The Gaindex.
A 1–100 label-based nutrition score for comparing grab-and-go protein snacks. It estimates how strong a snack is as a high-protein option using only nutrition facts. It is not medical advice and is not a complete measure of overall diet quality.
What it measures
The Gaindex is calculated only from values on the Nutrition Facts label. It rewards snacks with a high protein density — protein per 100 calories — that deliver real protein without loading you up with refined carbs, added sugar, sodium, or saturated fat. Fiber earns a bonus and helps offset carbs.
It does not include taste, texture, price, packaging, ingredients, processing level, or our opinion of the brand. Those are reviewed separately and shown next to the score so you can decide what matters.
| Factor | Full credit at | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Protein density Protein per 100 calories — the core signal of a lean protein source. Full credit: 13 g protein / 100 calories | 13 g protein / 100 calories | 40% |
Added sugar control Added sugar when available; total sugar as a fallback. Full credit: 0 g added sugar | 0 g added sugar | 20% |
Net-carb control Total carbs minus fiber — penalizes refined-carb-heavy snacks. Fiber offsets. Full credit: 5 g net carbs or less | 5 g net carbs or less | 15% |
Sodium control Lower sodium scores better. Very high sodium reduces the score. Full credit: 140 mg or less | 140 mg or less | 10% |
Saturated fat control Lower saturated fat scores better. Full credit: 0 g saturated fat | 0 g saturated fat | 10% |
Fiber bonus Fiber earns a bonus, on top of offsetting net carbs. Full credit: 5 g fiber | 5 g fiber | 5% |
Tiers
Why nutrition-only
Mixing taste into a nutrition score makes the score useless — a candy bar with whey protein dust would score the same as a lean meat stick just because someone liked the flavor. Keeping taste, texture, and value separate means the Gaindex stays honest and the review still tells you what eating it is like.
Gaindex is designed for quick snack comparison, not medical advice. Nutrition needs vary by person, and a high score does not mean a product is perfect for everyone.