Milly Gaines
Think Thin bars are marketed as a convenient sweet treat for those on the ketogenic diet that won't kick them out of ketosis. However, opinions vary on whether they are truly keto-friendly. Some people claim that they have successfully eaten these bars while remaining in ketosis, while others argue that they have had negative experiences with stomach pains and weight gain. The bars contain sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can induce hormonal responses and upset the digestive system. They are also highly processed, and some people find that they are more likely to binge eat them, which can be detrimental to the keto diet. Overall, while Think Thin bars may be a tempting treat for those on the keto diet, it is important to exercise moderation and be mindful of potential side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | High in carbs, but net carbs per serving vary. |
| Sugar | 0g of sugar, but contains sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can cause digestive issues. |
| Ketosis | May not kick you out of ketosis, but can cause blood sugar spikes. |
| Calories | Calorie-dense, but can be easy to overeat. |
| Taste | Subjective, but generally positive reviews. |
| Price | Can be expensive. |
| Convenience | Portable and convenient. |
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What You'll Learn
Think Thin bars may not be compatible with keto
The bars are highly processed and may contain sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can cause gastric distress and upset the digestive system. They are also high in carbohydrates, which may induce hormonal responses similar to those caused by real carbs, potentially leading to blood sugar spikes and cravings for more sweets.
Additionally, some people find that Think Thin bars do not satisfy their hunger and may lead to consuming more calories overall. The bars are also easily overeaten, which can be an issue for those trying to moderate their intake.
For these reasons, some people on the keto diet choose to avoid Think Thin bars and opt for whole, real foods instead. They may also choose alternative protein bars that are specifically designed to be keto-friendly, such as those available from Quest or Costco. These alternatives may be a better option for those looking for a convenient sweet treat that won't negatively impact their ketosis.
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The bars contain maltitol, a sugar alcohol
Sugar alcohols are found naturally in some fruits and vegetables and are considered carbohydrates. They are typically manufactured rather than being used in their natural form. Sugar alcohols are used as sweeteners and bulking agents. They are also used to add texture to food, retain moisture, and prevent browning.
Maltitol is a sugar alcohol (a polyol) used as a sugar substitute and laxative. It has 75–90% of the sweetness of sucrose (table sugar) and nearly identical properties, except for browning. It is used to replace table sugar because it is half as calorific, does not promote tooth decay, and has a somewhat lesser effect on blood glucose. It is used in sugar-free hard candy, chewing gum, chocolates, baked goods, and ice cream.
Think Thin bars use large amounts of maltitol, which has a glycemic index of 36 (more than half the GI of table sugar). People with diabetes should remember that maltitol is a carbohydrate and has an effect on blood glucose. It’s important to monitor intake and read labels.
Sugar alcohols have some negative side effects. The most common side effect is the possibility of bloating and diarrhea when eaten in excessive amounts. Sugar alcohols can also cause weight gain if overeaten.
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Sugar alcohols can cause gastric distress
Think Thin bars are marketed as a convenient sweet treat for those on the ketogenic diet. While they are low in carbohydrates, they contain sugar alcohols, which can cause gastric distress.
Sugar alcohols are neither sugar nor alcohol but are called such because they resemble both chemically. They are often used as sweeteners in commercially produced packaged snacks and are commonly marketed as "good for diabetes" because they are low-glycemic and do not cause sudden blood sugar spikes. They are also used in sugar-free chewing gum, candy, protein bars, and toothpaste.
However, sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially if consumed in excess. This is because the human body cannot fully absorb sugar alcohols, which then pass through the small intestine and are fermented in the large intestine. This can lead to the growth of gut bacteria that pull water into the gut, causing osmotic diarrhea. Additionally, the consumption of sugar alcohols has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and abnormal flatulence.
While sugar alcohols may be a good option for those looking for a low-calorie sweetener, it is important to be mindful of the potential gastric distress they can cause. For individuals with IBS or other gastrointestinal issues, sugar alcohols may aggravate their symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to consume sugar alcohols in moderation and be cautious of products that contain large amounts of these substances.
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The bars may not be suitable for emotional eaters
Emotional eaters may find that Think Thin bars are not a suitable option for them. These bars can be triggering for emotional eaters, leading to binge eating and consuming more calories than intended.
Think Thin bars are designed to be a convenient sweet treat for those on a ketogenic diet, and they are marketed as a low-carb, gluten-free option with no artificial sweeteners. However, they may not be the best choice for emotional eaters who struggle with food cravings and portion control.
One issue with Think Thin bars is that they can be highly addictive, making it difficult for emotional eaters to stick to the recommended serving size. Emotional eaters may find themselves eating the entire box, as mentioned in a review, which can lead to excess calorie intake and weight gain.
Additionally, Think Thin bars contain sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can have negative effects on blood sugar levels and cause digestive issues such as stomach pains and IBS. These bars are also highly processed, and while they may not kick you out of ketosis, they may not improve your overall health or your relationship with food.
For emotional eaters, it may be better to focus on whole, real foods and address the underlying emotional triggers that lead to binge eating. While Think Thin bars can be a convenient option for those on a keto diet, they may not support the development of a healthy relationship with food, which is crucial for emotional eaters.
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There are alternative keto-friendly bars available
While Think Thin bars may be a convenient snack option for those on the keto diet, they may not be the best choice for everyone. Some people may find that these bars trigger sweet cravings or cause gastric distress due to the additives used to lower their carb content.
If you're looking for a bar with a simpler ingredient list, EPIC offers bars made with real meat and simple ingredients, giving them a jerky-like texture. Their Venison Sea Salt + Pepper flavour has received positive reviews for its taste and whole food ingredients.
For those with a sweet tooth, Perfect Keto Bars have been described as tasting more like candy bars than power bars, while still providing 11 grams of protein and only 2-3 grams of net carbs per bar. These bars are formulated with high-quality ingredients to keep you in ketosis and provide sustained energy.
Additionally, you can explore options like Quest Hero bars, which have a crunchy texture and a variety of flavours beyond the typical chocolate offerings. IQ bars are another delicious option with 2-3 carbs and 12 grams of protein, free from maltitol and made with healthy ingredients.
With a range of keto-friendly bars on the market, you can find alternatives to Think Thin bars that align with your taste preferences and dietary goals, ensuring a more enjoyable and successful keto journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Think Thin bars are not considered keto-friendly by many people due to their high carbohydrate content. However, some people report that they can fit them into their carb limit without impacting ketosis. The bars also contain sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can cause digestive issues and blood sugar spikes.
Some keto-friendly alternatives to Think Thin bars include Quest bars, low-carb protein bars from Costco, and the Think! Keto Protein Bars, which have 4g of net carbs and 10g of whey protein.
It depends on your individual metabolism and the amount you consume. Some people report that they can eat Think Thin bars in moderation without affecting ketosis, while others find that they experience blood sugar spikes and digestive issues. It's important to monitor your blood ketone levels and watch for any negative side effects.
