJOR driver of inflammation and therefore frequent consumption can lead to health issues such as obesity, fatty liver, insulin resistance and diabetes.
  • Also, let’s not forget that it contains zero essential nutrients!! In other words, HFCS does absolutely nothing for your health.

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The Cleanest Protein Bars on the Planet are…

#1 RAWR Organics Bars

Box of RAWR Organics bars- the best organic protein bars
  • Bars are made FRESH to order
  • Paleo and keto-friendly
  • 18-21g of protein, depending on which bar you choose
  • Simple, real, organic ingredients that taste great & fill you up

Have you ever heard of protein bars made to order? Probably not, because they rarely exist.

Enter RAWR Organic Bars who makes your protein bars after they receive your order! Why does this matter? Because the longer things sit on shelves before they reach your mouth, the more nutritional value they lose. Having your whole-food protein bars made fresh every time you purchase them is reason alone for being the top pick for the cleanest protein bars on the planet.

Made with all organic ingredients, RAWR Organics bars take the top spot for 3 reasons: clean ingredients, taste, and the right combo of ingredients/macro’s to actually fill you up. In every bar, you will find 8 super clean and simple core ingredients such as Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, cold-pressed coconut oil, ground flax seed, and more.

These core ingredients are as pure as you will find on the market.While there are some bars that may have less sugar, few bars have better taste, more protein, a better macronutrient balance, and better whole-food, anti-inflammatory ingredients! Not in love with RAWR Organic Bars yet?

They donate 10% of net proceeds to feed hungry children in Africa and are in the process of developing a bar for hungry children that would be a meal replacement. Let the 🎤 drop, ‘nuf said!

Try 👉our favorite combo back pack with the birthday cake flavor.👈

Important note: Because these bars don’t have any fillers or preservatives, they’re best kept in the fridge. They stay fresh 1 month on the shelf, 6 months in the fridge, and 12 months in the freezer. We prefer to eat ours right out of the fridge because they hold together better when you eat them.

#2 R.E.D.D. Bar (Radiant Energy Deliciously Delivered)

R.E.D.D. Chocolate Vegan Protein Bars- One of the best organic protein bars
  • 1 Billion CFU of Probiotics, prebiotics, phytonutrients, and adaptogens all in one bar!
  • Only 2g of sugar + 10g of protein
  • Packed with “radiance-boosting superfoods”
  • Non-GMO Verified & Certified GF and Vegan

Plenty of bars these days are now using whole-food ingredients. Few are using as powerful of superfoods as R.E.D.D. is.

The R.E.D.D. Bar, Chocolate Vegan Protein Bar superfoods include an adpogentic mushroom blend (cordyceps, reishi, and chaga), maca root, chia, goji berries, acai, turmeric, annnndd quinoa. Try topping that!

Using mostly organic ingredients and a unique organic plant-based protein blend of pea protein, hemp protein, and pumpkin seed protein, this is definitely one of the best organic protein bars.

With 10g of protein, 15g of fiber, 11g of fat and amazing taste, it’s hard to find a bar that does a better job of combining taste, superfoods, adaptogens, and protein!

While we highlighted the R.E.D.D. Bar, Chocolate Vegan Protein Bar, R.E.D.D. also offers Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate, Oatmeal, and Salted Carmel flavored all natural protein bars.

#3  GoMacro MacroBars

Box of GoMacro MacroBars

When you talk about the cleanest protein bar on the planet, it is hard to beat one with these certifications: USDA Organic, Certified GF, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Certified C.L.E.A.N., Certified R.A.W., and more.  Adding to their impressive resume is the fact that GoMacro was started by a mother-daughter team and uses 100% renewable energy to fuel their production facility.  

GoMacro MacroBars are made with 100% plant-based organic ingredients and free of gluten, dairy, and soy.  Packing 10-11g of protein and 10-11g of fat per serving, these bars will keep your blood sugar stable and hunger at bay. Adding to the excitement is their introduction of new and exciting flavors such as Maple Sea Salt, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Apple Cinnamon, and Mocha Chocolate Chip.  We recommend you try the GoMacro Variety Pack to figure out your favorite flavor. 

And for those who are label reading fanatics, yes, we do see brown rice syrup on there but please keep in mind we are working with busy athletes who often need ample calories on the go! In the world of protein bars, it can sometimes be a difficult task to find something that has solid ingredients and an appropriate macronutrient balance alongside great taste!

