What does the protein score measure?
The score combines protein per 100 calories, estimated cost per 30 grams of protein, added sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and the apparent protein source.
Food and product intelligence
Protein Score Calculator
Compare protein drinks, bars, cereals, bakery products, snacks, powders, dairy products, and comfort foods using label math that stays visible.
Product intelligence
Score a protein product label
Barcode and Label Capture
Barcode support uses the browser's native detector when available.
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Label preview
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Product Examples
Editable label-style examples for common high-protein product formats.
| Product | Density | Cost/30 g | Flags | Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Whey RTD shake 1 bottle, 330 ml | 18.8 g | $3.5 | Sugar LowSodium Moderate | |
Plant protein shake 1 carton, 330 ml | 11.8 g | $4.5 | Sugar LowSodium Moderate | |
Plain Greek yogurt cup 1 cup, 170 g | 15 g | $3 | Sugar LowSodium Low | |
Low-sugar protein bar 1 bar, 60 g | 9.1 g | $3 | Sugar LowSodium Moderate | |
High-protein cereal 1 cup, 55 g | 8.7 g | $2.18 | Sugar ModerateSodium Moderate | |
Protein cookie 1 cookie, 85 g | 4.4 g | $5.16 | Sugar HighSodium Moderate | |
Protein pasta serving dry pasta serving, 85 g | 6.5 g | $1.34 | Sugar LowSodium Low | |
Frozen protein bowl 1 bowl, 312 g | 6.6 g | $6.1 | Sugar ModerateSodium High | |
Cottage cheese cup 1 cup, 226 g | 13.6 g | $2.36 | Sugar LowSodium Moderate | |
Beef jerky snack 1 pouch, 32 g | 11.1 g | $6.75 | Sugar ModerateSodium High | |
Whey protein powder 1 scoop, 31 g | 20 g | $1.87 | Sugar LowSodium Moderate | |
Collagen protein drink 1 bottle, 355 ml | 16.7 g | $6.5 | Sugar LowSodium Low |
Product Notes
Scores are shopping estimates, not medical advice. Use the exact Nutrition Facts label for branded products, check allergens and serving size, and treat barcode scans as identifiers rather than verified nutrition data.
Why This Layer Matters
Serving-size neutral
Protein per 100 calories makes a shake, bar, cereal, or frozen bowl easier to compare without trusting front-of-pack claims.
Budget aware
Cost per 30 grams of protein separates convenient products from expensive packaging.
Label risk flags
Added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat are shown as percent Daily Value so tradeoffs are visible.
Protein Score FAQs
Why use protein per 100 calories?
Protein per 100 calories makes products easier to compare across different serving sizes. It shows whether a product is truly protein-dense or just a larger serving.
How are sugar and sodium flags calculated?
Added sugar and sodium are converted to percent Daily Value using FDA Daily Values. The FDA general guide treats 5% DV or less as low and 20% DV or more as high.
Can the barcode scanner verify nutrition data?
No. The browser barcode scanner captures an identifier. Nutrition values still need to come from the package label, a verified branded-food database, or the manufacturer's current label.
Sources reviewed
- FoodData Central API Guide - U.S. Department of Agriculture
- How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label - U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels - U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Serving Size on the Nutrition Facts Label - U.S. Food and Drug Administration