If you’re into fitness, you’ve probably heard of Built Bars. They’re all over the internet, so I was pretty surprised to see them pop up at my local Costco. I’m always on the lookout for a protein bar that doesn’t taste like chalk and gives me a good amount of protein without a ton of calories.
The box for the Built Puff Protein Bars looked good, with two flavors that sounded awesome: Brownie Batter and Coconut. The numbers on the front looked solid. It has 140 calories and 17g of protein. But are they actually tasty, or just another overhyped snack? I grabbed a box to give them an honest try.
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
Where to Find It: I found these in the snack aisle at the Pembroke Pines, Florida Costco, right next to all the other protein and granola bars.
- What You Get: The box comes with 14 bars total, which is a pretty good amount. You get 7 of the Brownie Batter Puff bars and 7 of the Coconut Puff bars.
- Allergens: Just a heads-up, both flavors contain Milk and Soy, and the label says they may contain Peanuts and Tree Nuts.
Price & Value
The 14-count box was $19.99 at Costco. That works out to about $1.43 per bar. Honestly, that’s a pretty good price. If you buy them directly from the Built website, it’s usually more expensive, especially once you add shipping. For a popular brand like this, the Costco price is definitely a solid deal.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
For those who want to know exactly what’s in each bar, here are the full ingredient lists from the box. They are very similar, with the main protein source being a collagen and whey blend.
Brownie Batter Puff Ingredients: 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.
Coconut Puff Ingredients: 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.
How Do They Taste?
This is where it gets fun, because the two flavors are totally different. The “Puff” name is all about the texture. Instead of being dense and chewy, the inside is light and airy, kind of like a marshmallow. Then the whole thing is covered in a thin layer of dark chocolate.
Brownie Batter Puff: This one is for all the chocolate lovers out there. It has a really rich, deep chocolate flavor that tastes just like licking the brownie batter spoon, but without all the guilt! The dark chocolate coating has a slight bitterness that cuts through the sweetness of the puff inside, which is a perfect balance.
Coconut Puff: This one ended up being my favorite. The coconut flavor tastes real, not like some fake, sugary candy. It reminded me of a Mounds bar, but way lighter and fluffier. The dark chocolate and sweet coconut combo is a classic for a reason. It’s just delicious. It feels more like a candy bar treat than a protein bar.
The texture on both is what makes them stand out. It’s not dense or chewy at all. It’s soft, light, and almost melts in your mouth, which is a really nice change if you’re sick of those super-heavy protein bars that feel like a workout just to chew.
Nutrition Breakdown: Are Built Puff Bars Healthy?
So, let’s look at the Built Puff protein bar nutrition facts. The two flavors are almost identical:
| Nutrition (per bar) | Brownie Batter Puff | Coconut Puff |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 140 |
| Fat | 2.5g | 3g |
| Sodium | 90mg | 85mg |
| Carbs | 14g | 13g |
| Sugars | 6g | 6g |
| Protein | 17g | 17g |
Honestly, these numbers are great. Getting 17g of protein for only 140 calories is an awesome ratio. The 6g of sugar is also pretty low compared to a lot of other bars out there. They’re a really solid choice for a snack after a workout or just to get you through that afternoon slump.
Built Puffs vs. Other Costco Protein Bars
If you’re looking at other bars like Kirkland Signature or Pure Protein, the biggest difference is the texture. Those are usually very dense and chewy, while these Built Puffs are light, soft, and feel more like a candy bar.
The Final Verdict & Rating
| Taste | Value | Nutrition | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
So, are the Built Puff bars from Costco worth the hype? For me, the answer is a definite yes. They deliver a unique texture and fantastic flavor that feels more like a treat than a typical protein bar, all with solid nutrition stats and a great price.
- You should grab a box if: You’re tired of dense, chewy protein bars and want something light, fluffy, and delicious that still packs a good protein punch.
- Maybe pass on these if: You prefer a really dense, heavy bar that feels more filling, or if you just don’t like marshmallow-like textures.
Other Costco Finds You Might Like
- For another quick protein option, check out my review of the Amylu Teriyaki & Pineapple Chicken Meatballs.
- If you’re looking for a super easy taco night solution, I also recommend the Del Real Pork Carnitas.
- And for a classic frozen favorite, you might want to try the Tyson Panko Breaded Chicken Tenderloins.