The Protein Bar That Actually Tastes Like a Treat

As a sports dietitian and certified athletic trainer, I frequently evaluate and taste-test protein bars. While that may sound fun, the job often comes with disappointment — and sometimes a stomachache. Simply put, not all protein bars are created equal. Some taste great but fall short nutritionally, while others check all the nutrition boxes but taste terrible. However, a few meet even my high standards. After more than 20 years in food and nutrition, I may be as close as it gets to a protein bar connoisseur. Here is my review of BUILT Puff bars.

Protein Bar Best Practices

Protein bars are not granola bars. They should have more oomph in the calories and protein departments. Unlike fast-digesting, high-carbohydrate granola bars — which also have a place in a healthy diet — protein bars should help keep you feeling fuller longer. A well-formulated protein bar should contain 15 grams of protein or more, be relatively low in added sugar and ideally provide other beneficial nutrients, such as fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

What Is a BUILT Puff Bar?

The Utah-based BUILT brand was founded in 2018. In recent years, the company has gained popularity among both youth and adults thanks to the pillowy-soft texture and creative flavors of its BUILT Puff bars, which are widely available at major retailers, including Costco, Walmart, Target, Sam's Club and CVS. What makes these bars so compelling is their unique texture. Traditional protein bars are often dense and dry, but BUILT Puff bars are airy and pleasantly chewy — like a tube of marshmallow coated in a candy shell. BUILT Puff bars are available in a variety of flavors, including Chocolate Milkshake, Cookies 'N Cream and Peanut Butter Cup. The company also offers a line of Sour Puff flavors, including Tropical Mango Burst, Watermelon Splash and Blue Razz Blast.

What’s in BUILT Puff Bars?

The primary ingredient in BUILT Puff bars is a protein blend made from whey protein isolate and collagen. Gelatin, glycerin and palm oil help give the bars their soft, chewy texture.

Unlike many bars in this category, BUILT Puff bars are sweetened with sugar and contain no artificial sweeteners or other sugar substitutes. The bars contain milk and soy, and some varieties contain peanuts or tree nuts. Many flavors are gluten-free.

What Are the Nutrition Facts for BUILT Puff Bars?

BUILT Puff bars are reasonably sized; some may even consider them petite. Each bar weighs 40 grams, or just under 1 1/2 ounces.

One Brownie Batter bar contains 140 calories, 2.5 grams of total fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat, and 14 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains less than 1 gram of fiber and 6 grams of added sugar, equivalent to about 1.5 teaspoons. The bar delivers 17 grams of protein, although some flavors contain 15 grams, along with calcium, potassium and an impressive 20% of the Daily Value for iron.

What Are the Best-Tasting BUILT Puff Bars?

No matter which flavor you choose, these bars feature a delicate candy coating and a filling that is chewy but not overly sticky — a quality that is greatly appreciated. They are sweet, but not excessively so, another home run for the brand.

The internet may disagree, but a few standout flavors include Brownie Batter, Sour Green Apple Crush and S’mores Chunk. The chocolate coating does not disappoint, and despite not being a fan of sour candy, I still found the sour flavors appealing.

According to the company website, best-sellers include Cookie Dough Chunk, Coconut, Brownie Batter and Strawberries ’N Cream.

Verdict on BUILT Puff Bars

BUILT Puff bars live up to their viral reputation for tasting like candy bars. Their texture is a refreshing departure from the dense, uninspiring bars that dominate the category, making them a more appealing choice for a healthier snack.

While some may criticize the added sugar, it provides a more balanced sweetness and avoids the lingering aftertaste often associated with sugar substitutes.

The calorie count is low enough to make these bars a sensible sweet treat and a healthier alternative to many other craveable snacks. BUILT Puff bars are a solid option for an afternoon snack, post-workout recovery or a clever way to curb a late-night sugar craving.