Disclaimer: I received Built Bars to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) at BibRave.com/BibRavePro, and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
It’s no secret, I love food (who doesn’t??) but I REALLY LOVE chocolate. I’ve also learned that I can’t eat the way I used to… meaning I am always on the look out for healthier versions of some of my favorite things. Gone are the days of fast food runs and certain comfort foods. But I have also learned that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or taste like cardboard.
With my active lifestyle, I am always on the lookout for stuff to take with me on my adventures that tastes great, doesn’t throw off my nutrition completely and is portable. If it’s got chocolate in it, that’s even better yet. Protein bars used to be a struggle. If they were higher in protein, they were often higher in sugar and fat… and many times tasted like something I really didn’t want to eat. Eating something good for you should not make you cringe every time you took a bite!
Then I discovered Built Bar! I ordered my first sample pack a few years ago and was hooked! These amazing little bars have been a staple in my pantry ever since!
I was excited to join my friends at BibRave to share my love of these amazing little treasures! As you all know, when I find something I like, I tend to share… and these bars are definitely share worthy!
I was excited to receive 3 boxes of goodness in the mail a few weeks ago! A box each of the Peanut Butter and Coconut Almond bars, as well as a Mixed box other flavors! In that mixed box, I received a mix of the following flavors:
- Double Chocolate Mousse
- Orange Chocolate Creme
- Raspberry Chocolate Creme
- Salted Caramel Chocolate
- Vanilla Chocolate Creme
- Banana Chocolate Creme
- Mint Brownie Delite
- Black Cherry Chocolate Creme
Jackpot! Now, I could have kept these to myself, and enjoyed them for the next few months myself (combined with the stash that was already in my pantry, I was set for a while), but I opted to share with my running friends.
So many of my friends are always looking for new options for fuel, nutrition and even treats, so why not share? In the last few weeks, I have often left the house with baggies full of goodness to share with others!
Why do I love these bars so much? It’s simple
- Gluten Free
- NO Artificial Flavoring or Coloring
- NO Artificial Preservatives
- NO GMO
- NO Wax
- NO Junk
All that combined with great taste, it’s a true winner!
When you first bite into one of these bars, it is something that you wouldn’t expect! These are not your usually grainy, chalky protein bars! The filling is more of a nougat… kinda like a 3 Musketeers Bar, but a little denser. Taking a extra large bite will require a bit a chewing, so take that as a warning… these are designed to be enjoyed, not stuffed in your mouth and eaten in 3 bites. They are perfect on the go (just don’t leave them in your car too long during summer as you could end up with a soupy mess)
The flavor combinations take these bars to the next level! While I do love many of them, a few have come out on top as favorites. The Peanut Butter ones taste as close to a PB cup as I have found, and the Coconut Almond are the perfect alternative to a Almond Joy, but with a fraction of the fat, calories, sugar and NONE of the artificial junk! These truly have taken the place of candy bars in my life. My husband has actually started taking these with him to work instead of hitting the vending machines, which means that I have had to increase the stash I keep on hand!
Also keep in mind, not all chocolate is created equal! As I have gotten older, I have learned to appreciate some of the finer things in life… and good chocolate is one of them! I am willing to spend a little extra for quality. The Dark Chocolate that Built uses is nothing short of amazing!
From the website:
The use of high-quality chocolate could be considered one of the ‘secrets’ of Built Bar. Our perfectly tempered dark chocolate mixes with our naturally flavored protein base to produce a flavor combination reminiscent of high quality candy or dessert. The lingering chocolate aftertaste – your last impression of the bar – is in sharp contrast to other protein bars which have quite negative aftertastes. Though our choice of chocolate does contribute a small amount of sugar to the bar, we have found that the fiber and protein present greatly decrease the rate of sugar absorption, which is known to significantly reduce, or potentially eliminate, blood sugar spikes in either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetics.
Yes, there is sugar in them, but it is far less than any other protein bar that I have found (especially those worth eating).
Want to take you Built Bar to the next level? Throw a few in the freezer! A chilled/frozen Built Bar is the perfect treat on a warm day or after a long run! I also think that freezing them brings out even more of the flavor!
Ready to try Built Bars for yourself? Or already a fan of Built and need to replenish your stock? Head on over to their website and order yours today! *but don’t order all the new s’more ones and cashew caramel ones before I get my order placed! Be sure to use code BUILTNOW for 20% off your order too!
Happy eating!