#4 Epic Meat Bars

Epic-All-Natural-Meat-Bars-Best-Protein-Bars

If a granola bar had a baby with a pile of jerky, the end result would be a meat bar and no one beats the quality and taste of Epic All Natural Meat Bars!

What makes these bars so clean?  Epic Bars are Certified Gluten Free, Paleo friendly, Keto friendly, Whole-30 Approved, Non-GMO Project Verified,and sourced from pastured, grass-fed meats.  

With flavors like Sriracha Chicken, Baison Bacon Cranberry (My favorite), Turkey Almond-Cranberry, and Habanero-Cherry Beef, your tastebuds will be having such a party that you won’t even realize you just swallowed a bar of meat. With 9-15g of high-quality protein, ZERO added sugar, and only a few clean ingredients in each bar, we keep Epic Meat Bars handy when a clean, whole-food meal is out of reach.  

#5-6 Wellcome Salted Caramel & Tart Cherry Adaptogenic Bars

Wellcome Tart Cherry Wellness Bar, one of the best all natural protein bars
  • Only bar with marine collagen protein- a more sustainable collagen than bovine
  • Includes 3g of MCT oil for stable energy
  • One bar focused on energy +n focus with reishi mushrooms & another on reducing stress with ashwagandha and l-theanine

The Wellcome Adaptogenic Bars are uniquely formulated with adaptogens, collagen, MCT, and good-gut-bug feeding fiber to make for a bar that provides steady energy.

Wellcome Salted Caramel Wellness Bar, one of the top natural protein bars

Being free of gluten, dairy, soy, egg, palm-oi, and refined sugar, as well as being Non-GMO Certified and with 13-14g of protein, this bar is a worthy contender on any list discussing all natural protein bars.

The really big thing. that sets Wellcome Bars apart from best clean protein bars is their unique offering of one bar helping improve focus and another helping reduce stress.

By adding reishi mushrooms, the Wellcome Salted Caramel Adaptogenic Bars help with Energy & Immunity. At the other end of the spectrum, the Wellcome Tart Cherry Adaptogenic Bar can help you relax and unwind.

 #7 RXBAR Bars Real Food Protein Bars

Rx-Bar-Best-Protein-Bars

RXBar is game changer.  Literally. Since they came out with their clean and power-packed bar many years ago, they have been copied by Naked Nutrition and Epic only to see those products fail.  Imitation is the best form of flattery right?

RXBAR’s are simple and pure with the exception to the “Natural Flavors” in the ingredients (which is why we dropped it several spots on our list compared to others). We believe it is unclear and leads to a lack of trust when a company uses the vague ingredient “Natural Flavors”.

Their bars typically contain just 5-7 ingredients, 0 grams of added sugar, and 12g of protein. Not to mention, the flavors and texture are on point!  

RXBAR has sought to compete with others by staying ahead of the game with a HUGE variety of creative flavors such as Chocolate Sea Sat, Blueberry, Maple Sea Salt, and much much more. So, if you want to check out the OG of simple and clean protein bars, be sure to give a variety pack of RXBARs Real Food Protein Bars a try. 

OH, one more thing! If you’re a nut-butter lover, be sure to try their Vanilla Almond Butter and Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter!

#8 Wild Zora Meat and Veggie Bars

A box of Wild Zara Meat and Veggie bars, one of the cleanest protein bars available.

Most of us have heard or know already how important it is to incorporate a lot of plants and color in our diet.  Well, how do you do that with snacks on the go that still fill you up? Wild Zora is the answer. These are meat bars mixed with organic vegetables and fruit such as spinach, apricots, dates, rosemary, turmeric, basil, kale, cilantro, sage, thyme, and more depending on which variety you order.  

Started by a husband-wife team, when Zora Tabin struggled to find clean snacks for her kids, hence why these are one of the cleanest protein bars you will find and likely the ONLY ones available with real organic vegetables inside.     

Available in several varieties all with grass-fed or free-range meats such as Mediterranean Lamb Bars with Spinach, Rosemary & Turmeric and Curry Masala Turkey Bars with Spinach, Dates & Cardamom, Wild Zora Bars are well worth checking out.  All their bars are gluten/dairy/soy/dairy/nut free, Autoimmune Protocol Friendly, Paleo Certified, and Whole30 approved. Start with a variety pack of 7 different flavors to find your favorite.  

