Protein & Nutrition Blog – Marmels

Bar chart of the dose in grams at which digestive symptoms typically begin: sorbitol 10, isomalt, mannitol and maltitol 20, xylitol 30 and erythritol 50

Protein & Nutrition Blog – Marmels

Are Sugar Alcohols Bad for You? What the Research Shows

by Mo Mandegar, PhD on Jun 16 2026
Sugar alcohols built a category on the promise of zero-calorie sweetness with no metabolic cost. Most cause gastrointestinal (GI) issues at modest doses, and 2023 to 2024 research has linked erythritol and xylitol to elevated cardiovascular risk. Here is what the science actually says.
Bar chart counting the six common red-flag ingredients to avoid in protein bars across typical bar categories, with a clean-label dark chocolate option highlighted at zero red flags

Protein & Nutrition Blog – Marmels

Ingredients to Avoid in Protein Bars: A Buyer's Guide

by Mo Mandegar, PhD on May 16 2026
Most popular protein bars are ultra-processed by design: built around sugar alcohols, refined oils, soy protein isolate, and a stack of emulsifiers that lets the bar survive a hot warehouse. This is a practical buyer's guide to the six ingredients to avoid in protein bars, the research behind each one, and what a cleaner ingredient panel actually looks like at retail.