Built Bar's Sweetener Strategy: A Closer Look
When a company markets a high-protein, low-sugar product, it's natural to question how they achieve that signature sweet taste. In the case of Built Bars, the answer lies in a combination of sweeteners, including sugar alcohols and natural alternatives, rather than the traditional artificial sweeteners many people seek to avoid. This strategic choice offers a different nutritional profile and set of potential benefits and drawbacks for consumers.
The Role of Erythritol
One of the main players in the Built Bar sweetness equation is erythritol, a sugar alcohol.
- How it Works: Erythritol is a calorie-free sweetener that is not fully absorbed by the body. Instead, it passes through the digestive system and is mostly excreted in the urine, making it a popular choice for low-carb and ketogenic products.
- Digestive Impact: Unlike some other sugar alcohols that can ferment in the gut and cause digestive issues, erythritol is generally well-tolerated. However, some individuals with sensitive stomachs may still experience bloating, gas, or other discomfort when consumed in large amounts.
The Contribution of Stevia
Complementing the erythritol, Built Bars also include stevia, a plant-derived natural sweetener.
- Natural Source: Stevia is sourced from the stevia leaf and is significantly sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed.
- Zero Calories: Like erythritol, stevia contains virtually no calories and does not impact blood sugar levels.
Other Sweetening Components
Besides these primary sweeteners, other ingredients also contribute to the bar's overall sweetness and texture. These include glycerin and, in some cases, maltodextrin.
- Glycerin: This sweet-tasting liquid helps retain moisture, which is crucial for achieving the bar's unique soft and chewy texture.
- Digestion-Resistant Maltodextrin: This non-digestible fiber can act as a bulking agent and provides no caloric value, helping to increase satiety without adding to the sugar or net carb count.
Comparison of Built Bars vs. Other Protein Bars
| Feature | Built Bars | Standard Protein Bars (e.g., Quest) | Candy Bars (e.g., Snickers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweeteners | Erythritol, Stevia, Glycerin | Erythritol, Sucralose | High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar |
| Presence of Artificial Sweeteners | No Aspartame or Sucralose | May contain Sucralose, a classic artificial sweetener | No, primarily use added sugar |
| Sugar Content | Typically 4g or less | Very Low | High |
| Calories | 130–180 kcal | Varies, can be similar | Typically higher (250+ kcal) |
| Protein Source | Whey Isolate, Collagen | Whey Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate | None |
| Potential for GI Issues | Possible, due to erythritol | Possible, due to sugar alcohols and sucralose | Low risk of GI issues from sweeteners, but high sugar content has other impacts |
Nutritional and Health Considerations
While the absence of traditional artificial sweeteners is a plus for many consumers, it is important to consider the full picture of Built Bar's ingredients. The use of highly processed components like erythritol and whey protein isolate is a significant factor.
- Highly Processed: A nutritionist points out that Built Bars are a highly processed product, not a whole-food snack. While this is common in the protein bar market, it's a key distinction for those following a clean eating lifestyle.
- Digestive Reactions: As previously mentioned, the use of sugar alcohols can lead to digestive discomfort. While erythritol is generally better tolerated than others like maltitol, some people may be sensitive.
- Allergens: Built Bars contain dairy and soy ingredients, which are common allergens. The use of collagen also makes them unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians.
- High-Quality Dark Chocolate: Built Bar does coat its products in high-quality dark chocolate, a feature that distinguishes it from many other protein snacks that use compound chocolate. This does contribute a small amount of actual sugar to the bar.
Conclusion
To answer the question, do Built Bars have artificial sweeteners, the answer is no, but with an important caveat. They do not contain traditional artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. Instead, they rely on a blend of stevia and sugar alcohols, primarily erythritol, to keep their sugar content low. This makes them a popular choice for those on low-carb or keto diets. However, consumers should be aware that these ingredients can still cause digestive issues for some individuals. While a convenient source of protein, Built Bars are still a processed food, and those seeking a cleaner, whole-foods approach may prefer alternatives.
Check out the Environmental Working Group's Food Scores for a detailed ingredient breakdown of one Built Bar flavor.