Ready to take your nutrition to the next level? Want to have a meal plan individualized to your exact needs, fix autoimmune issues, and reverse chronic illness once and for all?

How about getting rid of bloating, fatigue, or simply recovering better from workouts?

Get faster, better, and more sustainable results by booking a nutrition coaching package with FWDfuel Sports Nutrition!

Check out 70+ 5-star reviews and visit our coaching packages to schedule your 3-month coaching package with Kylene and Abby. Payment plans are available. Get started with 1 on 1 virtual nutrition coaching today.

 #9 Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Performance Protein Bars

Are you a highly competitive athlete and looking for a protein bar that has it all?  The Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Performance Protein Bar fills you up, packs as much or more protein in it than any other bar on our list, tastes great, contains organic ingredients, and is NSF Certified for Sport meaning it is tested and proven to be free of all banned substances.  

While this bar is Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Gluten/Dairy/Soy free, Certified Vegan, and both Informed Choice.org and NSF Certified for sport, it is not perfect.  It has a bit more sugar than other bars on our list and a few ingredients like Erythritol which we are not in love with (even though it is still organic), but you will struggle to find a better tasting or more clean protein bar out there with this much protein in it.

So, if you’re ready to try the tastiest high-protein bar out there, check out the Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Mint, Sea Salt Caramel, or Peanut Butter Chocolate

#10 Pro Bar Meal Bar 

A single Pro Bar Superberry Meal Bar protein bar

If you’re looking for a protein bar that nearly replaces a meal (when whole-food is out of reach :)), and has unbelievable taste, this is your top option.  With two ~200 calorie bars in each wrapper, the Pro Bar Meal Bar is the most calorie packed bar on our list. However, other lower-caloaires bars may keep you full just as long since this has more sugar, which may impact blood sugar in a way that makes hunger come back sooner.   

The Pro Bar Meal Bar sets itself from other bars by being “blended, not baked”.  So, the consistency of the bar is really unique and enjoyable. Think of it like a sticky mix between cookie dough and trail mix.  

The Pro Bar Meal Bar uses organic, Non-GMO Project Certified Ingredients, and is Certified GF.  While these bars taste great, they come at a cost with more carbohydrates than most bars as and the addition of vegetable glycerin, a sugar alcohol.  The extra carbs and sugar come from a combination of dates, tapioca and brown rice syrup, as well as cane sugar. We also knock this bar down our list due to using canola oil and the vague ingredients of “Natural Flavors” as well as “Organic Flavor”. 

The Pro Bar Meal Bar is great for those who burn a lot of calories and really need something to fill them up when they can’t have a whole-food meal, or those who simply can’t stand the taste of most bars and need something that tasts satisfying.  The Pro Bar Meal has some really awesome flavors including 

#11 RBar Energy and Protein Bars

Say hello to pure deliciousness in 7 real-food ingredients or less. We love RBars because of their taste and dedication to purity. Those who love RX bars will enjoy RBars just as much, if not more. The big bonus here for some is that RBars do not contain egg as we see many athletes who need to be egg free for a variety of reasons.   

Another major bonus is that RBars are smaller in size compared to your typical protein bar. This makes them much easier to carry and also scarf down mid training session or work meeting. RBar’s energy bars are designed for a quick boost or pre-workout fuel and their protein bars are great for post workout or even an afternoon snack to carry you over until dinner. Our absolute favorite is the Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bar.

High Protein Bars

While most people use the term “protein bar” very loosely, a true protein bar, or high protein bar for that matter means the bar contains proportionally more protein when compared to carbohydrate and fat. Here at team FWDfuel, we consider a high protein bar to include 15g of protein or more.

Keep reading to see our favorite examples of high protein bars.

#1 RAWR Organics Bars

Box of RAWR Organics high protein bars, the best all natural protein bars

The king of the jungle returns to its rightful top spot on our list under our high-protein bars category due to offering several bars with 19-20g of protein and three flavors (Double Dark Chocolate + Mint, Mocha + Chip, and Decaf Mocha + Chip) with 21g or protein per bar with 5g of fiber and only 12 net carbs. Good luck finding a better-tasting bar that offers that!

