Built Bars have gained popularity in the fitness community as a tasty and filling snack that's relatively low in calories. But are they truly keto-friendly? Let's delve into the ingredients, macronutrient profile, and potential effects of Built Bars to determine their place in a ketogenic diet.
Ingredients and "Ketomacy"
To assess the keto-friendliness of Built Bars, we need to examine their ingredients. Fortunately, they contain erythritol, a keto-friendly sugar alcohol that doesn't significantly impact blood sugar levels. You'll typically see additives like maltodextrin closer to the end of the ingredient list. We also see fats such as cocoa butter.
However, it's important to be mindful of other additives, such as preservatives or thickeners, which might contain hidden carbs or trigger a glycemic response. While these additives are usually present in small amounts, it's always best to opt for bars with minimal net sugars whenever possible.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Built Bar has broken down the macronutrient ratio of their bars on their site in comparison to other bars. Each Built Bar contains around 4-6g of net carbs, thanks to approximately 6g of fiber per bar. Since fiber is indigestible, it doesn't count towards net carbs on a keto diet.
As a protein bar, Built Bars offer a decent amount of protein, ranging from 17-19g per serving. In comparison to other popular protein bars, Built Bars are generally lower in calories and sugars, compensating for their lower fat content with a higher protein content.
Read also: Your guide to keto-friendly bars
From a macro perspective (macronutrients = carbs, protein, fats), BUILT Bars are actually quite balanced. The protein content is solid, and they’re relatively low in fat and carbs compared to other options. Want a deeper dive on the macro breakdown?
Taste and Texture
A crucial aspect of any food product is its taste! The salted caramel Built Bar flavor is a standout choice, while the fruit flavors may have a more artificial taste. Their texture is a mixture between marshmallow and gooey caramel. Have you seen the new Built Bar flavors in the wild?
Potential Downsides
While Built Bars have some positive attributes, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Some individuals may experience digestive issues due to the presence of sugar alcohols, particularly erythritol. This is because your body uses fat as its primary energy source on a keto diet to produce ketones.
Balancing Act
Built Bars can have a place in a keto diet, especially as a tool to help hit your protein goals, curb cravings, or swap out higher-calorie snacks and desserts. They’re best used as snacks or pre/post-workout fuel. They are sweetened with sugar alcohols like erythritol and stevia-no aspartame or sucralose.
However, it's important to remember that they aren't a whole food snack and may not provide the same nutritional benefits as other keto-friendly options with a more favorable fat content.
Read also: Guilt-Free Chocolate Treat
Read also: Looking for a healthy dessert? Check out this keto Tagalong bars recipe.