As someone who frequently relies on convenient, healthy, portable snacks, I’m always looking for the best protein bars. In this blog post, I’m putting one of my long-time favorites to the test: Built Bars. Get ready for a detailed Built Bar review where I’ll break down their taste, texture, ingredients, and nutritional information to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.
If you’re on the hunt for a protein bar that can keep up with a busy lifestyle while keeping your blood sugars in check, you’ve come to the right place!
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Built Bar Review: Overview
Built Brands was founded in 2018. Built aimed to disrupt the protein bar market by offering unique, candy-like flavors with a good nutritional profile (typically 130-180 calories and at least 17 grams of protein per bar). What started as a small 700-square-foot facility in Springfield, Utah, has grown to be headquartered in a 240,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in American Fork, Utah, employing over 300 people locally. Their mission is to build the best-tasting protein bar on the planet.
Built bars were initially primarily sold online only. However, they have expanded into major retailers like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Costco, and Amazon.
When I first tried Built Bars, I was immediately hooked. They literally taste like chocolate-coated marshmallows! I had never experienced any other protein bar with a texture like Built Bars. They are the opposite of those dense, chewy bars that many think of when they picture a protein bar.
Types and Flavors Available
One of the most exciting aspects of Built Bars is the sheer variety of types and flavors they offer. Whether you prefer a classic protein bar or their lighter “Puff,” there’s likely a Built Bar flavor to satisfy your cravings. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically find:
Types of Built Bars
- Original Built Bars: These are the flagship products, known for their chewy texture and 100% real dark chocolate coating. They typically offer around 17 grams of protein and 130-180 calories per bar.
- Built Puffs: This line boasts a lighter, airier, marshmallow-like texture with a chocolate coating. Puffs also provide a good amount of protein (around 15-17 grams) with a similar calorie range to the original bars. They often include added collagen.
Flavors
Built Bars are known for their extensive and frequently changing flavor selection. Here’s a glimpse into the diverse world of Built Bar flavors you might encounter:
- Chocolate Classics: You’ll often find staples like Chocolate Mint, S’mores, Chocolate Milkshake, and variations incorporating nuts like Peanut Butter Puff.
- Fruity & Creamy Delights: Flavors such as Coconut Chocolate, Strawberries ‘N Cream, and Banana Cream Pie are currently available.
- Dessert-Inspired Creations: Built often recreates popular dessert flavors in a healthier format. Examples include Cookie Dough Chunk, Cookies ‘n cream, Salted Caramel, Brownie Batter, and even unique options like Churro.
- Seasonal and Limited-Time Offerings: Built is known for occasionally releasing new and limited-edition flavors, often tied to seasons or specific holidays. This keeps their product line fresh and exciting. For a limited time, you might find flavors like Pumpkin Spice, Candy Cane Brownie, or other unique surprises.
Built Bar Review: Nutritional Analysis
Now let’s take a look at the nutritional information for the Coconut Built Puff bars.
- Carbs: The Coconut Built Bars have 13 grams of carbohydrates.
- Sugar: These bars have 6 grams of sugar. They also contain 6g of sugar alcohols, so beware if you are sensitive to this.
- Protein: Each bar contains 17 grams of protein, which is helpful for satiety and muscle building.
- Fat: Each bar has 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, and no trans fat.
- Fiber: If you are looking for a high-fiber bar, Built Bars are likely not for you as they have no fiber. We recommend pairing your Built Bar with a serving of fruit or a vibi+ water to get the added fiber. If you are looking for a protein bar with more fiber, check out our reviews of Quest Bars or TruBar.
Ingredients in Built Bars
The ingredients in Coconut Built Puff Bars include:
- Premium Collagen Protein Blend: (Partially Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate, Collagen)
- Glycerin
- Sugar
- Water
- Palm and Palm Kernel Oil
- Cocoa Processed with Alkali
- Gelatin
- Natural Flavors
- Cultured Dextrose
- Nonfat Milk
- Soy Lecithin
Please note that ingredient lists can sometimes change slightly. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the nutrition label on the specific package of Built Bars that you have.
If you have food allergies or intolerances, be aware that these Built Bars contain milk and soy. Other flavors also contain gluten. They also may contain peanuts and tree nuts.
Taste and Texture
Built Bar and Built Puff Bars aren’t your typical chalky protein bars. Instead, they are light and airy with an almost marshmallow-like center. To top things off, they are coated in a smooth, decadent chocolate coating.
Built bars are a surprisingly indulgent treat that manage to provide a decent amount of protein without sacrificing taste.
Diabetes Friendliness
Managing diabetes while needing quick and convenient fuel can be a challenge. That’s why I appreciate Built Bars, which, with only 13 grams of total carbohydrates (6 grams from sugar alcohols), tend to be quite blood sugar-friendly for me.
Unlike some other protein bars that can cause a blood sugar spike, Built Bars generally require only a small amount of insulin to keep my levels steady. This makes them a reliable choice when I’m on the go and need a satisfying snack without worrying about a blood sugar rollercoaster for the rest of the day.
In Summary
If the idea of a protein bar that fills your belly and satisfies your sweet tooth with fun dessert-like flavors while being mindful of blood sugar levels appeals to you, Built Bars are certainly worth exploring!
However, these bars contain minimal fiber, which plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar control. Additionally, the 6 grams of sugar alcohol is another factor to consider, particularly regarding potential digestive issues for those who are sensitive to sugar alcohols.
To empower yourself with more knowledge and guidance in selecting the best protein bars for your lifestyle, make sure to download a free copy of the Best Protein Bars for Diabetes!
If there are other protein bars you’d like me to write a review on similar to this Built Bar review, please leave it in the comments below!