How much sugar is in Barebells protein bars?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Most standard Barebells protein bars contain an impressively low amount of total sugar, often between 1 and 2 grams per bar, and zero added sugar. This low sugar profile is a key feature, leveraging sugar alternatives to achieve their sweet flavor, which is a major reason for their popularity among health-conscious consumers wondering how much sugar is in Barebells protein bars.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Barebells protein bars' nutritional information shows they have very low total sugar and no added sugar, using sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners for sweetness.

Key Points

Low Total Sugar: Barebells protein bars contain between 1 and 2 grams of total sugar per 55g bar, originating from naturally occurring sources like milk.
Zero Added Sugar: The bars explicitly state they have no added sugar, relying instead on alternative sweeteners for their flavor.
Sugar Alcohols: Maltitol is the primary sweetener used, which sweetens the bar with fewer calories and less impact on blood sugar compared to traditional sugar.
Potential Laxative Effect: Due to the use of sugar alcohols, excessive consumption may lead to a laxative effect, as noted on product information.
Naturally Occurring Sugars: The small amount of sugar present is primarily lactose, which is found in the milk protein blend used in the bars.
Processed Product: Despite their low sugar content, Barebells are considered an ultra-processed food due to their ingredients and manufacturing process.

A Detailed Look at Sugar Content in Barebells Bars

Barebells protein bars are widely recognized for their candy-bar-like taste while maintaining a macro-friendly nutritional profile, particularly their low sugar content. The official Barebells site and product labels confirm that their bars contain no added sugar, a key selling point. Instead of relying on traditional sugars like sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, the sweetness comes from a combination of sugar alcohols and non-nutritive sweeteners.

Deconstructing the 'No Added Sugar' Claim

While Barebells contain zero added sugar, it is crucial to understand this does not mean the bars are entirely sugar-free. The total sugar listed on the nutrition label represents naturally occurring sugars from ingredients such as milk and milk powder. For example, the lactose found in the milk protein blend contributes a small amount to the final sugar count. The key takeaway for anyone monitoring their sugar intake is the absence of any refined or additional sugars that would typically lead to a significant blood sugar spike.

The Role of Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols

To achieve their signature taste, Barebells bars rely on several alternative sweeteners. The primary one is maltitol, a sugar alcohol that provides sweetness with fewer calories and a lower impact on blood glucose than regular sugar. Other non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose are also included to round out the flavor profile. While these ingredients are safe for consumption, sugar alcohols can sometimes have a mild laxative effect if consumed in excessive quantities, a standard warning found on many products containing them.

Comparison of Sugar Content Across Barebells Flavors

While the total sugar is consistently low, there can be slight variations between different Barebells flavors due to minor recipe adjustments. The table below provides a snapshot of the sugar and carbohydrate content for a few popular varieties based on their nutritional information.


Flavor	Total Sugar per 55g Bar	Sugar Alcohols per 55g Bar	Net Carbs per 55g Bar*
Salty Peanut	1.3g	~5-6g	~10-11g
Caramel Cashew	1g	5g	~10g
Cookies & Cream	1g	5g	~12g
Coco Caramel Almond	2g	6g	~12g

*Net carbs are estimated by subtracting dietary fiber and sugar alcohols from total carbohydrates.

What Are the Key Ingredients that Affect Sugar?

Milk Protein Blend: A mix of milk protein, whey, and casein that provides the high protein content but also contains naturally occurring lactose, a simple sugar.
Humectants (Glycerin): Used to keep the bar moist and chewy. It is a sugar alcohol but is metabolized differently than other carbohydrates.
Sweeteners (Maltitol, Sucralose): Replace sugar to provide sweetness without the calories or blood glucose impact.
Polydextrose: A low-calorie, synthetic polysaccharide used as a sugar replacer and fiber source.
Fillers and Flavors: Ingredients like cocoa butter, chocolate, and nut paste contain minimal or naturally occurring sugars.

Comparing Barebells to Other Protein Bars

Compared to many other snack and protein bars on the market, Barebells have a distinct advantage in the sugar department. Many popular brands use high amounts of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup to enhance flavor, sometimes containing upwards of 20 grams of sugar per serving. Barebells' formula allows for a sweet, satisfying taste that is much lower in total sugar, making them a better option for those managing their sugar intake for fitness or health reasons. This approach, while effective for taste and macros, does mean they are a processed food, relying on lab-created sweeteners rather than whole food sources.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Barebells protein bars are a smart choice for individuals seeking a high-protein, low-sugar snack. They contain only naturally occurring sugars from dairy and zero added sugar, thanks to a careful formulation using sugar alcohols and sweeteners. The total sugar count is typically very low, at around 1-2 grams per bar, making them an excellent option for those looking to curb sugar cravings while meeting their protein goals. Always check the specific flavor's nutritional label, as total carbohydrate and sugar alcohol content can vary slightly. For more nutritional information, visit the official Barebells nutrition page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are not entirely sugar-free, but they do contain zero added sugar. The small amount of total sugar (typically 1-2g per bar) comes from naturally occurring sugars like lactose found in the dairy ingredients.

Barebells use maltitol, a sugar alcohol, as their main sweetener. They also use sucralose to enhance the taste.

For some people, consuming a large quantity of products containing sugar alcohols like maltitol can lead to a laxative effect or other digestive discomfort. Moderation is key.

The sweetness comes from sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, which provide a sweet flavor without contributing significant calories or carbs. This is what allows for the candy-like taste and low total sugar content.

Barebells bars are often considered 'keto-friendly' because of their low net carb count (total carbs minus fiber and sugar alcohols), but they are not strictly keto due to their carbohydrate and sugar alcohol content. They should be consumed in moderation while on a keto diet.

Yes, there can be slight variations in the total sugar and sugar alcohol content across different flavors. For instance, the Coco Caramel Almond bar contains 2g of total sugar, while others like Caramel Cashew and Salty Peanut have slightly less.

Barebells vegan bars are also formulated without added sugar and use plant-based ingredients. The total sugar content will vary by flavor, but it is typically still very low, around 2g per bar.