A Detailed Breakdown of Built Bar Sweeteners
Unlike traditional candy bars that rely heavily on refined sugar, Built Bars formulate their product using alternative sweeteners to achieve their signature flavor profile and low-sugar content. The primary sweeteners found in most Built Bars are erythritol and, in many flavors, stevia. Glycerin also plays a crucial role in providing both sweetness and texture. The chocolate coating, which is made from high-quality dark chocolate, contains a small amount of real sugar. This multifaceted approach to sweetening allows for a low-carb, low-sugar treat that doesn't sacrifice taste.
The Role of Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol and one of the main sweeteners used in Built Bars. It is known for its ability to provide sweetness with almost no calories. Its unique molecular structure allows it to pass through the body largely undigested, meaning it doesn't cause a significant glycemic response or spike blood sugar levels. For this reason, it is highly valued by individuals on keto diets or those managing diabetes. However, some people may experience digestive discomfort when consuming large quantities of erythritol. Built Bar's formula balances the amount of erythritol to reduce the likelihood of this side effect.
Stevia and Glycerin in the Mix
Another significant component of the Built Bar sweetener blend is stevia, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the stevia plant. Stevia contributes to the overall sweetness, complementing the flavor of the erythritol. Some of the Built Bar flavors are noted to use a combination of these two to achieve their taste. Glycerin, a plant-derived sugar alcohol, is also used to retain moisture and contribute a small amount of sweetness. This helps maintain the bar's soft, nougat-like texture and extends its shelf life. While glycerin is technically digested, it adds only nominal calories and works synergistically with erythritol.
The All-Important Chocolate Coating
Built Bars are covered in a layer of high-quality dark chocolate, which also contributes to the bar's sweetness and rich flavor. The chocolate contains a small amount of real sugar. Built's use of real, premium chocolate is a deliberate choice to enhance the flavor profile and avoid the unpleasant aftertaste associated with cheaper chocolate compounds. The combination of the natural sweeteners in the core of the bar and the sugar in the chocolate coating creates a complex and satisfying sweetness that tastes more like a dessert than a typical protein bar.
Built Bar's Sweetener Strategy
Built's approach to sweetening is a core part of its brand identity, catering to health-conscious consumers who want a treat that aligns with their dietary goals. Their strategy hinges on minimizing the impact on blood sugar while maximizing flavor. This is achieved by:
- Combining multiple sweeteners: Using a blend of erythritol and stevia allows Built to balance the flavor profile and avoid an overreliance on a single sweetener.
- Including glycerin: This ingredient helps create the desired soft, chewy texture, which is a significant factor in the bar's appeal.
- Prioritizing quality ingredients: The decision to use a premium dark chocolate coating sets Built Bars apart, elevating the taste and avoiding the artificial, chalky aftertaste of many competitors.
- Focusing on low impact: The bar's overall low sugar and net carb count, facilitated by these sweeteners, makes it suitable for keto and other specific dietary needs.
Comparison Table: Built Bars vs. Conventional Chocolate Bar
| Feature | Built Bar (Typical Flavor) | Conventional Chocolate Bar | Differences and Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweeteners | Erythritol, Stevia, Glycerin, and minimal real sugar | High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, Refined Sugar | Built Bars use sugar alternatives to reduce sugar intake and glycemic impact. |
| Calories | Approximately 130-180 calories | Approximately 200-250+ calories | Built Bars are designed as a lower-calorie, high-protein snack. |
| Sugar Content | 4 grams or less (often from chocolate coating) | Typically 20+ grams per serving | A significant difference that caters to low-sugar dieters. |
| Net Carbs | Typically 4-6 grams | High (due to high sugar content) | Built Bars are a more suitable option for those on a ketogenic diet. |
| Protein Content | 17-19 grams | Minimal protein | The core purpose of a Built Bar is protein supplementation. |
| Glycemic Impact | Low, due to erythritol and low sugar content | High, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes | Built Bars are a better option for managing blood sugar levels. |
Conclusion
In summary, the sweetening in Built Bars is a strategic and multi-faceted process designed to minimize sugar and carbs while maximizing flavor. The combination of erythritol, stevia, and glycerin creates a pleasant taste and desirable texture, making the bars a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. By prioritizing a low glycemic impact and using high-quality ingredients, Built delivers a protein bar that feels like a satisfying candy bar while still aligning with specific dietary goals. As always, individuals should consider their personal dietary needs and any sensitivities to sugar alcohols when choosing a protein bar.
Frequently Asked Questions about Built Bar Sweeteners
Question: Do Built Bars contain artificial sweeteners? Answer: No, Built Bars are sweetened with erythritol and stevia, which are considered non-nutritive sweeteners but are not artificial. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from a plant, and erythritol is a sugar alcohol.
Question: What is erythritol, and is it safe? Answer: Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener that is widely considered safe. It is well-tolerated by most people and doesn't cause a glycemic spike like regular sugar. However, some sensitive individuals may experience mild digestive upset.
Question: Why do some Built Bar flavors contain sugar? Answer: The small amount of sugar found in most Built Bars comes from the high-quality dark chocolate coating, which is used to enhance the flavor and create a rich, satisfying taste. The amount is minimal and doesn't cause a significant blood sugar spike.
Question: Are Built Bars keto-friendly because of their sweeteners? Answer: Yes, the combination of erythritol and other low-impact sweeteners keeps Built Bars low in net carbs and sugar, making them suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle.
Question: What is glycerin's role in Built Bars? Answer: Glycerin, a plant-derived ingredient, is used in Built Bars to add a small amount of sweetness and help create the signature soft, chewy texture by retaining moisture.
Question: Do Built Puffs use the same sweeteners? Answer: The specific sweetener blend may vary slightly by product line and flavor. However, the core principle of using low-calorie sweeteners like erythritol and often stevia applies to both the original bars and the puffs.
Question: What's the difference between the sweeteners in Built Bars and other protein bars? Answer: Many other protein bars use sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can have a more significant glycemic impact and cause more digestive issues than erythritol. Built's specific blend is designed to be better tolerated and have a lower glycemic effect.
