Nutrition Diet: What are the ingredients in Barebells cookie dough?

October 27, 2025 •

2 min read

With 20 grams of protein and no added sugar, Barebells protein bars have become a popular high-protein snack for fitness enthusiasts. Understanding what are the ingredients in Barebells cookie dough is crucial for anyone monitoring their diet and the source of their nutrients.

Quick Summary

A detailed analysis of the Barebells cookie dough protein bar, covering its protein blend, sweeteners, fats, and emulsifiers. We explore the nutritional implications of its processed components and common additives.

Key Points

Protein Sources: The bars contain a blend of milk proteins (caseinate and whey), soy protein, and bovine collagen for high protein content.
Low Sugar Sweeteners: Maltitol, a sugar alcohol, and sucralose, an artificial sweetener, are used to provide sweetness without adding sugar.
Processed Ingredients: Barebells bars utilize several processed components like glycerin, polydextrose, and sunflower lecithin for texture and stability.
Digestive Effects: The maltitol used as a sweetener may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or a laxative effect in some individuals.
Collagen Limitation: While a protein source, bovine collagen is not a complete protein and is not the most effective for muscle building compared to whey or casein.
Allergen Information: The bars contain milk and soy, and may contain traces of nuts and eggs, making them unsuitable for some dietary restrictions.

The Core Protein Profile of Barebells Cookie Dough

Barebells protein bars contain a blend of different protein sources. The primary proteins listed are a milk protein blend and soy protein isolate. The milk protein blend consists of Calcium Caseinate, Whey Protein Isolate, and Whey Protein Concentrate, offering a mix of protein types. Soy protein isolate is also included to increase the overall protein content. Additionally, Bovine Collagen Hydrolysate is present as another protein source. While collagen has benefits for skin and joints, it is not considered a complete protein for muscle building due to a missing essential amino acid.

The Sweeteners and Carbohydrates

To achieve their "no added sugar" claim, Barebells uses sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. These include Maltitol, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some, and Sucralose, a calorie-free sweetener. Polydextrose is added as fiber and a bulking agent.

The Fats, Flavors, and Additives

Fats like cocoa butter and sunflower oil are used for texture and content. Chocolate components, emulsifiers such as sunflower lecithin and glycerin, and both natural and artificial flavors are also included.

Health Considerations for Your Nutrition Diet

Barebells bars are convenient but are processed food. Ingredients like maltitol may cause digestive issues, and collagen is not a complete protein for muscle synthesis. The bars contain milk and soy and may have traces of nuts and gluten, impacting those with dietary restrictions. For a comprehensive list of ingredients, please visit the {Link: Fitlife Foods website https://eatfitlifefoods.com/product/barebells-cookie-dough}.

Barebells Cookie Dough Bar vs. Other Alternatives

Here is a comparison of the Barebells Cookie Dough bar, traditional baked cookie dough, and a whole-food based protein bar like an RXBAR:


Feature	Barebells Cookie Dough Bar	Traditional Baked Cookie Dough	RXBAR (e.g., Chocolate Chip)
Primary Protein	Milk Protein Blend, Collagen, Soy	Flour, Eggs (limited)	Egg Whites, Nuts
Added Sugar	No Added Sugar	High	Dates (Natural Sugar)
Sweeteners	Maltitol, Sucralose	Refined Sugar	Dates
Processing Level	Highly Processed	Highly Processed (Baked)	Minimally Processed
Ingredient List	Long, complex list	Short, familiar list	Short, simple list
Digestive Impact	Possible laxative effect (Maltitol)	Can be heavy, high in sugar	Generally well-tolerated

Conclusion: Is the Barebells Bar Right for You?

The Barebells cookie dough protein bar is popular for its high protein content and lack of added sugar. A look at what are the ingredients in Barebells cookie dough shows it is a processed snack with a mix of protein sources, including some less effective for muscle building. It uses artificial sweeteners, which can have digestive impacts on some individuals. While convenient, it's best viewed as a supplement to a diet rich in whole foods and consumed in moderation. For those preferring less processed options, other protein sources might be more suitable. More information can be found on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Barebells cookie dough protein bars are not vegan as they contain a milk protein blend and dry whole milk.

Bovine collagen hydrolysate is used as a protein source for its benefits to skin and joints. However, it is not a complete protein for muscle building as it lacks certain essential amino acids.

No, the bars are advertised as having no added sugar. They achieve their sweet taste through sugar alcohols like maltitol and artificial sweeteners like sucralose.

Maltitol is a sugar alcohol with fewer calories and a lower impact on blood sugar levels compared to regular sugar. However, it can cause digestive issues like bloating or a laxative effect in some people.

No, these protein bars contain milk protein and dry whole milk, so they are not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Yes, the Barebells protein bar contains a relatively long list of processed ingredients, including protein isolates, sweeteners, and emulsifiers, which is typical for most mass-produced protein bars.

A Barebells bar is best used as an occasional supplement for a protein boost, such as a pre- or post-workout snack. Dietitians recommend getting the majority of protein from whole food sources for overall health.