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David Protein bars became one of the most talked-about nutrition products in recent years thanks to their impressive label claims: 28 grams of protein, 0 grams of added sugar, and only 150 calories per bar. But in early 2026, the brand found itself at the center of a legal controversy after a class-action lawsuit alleged that the bars contained significantly more calories and fat than advertised.
So what exactly happened, and what should consumers make of it?
The Allegations
The lawsuit claimed that independent laboratory testing found David Protein bars contained up to 83% more calories and 400% more fat than listed on the packaging. According to the complaint, some bars allegedly tested between approximately 263 and 275 calories, compared with the 150 calories stated on the label. Fat content was also reported to be much higher than the listed 2–2.5 grams.
For consumers who purchased the bars specifically because of their low-calorie, high-protein profile, these claims raised serious questions about labeling accuracy.
David Protein’s Response
The company strongly denied the allegations and argued that the lawsuit misunderstood how one of its key ingredients works.
At the center of the dispute is EPG (esterified propoxylated glycerol), a fat substitute used in the bars. EPG behaves like fat in food products but is only partially digested by the body, meaning it contributes fewer calories than traditional fats. David Protein maintains that its nutrition labeling follows FDA rules and reflects the calories actually absorbed by the body rather than what some laboratory testing methods might measure.
Why the Science Is Complicated
From a dietitian’s perspective, this lawsuit highlights an important issue: not all calories are measured in the same way.
Traditional laboratory methods can determine how much energy a food contains chemically. However, the human body does not necessarily absorb every calorie measured in a laboratory. Fiber, sugar alcohols, and specialized ingredients like EPG may provide fewer usable calories than standard calculations suggest.
This means that two parties can look at the same product and arrive at different calorie numbers depending on the methodology used.
What Happened to the Lawsuit?
In March 2026, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit. The dismissal was filed without prejudice, meaning the case could potentially be brought again in the future. The company stated that it remained confident in the accuracy of its labeling and was pleased that the case had been resolved.
Importantly, the dismissal does not necessarily prove that either side was correct. It simply means the lawsuit was dropped before a court issued a final ruling on the merits of the claims.
What Consumers Should Take Away
As a dietitian might point out, the lawsuit serves as a reminder not to focus exclusively on a single number on a package.
When evaluating a protein bar, consider:
- Protein content
- Fiber content
- Ingredient quality
- Taste and satisfaction
- Overall fit within your diet
No single snack should make or break a healthy eating pattern. Even highly engineered products with impressive nutrition labels should be viewed as one part of a broader dietary picture.
The Bottom Line
The David Protein Bar lawsuit centered on whether the company’s calorie and fat labeling accurately reflected the product’s nutritional content. Critics argued that independent testing showed much higher values, while the company maintained that its use of EPG and FDA-compliant calculations justified the numbers on its packaging.
With the lawsuit now dismissed, the scientific debate over how to measure calories from novel ingredients remains unresolved. For consumers, the key lesson is to look beyond marketing claims and evaluate foods based on their overall nutritional value, not just a headline calorie count.
