Demystifying Sweeteners in Barebells
Barebells are known for their great taste and texture, often compared to candy bars. The brand prominently features "no added sugar" on its packaging, a claim that is technically true. The sweetness comes from a blend of ingredients that function as sugar replacements. While this is appealing for those watching their sugar intake, it's important to understand what those alternative sweeteners are and how they affect the body.
The Main Sweeteners: Maltitol and Sucralose
Barebells primarily use a combination of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners to achieve their flavor profile. The two most common in their bars are maltitol and sucralose.
- Maltitol: This is a sugar alcohol found in many of Barebells' products. While it provides sweetness and bulk, it's not a calorie-free ingredient and is known to cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, especially when consumed in larger quantities. Maltitol has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, which means it doesn't cause as significant a spike in blood sugar levels.
- Sucralose: A high-intensity artificial sweetener that is calorie-free and significantly sweeter than sugar. Sucralose is responsible for a large portion of the sweetness in Barebells bars without contributing any calories or sugar to the nutritional total.
Comparing Barebells Sweeteners
Understanding the role of each sweetener is crucial. Here's a comparison of how Barebells achieve sweetness compared to products using traditional sugar:
| Feature | Barebells (with sugar alcohols/artificial sweeteners) | Traditional Candy Bars (with added sugar) |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Content | Very low (typically 1-2g per bar, from naturally occurring milk sugars) | High (can range from 20-50g or more per bar) |
| Added Sugar | None | Present, often as high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar |
| Sweeteners Used | Maltitol, Sucralose, Acesulfame K (depending on flavor) | Sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, glucose |
| Caloric Contribution | Sugar alcohols contribute some calories, but less than sugar | Added sugar contributes significant calories |
| Glycemic Impact | Generally lower glycemic impact due to sweeteners | High glycemic impact, causing blood sugar spikes |
| Potential Side Effects | Digestive issues from sugar alcohols for some individuals | Sugar crashes and potential health risks with overconsumption |
A Look at Other Ingredients
Besides the main sweeteners, Barebells bars contain several other ingredients that contribute to their overall taste and texture, including humectants and bulking agents.
- Glycerol: A sugar alcohol that functions as a humectant to keep the bar moist and soft. Glycerol also provides some sweetness and calories.
- Polydextrose: This is a bulking agent and fiber source that adds texture and can have a prebiotic effect. It contributes to the bar's overall mouthfeel and fiber content.
The Difference Between Sugar and Sweeteners
When Barebells states "no added sugar," they are distinguishing between the sucrose or corn syrup used in traditional sweets and the compounds they use for flavor. While the overall effect is a sweet taste, the nutritional and metabolic impact is different. The small amount of naturally occurring sugar comes from the milk products used in the bar, such as whole milk powder. This is an important distinction for consumers following low-carb diets or managing blood sugar, though they must also consider the effects of sugar alcohols.
For more information on the distinctions between different types of sweeteners, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) offers detailed guides.
Conclusion
Barebells protein bars achieve their sweet, decadent flavor using a blend of sugar alcohols like maltitol and artificial sweeteners like sucralose. This allows the company to advertise "no added sugar," which is a major selling point for health-conscious consumers. The bars contain a minimal amount of naturally occurring sugars from ingredients like milk. While this provides a low-sugar snack option, users sensitive to sugar alcohols should be aware of potential digestive side effects. For many, Barebells offers a satisfying way to enjoy a sweet treat while prioritizing protein intake and minimizing traditional sugar consumption.
Key Takeaways
- Primary Sweeteners: Barebells bars are sweetened using a combination of maltitol and sucralose, not traditional added sugars.
- Low Total Sugar: The total sugar content per bar is very low, typically 1-2 grams, derived only from naturally occurring sugars in milk proteins.
- Sugar Alcohols: Maltitol, a sugar alcohol, is used for sweetness and texture but can cause digestive issues in some people.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Sucralose is a high-intensity, calorie-free artificial sweetener that provides additional sweetness without impacting the sugar count.
- Not a Low-Calorie Food: Despite having no added sugar, Barebells bars are not a low-calorie food due to other ingredients.
- Texture Ingredients: Ingredients like glycerol and polydextrose are used as humectants and bulking agents to create a soft texture.
