You've probably seen Built Bars on store shelves or social media, enticing with promises of high protein, low sugar, and great taste. But the question remains: are Built Bars good for you? The answer isn't as simple as yes or no, as it mainly depends on your specific dietary needs and fitness goals. Let's delve into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Built Bars come in various flavors, from chocolate chip cookie dough to sour grape, catering to a wide range of taste buds. They're designed to be a convenient, high-protein snack, making them popular among fitness enthusiasts and busy individuals looking for a quick energy boost.
Nutritional Profile
At first glance, Built Bars appear to be a solid nutritional choice. With around 150 calories each and 18-19g of protein, they're lower in calories and higher in protein than many other snack bars. They're also low in sugar, with only 1-2g per bar, thanks to sugar alcohols and stevia.
However, a closer look reveals that they contain some controversial ingredients and may not fit everyone's dietary preferences or health goals.
Protein Source
Built Bars derive their high protein content from a blend of whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate. While whey is a complete protein and readily absorbed, milk protein may pose issues for those with lactose intolerance. Additionally, the bars contain soy protein, which some people prefer to avoid due to potential estrogenic effects.
The high protein content makes Built Bars an excellent between-meal snack for active individuals. However, if you're sensitive to dairy or soy, or prefer plant-based protein sources, you might want to consider other protein bar options.
Crafted With Controversial Ingredients
Built BarsANGUAGE uses a variety of controversial ingredients to achieve their taste, texture, and nutritional profile. For instance, they contain sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive upset in some individuals when consumed in large amounts.
Furthermore, the bars are sweetened with sucralose and stevia, artificial sweeteners that may not sit well with everyone's diet or personal beliefs. Although they're low in calories, some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether.
Fiber and Micronutrients
Unlike many other protein bars, Built Bars aren't fortified with vitamins and minerals, which could be a concern if you're relying on them as a meal replacement. They also don't contain a significant amount of fiber, with only about 1-2g per bar.
While the bars do contain some calcium from the milk protein, they're not a substantial source of essential micronutrients. If you're relying on Built Bars for a significant portion of your daily caloric intake, you'll still need to ensure you're consuming a balanced diet to meet your nutrient needs.
Satisfaction and Appropriate Use
One advantage of Built Bars is their satisfying taste and texture. They're designed to mimic the taste and mouthfeel of a candy bar, with an outer layer that melts in your mouth and a chewy center. This could make them a useful tool for preventing overindulgence in less healthy snacks.
Given their calorie and macronutrient content, Built Bars are best suited as a snack or post-workout treat, rather than a meal replacement. Remember, portion control is essential, as even healthy snacks can contribute to excess calorie intake if not managed carefully.
So, are Built Bars good for you? It depends. If you're an active individual looking for a convenient, high-protein snack that tastes great, then they can certainly be a part of a balanced diet. However, if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, such as needing dairy-free or plant-based protein, or wanting to avoid artificial sweeteners, you might want to explore other protein bar options.