Are you a fan of Atkins bars but unsure about the sugar alcohols they contain?
You’re not alone. With so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know what to believe.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the sugar alcohols found in Atkins bars and whether they’re truly keto-friendly. We’ll also explore the impact of sugar alcohols on blood sugar levels and offer some tips for reading food labels.
So, if you’re curious about what’s really in your favorite low-carb snack, keep reading!
What Sugar Alcohols Are In Atkins Bars?
Atkins bars are a popular choice for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. But what exactly are sugar alcohols, and which ones can be found in Atkins bars?
Sugar alcohols are a type of sweetener that are commonly used in low-carb products as a substitute for sugar. They’re called “sugar alcohols” because their chemical structure is similar to both sugar and alcohol.
In Atkins bars, the most common sugar alcohol used is maltitol. Maltitol is a sweetener that is often used in low-carb products because it has fewer calories than sugar and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels as much as regular sugar.
However, it’s important to note that maltitol can still have an impact on blood sugar levels, especially in larger quantities. This means that while Atkins bars may be low in net carbs, they may not be completely keto-friendly for some people.
Understanding Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate that have a molecular structure similar to both sugar and alcohol. They’re often used as a sugar substitute in low-carb products because they have fewer calories and don’t raise blood sugar levels as much as regular sugar.
There are several different types of sugar alcohols, including erythritol, maltitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, isomalt, lactitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Of these, erythritol is the only sugar alcohol that doesn’t affect blood glucose levels and can be deducted from total carbohydrate content when reading a food label.
When counting carbohydrates for products made with sugar alcohols, it’s recommended to subtract half of the grams of sugar alcohol listed on the food label. However, it’s important to note that some sugar alcohols can still raise blood sugar levels in some people and may cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or bloating.
The Sugar Alcohols In Atkins Bars
While maltitol is the most common sugar alcohol used in Atkins bars, there are some varieties that do not contain any sugar alcohols at all. For example, the Atkins Harvest Bars, which were released in 2016, do not contain any sugar alcohols and are sweetened with a blend of natural sweeteners like stevia and erythritol.
It’s important to note that not all sugar alcohols are created equal. Some, like erythritol, have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels and can be deducted from total carbohydrate content when calculating net carbs. However, others, like maltitol, can cause a significant increase in blood sugar levels and should be counted as regular carbohydrates.
If you’re following a ketogenic diet and are concerned about the impact of sugar alcohols on your blood sugar levels, it’s important to read the ingredient list carefully and look for products that use keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia. Additionally, if you have diabetes and are using insulin to manage your blood sugar levels, you may need to consider the impact of net carbs on your insulin dosage and speak with your healthcare provider for guidance.
Are Sugar Alcohols Keto-Friendly?
When it comes to the keto diet, sugar intake should be limited as it can cause blood sugar levels to rise and make it difficult for the body to remain in ketosis. This is where sugar alcohols come in as they have a much less significant effect on blood sugar levels and are commonly found in keto-friendly products, including Atkins bars.
However, not all sugar alcohols are created equal. Some have a higher glycemic index than others, meaning they can still cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Maltitol, for example, has a glycemic index of 35, which is higher than erythritol (GI of 1), a sugar alcohol that is considered a good keto-friendly option.
While most sugar alcohols are considered to be keto-friendly due to their negligible effect on blood sugar levels, it’s important to be mindful of the type and amount of sugar alcohols consumed. Some people may still experience gastrointestinal side effects from consuming certain sugar alcohols, so it’s best to scale back intake if necessary.
The Impact Of Sugar Alcohols On Blood Sugar Levels
Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate that can have an impact on blood sugar levels, although their impact is less than that of regular sugar. Sugar alcohols are processed by the body in a different way than other carbohydrates, and some may raise blood sugar by a little while others may not increase it at all.
In the case of Atkins bars, the most common sugar alcohol used is maltitol. While maltitol has fewer calories than sugar and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels as much, it can still have an impact on blood sugar levels if consumed in large quantities. This means that while Atkins bars may be low in net carbs, they may not be completely keto-friendly for some people.
It’s important to note that the safe recommended intake of sugar alcohol intake is 10-15 grams per day. Eating too many sugar alcohols may cause digestive complaints like gas, cramping, and diarrhea. Additionally, some sugar alcohols can contribute to spikes in blood sugar levels, so it’s important to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels when consuming foods with sugar alcohols.
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, it’s generally safe for you to eat foods containing sugar alcohol. However, since sugar alcohol is a carbohydrate, you will still need to watch the portion size and include the carbohydrates in your daily carb total. It’s always best to talk with your doctor or a dietitian about your overall health and eating habits to determine if sugar alcohols are OK for you.
Tips For Reading Food Labels On Atkins Bars
When it comes to reading food labels on Atkins bars, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you navigate the label:
1. Look for the net carb count: The net carb count is the total number of carbs minus the grams of fiber and sugar alcohols. This is the number that matters most on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
2. Check the ingredients list: Look for maltitol, the most common sugar alcohol used in Atkins bars. If you’re sensitive to sugar alcohols, you may want to avoid bars that contain maltitol.
3. Watch out for serving sizes: Like many packaged foods, Atkins bars often have smaller serving sizes than you might expect. Be sure to check the serving size and adjust your calculations accordingly.
4. Be aware of other ingredients: While sugar alcohols may be low in carbs, some Atkins bars contain other ingredients that may not be keto-friendly, such as vegetable oils or artificial flavors.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make informed choices when it comes to incorporating Atkins bars into your low-carb or ketogenic diet.