Modled to be a healthier version of a Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie, the Double Dark Chocolate + Mint is a great-tasting treat worthy of being named of the highest protein AND cleanest protein bars around.

If coffee is your thing, be sure to try their Mocha + Chip and Decaf Mocha + Chip which are made with organic, fair trade coffee that is freshly ground right before they make the bars which are all made on demand as orders are received. Additionally, the dark chocolate chips are free of cane sugar and are instead sweetened with organic coconut sugar. Because of their use of organic, fair trade coffee and high protein, we believe these flavors are the two best organic protein bars a coffee lover could buy.

If the mint or mocha flavors don’t tickle your fiddle, you may want to try some of their amazing flavors with just 19-20.5g of protein such as Dark Chocolate Raspberry, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Almond Butter, Banana + Nut, Pumpkin + Pecan (our personal 😋 favorite), Cookie Dough, and more.

Not sure which flavor to try? Go for their “Super” Pack Sampler, which includes an assortment of all 10 of their flavors.

Vital Proteins Jennifer Aniston Cold Brew Coffee Flavored Protein and Collagen bars, one of the best all natural protein bars

#2 VITAL PROTEINS & JENNIFER ANISTON PROTEIN AND COLLAGEN BAR

Quite possibly one of our favorite high protein bars of all time, this magical bar contains 17g of protein and only 1g of sugar in addition to MCT oil for a brain boost. These are also fantastic if you are looking for more joint and skin support as it’s not always feasible to carry and mix powdered collagen into your food and beverage.

#3 Rise Bar

Rise bars are one of the tastiest high-protein plant-based bars. Clocking in at 15g protein per serving, these little wonders contain ONLY 5 INGREDIENTS!

Yes the sugar is added but it is from the earth.

Keep in mind, this would not be the greatest bar to snack on all day every day for someone who lives a sedentary life. However, since our audience is predominately athletes, this is the perfect snack when you need a little protein pick me up and need to fight that sweet tooth.

And for our friends who have no trouble tolerating cow’s milk products:

#4 Perfect Bar

This well balanced bar contains 19g protein! Not only is this a whole food, high protein bar, but it also contains 20 organic superfoods such as dulse, celery, papaya, kelp and alfalfa to help bring a boost to your day.

Are protein bars clean?

A majority of protein bars are not clean as they include a number of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and added sugars. We recommend being sure to read the label of your bar and choose one that is made from whole foods. If a majority of the ingredients on the label are not something you recognize, it is best to consider a different protein bar.

Similar to buying junk food versus organic whole foods, buying protein bars that are clean come at a cost. Many large companies add fillers and cheap ingredients to assure they’re generating adequate profit from the bars they sell. We can’t fault them for making sure their business is profitable, but there are great options on this list that allow you to have a clean bar, and support a small business such as the woman-owned business RAWR bars. Just be prepared to spend a bit more for a clean protein bar versus one that is full of junk.

So, lets take a closer look of what a clean protein bar looks like which came direct from our refrigerator…

Ingredient list from RAWR Organics Protein Bars- one of the best all natural protein bars.

So, are these natural protein bars clean? Without a doubt. The 100% organic, whole foods bars from RAWR Bars are clean, but, they’re a rare bread. Rarely can you find a bar that is 100% organic or does have some type of syrup such as brown rice syrup.

At the end of the day the answer to are protein bars clean, the answer is no. 98% of protein bars contain inflammatory ingredients that are bad for your gut, blood sugar, and overall health. When looking for a clean protein bar, look at the label and try to find one that is mostly organic, you understand what most of the ingredients are, and it has a decent balance of fat, protein, and carbs.

A few good options:

Where is the Best Place to Buy the Cleanest Protein Bars?

Struggling to find a place to get clean, anti-inflammatory smoothie ingredients all in one place and shipped right to your front door? If so, try where we buy all our smoothie ingredients, Thrive Market. It is without a doubt, the best place to buy all your anti-inflammatory foods, spices, snacks.

After all, who doesn’t love fairly-priced all-natural food delivered to your door within 3-5 days!?

We’ve been using Thrive Market for years now and have saved a ton of money by doing so. We love ordering specialized groceries like nut butters, toxin-free cleaning products and soap, clean protein bars and snacks, and even our child’s diapers (they’re the best we’ve found!).

