The Official Stance on Gluten
Built Brands officially markets and formulates its entire line of protein bars and 'Puff' snacks as gluten-free. This is a significant consideration for many customers who need or prefer to avoid gluten in their diet. For the majority of people with a gluten sensitivity or who choose to avoid gluten for dietary reasons, this is welcome news. The company’s own website explicitly features a "Shop Gluten Free Protein Bars" section, solidifying their commitment to this product specification. Unlike some other protein bar manufacturers, Built has a consistent and clear stance across all their primary bar and puff products, reducing the confusion that often arises with companies that only offer gluten-free options on a flavor-by-flavor basis.
Formulated vs. Certified Gluten-Free
It is crucial to understand the distinction between a product being 'formulated as gluten-free' and being 'certified gluten-free.' Built Bars fall into the former category. A product labeled as certified gluten-free has been audited and verified by a third-party organization to meet specific safety standards, typically ensuring less than 20 parts per million of gluten contamination. According to a representative in a user Q&A, Built Bars do not have an official certified gluten-free label. This is an important detail for those with celiac disease or highly sensitive gluten allergies, as it means there is a potential risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. While the ingredients themselves may not contain gluten, the processing environment may expose the product to trace amounts.
What About Cross-Contamination and Other Allergens?
For individuals with severe allergies, understanding the manufacturing environment is just as important as the ingredient list. Built Brands has been transparent about its facility. For example, regarding their Built Puffs, it's noted that they contain milk and soy and are manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts and tree nuts. While this is a specific example related to the puff line, it highlights the potential for shared equipment across their product lines. This means that even a flavor that doesn't list nuts as an ingredient could have trace amounts due to the manufacturing process. The lack of a third-party gluten-free certification further reinforces this potential for shared equipment and environmental exposure.
The Maltodextrin Question
Some online sources and older reviews have raised questions about maltodextrin, a common food additive found in many Built Bars. While typically derived from corn or other gluten-free sources, maltodextrin can sometimes be made from wheat, which could carry trace amounts of gluten. However, the vast majority of maltodextrin used in the US and other countries is gluten-free, and most individuals with celiac disease do not react to it. Given Built's explicit claim of being gluten-free, it is highly likely they are using a non-wheat-derived maltodextrin. Nonetheless, for those with extreme sensitivity, this is another point of consideration, though the larger risk remains potential facility cross-contamination rather than ingredient sourcing.
A Look at Major Allergens in Built Bars
Besides gluten, Built Bars contain several other major allergens. It is crucial for consumers to read the labels carefully for every flavor, as specific ingredients can vary. Based on product listings and customer information, the following are common allergens present:
- Milk: Most Built Bars contain whey protein isolate and other milk products, making them unsuitable for those with a dairy allergy or who are lactose intolerant.
- Soy: Soy lecithin is a frequent ingredient in the chocolate coating, indicating the presence of soy.
- Nuts: While not all flavors contain nuts, the warning about shared equipment with peanuts and tree nuts is consistently present. For example, the Coconut Almond flavor does contain tree nuts, and Peanut Butter Brownie contains peanuts.
- Gelatin: Built Bars also contain gelatin, a fact that makes them unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Comparison of Built Bars with Other Protein Bars
To help consumers make an informed choice, here is a comparison of Built Bars with two other popular protein bar brands, Quest and Pure Protein.
| Feature | Built Bars | Quest Bars | Pure Protein Bars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Status | Formulated as gluten-free. | Many flavors are formulated gluten-free, though some contain gluten. | Many flavors are certified gluten-free. |
| Allergen Certification | Not officially certified. | Some products certified gluten-free, others not. | Some products certified gluten-free. |
| Cross-Contamination | Potential risk due to lack of certification and shared equipment for nuts. | Varies by flavor and facility; check individual product packaging. | Often produced in facilities handling allergens; check labels. |
| Contains Dairy | Yes (Whey Protein Isolate). | Yes (Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate). | Yes (Whey Protein Concentrate). |
| Contains Soy | Yes (Soy Lecithin). | Yes (Soy Lecithin). | Varies by flavor; check ingredients. |
| Contains Nuts | Some flavors, plus potential for cross-contamination. | Some flavors, plus potential for cross-contamination. | Some flavors, plus potential for cross-contamination. |
How to Ensure a Safe Choice
For those with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, taking extra precautions is always the safest route. Here are some actionable tips:
- Read the Label Every Time: Ingredient and allergen information can change without notice. Always read the packaging carefully, especially for the latest cross-contamination warnings.
- Check the Manufacturer's Website: The most up-to-date allergen statements are found on the official Built Brands website. You can confirm their gluten-free claims and read detailed product specifications there.
- Contact Customer Support: If you have serious concerns, particularly about cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility, contact Built Brands directly via their customer support email or phone number. They can provide the most accurate and current information. For instance, a customer support inquiry confirmed the lack of certification.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
In summary, Built Bars are an excellent option for those seeking a gluten-free protein snack for general dietary purposes. The company's consistent formulation and marketing as gluten-free is a positive for consumers avoiding gluten. However, due to the lack of official third-party certification and potential for cross-contamination with nuts from shared equipment, individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten allergies should exercise caution. Always check the most recent product labels and, if necessary, contact the manufacturer directly for peace of mind. By staying informed, you can confidently choose a protein bar that aligns with your dietary needs and health goals.
Visit the official Built Brands website to see their gluten-free products
What are Built Puffs? Are they gluten-free too?
Built Puffs are a lighter, fluffier version of the standard Built Bar. They are also formulated and marketed as gluten-free by Built Brands, but carry the same allergen warnings regarding milk, soy, and potential cross-contamination from nuts.
Where are Built Bars manufactured?
Built Bars are made in American Fork, Utah, in the United States. The conditions of their manufacturing facility and potential for allergen exposure should be considered by those with sensitivities.
Can I eat Built Bars if I have a dairy allergy?
No. Built Bars contain whey protein isolate and other milk products, which makes them unsuitable for individuals with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance.
Are there any vegan or vegetarian Built Bars?
No. All Built Bars contain whey protein (a milk by-product) and gelatin (an animal by-product), so they are not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.
Do Built Bars contain soy?
Yes, most Built Bars and Puffs contain soy lecithin in the chocolate coating, so they are not soy-free.
Do all Built Bar flavors have the same allergen warnings?
No, while they are all formulated as gluten-free, the presence of other allergens like peanuts and tree nuts depends on the flavor. Always check the specific packaging for the flavor you are purchasing.
How can I be sure the information on a retail site is correct?
Information on third-party retail sites like Amazon or Walmart can sometimes be outdated or have data entry errors. The safest approach is to verify the information on the product's packaging or the official Built Brands website, which should always be considered the authoritative source.