Plus, if you do not order enough throughout the year to make your membership fee worthwhile, Thrive Market will actually credit you back what you did not use as a bonus for the following year.

Sign up using our link to choose a FREE gift, up to $24 value, when you purchase a Thrive Market membership now! (1 year and 1 month memberships available).

OK so there we have it. You now not only know the cleanest and tastiest protein bars, but also the best place to buy them!

Last but not least, if you are on the hunt for a clean protein bar because you sense that you may be experiencing food sensitivities, the best place to start is an elimination diet in order to help you detect which food(s) or ingredient (s) may be causing you to react.

As we continue on this health journey with you, we will keep our eyes peeled for the cleanest protein bars on the market. Until then, we hope you enjoy the selection listed above! If you’re interested in more detailed nutrition information and help, check out our coaching package! This coaching package allows you to work with expert sports dietitians, and learn more about cultivating a healthy lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions about clean protein bars.

What are your favorite protein bars? Have you had any bad experiences after eating a bar or felt sluggish and didn’t know why? Please post your questions and comments, we would love to hear from you!    

  1. IARCIARC Working Group!on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Carrageenan. ARC Monogr Eval Carcinog Risk Hum 31:79–94.!1983.
  2. David S, Shani Levi C, L Fahoum L, et al. Revisiting the carrageenan controversy: do we really understand the digestive fate and safety of carrageenan in our foods? Food Funct. 2018 Mar 1;9(3):1344-1352. doi: 10.1039/c7fo01721a. Epub 2018 Feb 22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29469913.
  3. Fahoum L, Moscovici A, David S, et al. Digestive fate of dietary carrageenan: Evidence of interference with digestive proteolysis and disruption of gut epithelial function. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017 Mar;61(3). doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201600545. Epub 2017 Jan 25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27718308.
  4. The Center for Science in the Public Interest. Chemical Cuisine. Accessed December 7, 2019. Available at: https://cspinet.org/eating-healthy/chemical-cuisine#carrageenan.
  5. Suez J1, Korem T2, Zeevi D2, Zilberman-Schapira G3, Thaiss CA1, Maza O1, Israeli D4, Zmora N5, Gilad S6, Weinberger A7, Kuperman Y8, Harmelin A8, Kolodkin-Gal I9, Shapiro H1, Halpern Z10, Segal E7, Elinav E1. Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota. Nature. 2014 Oct 9;514(7521):181-6. doi: 10.1038/nature13793. Epub 2014 Sep 17.
  6. Oku T1, Hongo R, Nakamura S. Gut Microbiome Response to Sucralose and Its Potential Role in Inducing Liver Inflammation in Mice. Front Physiol. 2017 Jul 24;8:487. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00487. eCollection 2017.
  7. Ruskoné-Fourmestraux A1, Attar A, Chassard D, Coffin B, Bornet F, Bouhnik YA digestive tolerance study of maltitol after occasional and regular consumption in healthy humans.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jan;57(1):26-30.
  8. Respondek F1, Hilpipre C1, Chauveau P2, Cazaubiel M2, Gendre D2, Maudet C2, Wagner A1.  Digestive tolerance and postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses after consumption of dairy desserts containing maltitol and fructo-oligosaccharides in adults.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 May;68(5):575-80. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.30. Epub 2014 Mar 19.
  9. Oku T1, Hongo R, Nakamura S. Suppressive effect of cellulose on osmotic diarrhea caused by maltitol in healthy female subjects.J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2008 Aug;54(4):309-14.
  10. Faeh, D., et al., Effect of fructose overfeeding and fish oil administration on hepatic de novo lipogenesis and insulin sensitivity in healthy men,Diabetes 2005 Jul;54(7):1907-13. doi: 10.2337/diabetes.54.7.1907.

About The Author

Michael Bogden

Michael is a residency and fellowship trained sports physical therapist. A life long advocate for exercise and nutrition, he unexpectedly ran into issues with fatigue and recovery which significantly hindered his training. After working closely with his wife, Kylene, a dietitian trained in functional nutrition, he learned an entirely new approach to eating and living a more holistic lifestyle. This dramatic life change lead to remarkable improvement in his overall energy and performance. In 2017, with the help of a Functional Sports Nutrition approach, he improved his half marathon PR by 5 minutes. These improvements inspired him to create the FWDfuel blog with Kylene in order to spread the word so that others could experience the same success.

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