Think Thin Keto: Approved Or Not?

Think Thin Bars are high-protein bars from health company thinkThin. They are claimed to be low GI (Glycemic Index) and promote better nutrition. However, they are not keto-friendly as they contain a significant amount of carbohydrates and maltitol syrup, a sugar alcohol that can cause gastrointestinal distress and raise blood sugar levels. On the other hand, Think! Keto Protein Bars are keto-approved, containing low net carbs, no artificial sweeteners, and moderate protein, making them a suitable snack option for those on a keto diet.

Are Think Thin bars keto-friendly?

Think Thin Bars are a popular range of high-protein bars from health company thinkThin. They are available in a variety of flavours, including Creamy Peanut Butter, Chunky Peanut Butter, Chocolate Strawberry, and Double Caramel Bliss.

The Think Thin High Protein Bars are not keto-friendly. With 23 grams of carbs per 60-gram bar, these bars provide more than half of the recommended maximum daily carbohydrate intake for those on a keto diet. Additionally, they contain Maltitol Syrup, a sugar alcohol with a glycemic index of 52, which could raise blood sugar levels and negatively impact ketosis.

However, think! (the company behind thinkThin) does offer keto-friendly protein bars. These bars are low in net carbs (4 grams) and sugar (2 grams), and are made with keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol and stevia. They are also gluten-free and do not contain artificial sweeteners or colours. Flavours include Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.

Maltitol Syrup: a misleading ingredient?

Maltitol syrup is a common ingredient in many sugar-free products, including the popular Think Thin Bars. While it is marketed as a safe and healthy alternative to sugar, there are several drawbacks and potential side effects associated with its consumption. In this article, we will explore the misleading nature of maltitol syrup and its impact on health, particularly in relation to keto diets.

Maltitol is a type of carbohydrate known as a sugar alcohol or polyol. It is produced from starches rich in the sugar maltose and is used as a sugar substitute. Maltitol syrup, specifically, is a hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, derived from corn syrup. It has a high sweetness level, comparable to that of sucrose (table sugar), but with half the calories. This makes it a desirable ingredient for creating low-calorie or sugar-free products.

The Dark Side of Maltitol Syrup

Despite its benefits as a sugar substitute, maltitol syrup has some significant drawbacks. Here are some of the problems associated with this ingredient:

• Indigestion: Maltitol syrup is difficult for the body to digest, often fermenting in the stomach and leading to gas and bloating.
• Diarrhea and Stomach Upset: The body's inability to effectively digest maltitol can result in unpleasant digestive issues.
• Raised Blood Sugar: Maltitol has a Glycemic Index (GI) score of 52, which is considerably higher than natural sweeteners like stevia, which scores 0. This can be a concern for diabetics and individuals on keto diets.
• Not Suitable for Diabetics: The relatively high GI score of maltitol syrup means it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, making it unsuitable for individuals with diabetes.
• Potential Weight Gain: Increased blood sugar levels can lead to higher insulin levels, which in turn can promote increased fat storage from consumed food.

Think Thin Bars and Maltitol Syrup

Think Thin Bars, a popular high-protein bar, contain maltitol syrup as a key ingredient. This presents a significant issue for individuals following a keto diet or aiming to reduce their carbohydrate intake. With 23 grams of carbs per 60-gram bar, these bars provide more than half of the recommended maximum carbohydrate intake for keto diets. Additionally, the presence of maltitol syrup further increases the risk of elevated blood sugar levels, potentially disrupting ketosis.

While maltitol syrup is marketed as a healthy alternative to sugar, it has several drawbacks that consumers should be aware of. Its potential side effects, particularly related to digestion and blood sugar levels, make it a misleading ingredient for those seeking keto-friendly or low-carb options. When considering products containing maltitol syrup, such as Think Thin Bars, it is essential to understand its impact on health and well-being to make informed choices.

Carbohydrates and calories: too high for keto?

The ketogenic diet is a popular, low-carb, high-fat diet that has been associated with weight loss and blood sugar control. To get into ketosis, most people will need to consume fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. This can be challenging as it leaves you with limited carb options, mainly vegetables and small amounts of berries.

Think Thin Bars are high-protein bars from the health company thinkThin. While they are marketed as a healthy snack option, with a serving size of 60 grams per bar and 230 calories per serving, they may be too high in carbohydrates and calories for the keto diet.

Each Think Thin Bar contains 23 grams of carbohydrates, which is over half of the recommended maximum carbohydrate intake for keto diets. Additionally, the bars contain maltitol syrup, also known as sugar alcohol, which has been linked to indigestion, diarrhea, stomach upset, and raised blood sugar levels. This ingredient may further contribute to the bar's high glycemic index score of 52, making it unsuitable for diabetics and those on a keto diet.

Therefore, while Think Thin Bars can be a convenient source of protein, they are not keto-approved due to their high carbohydrate and calorie content. For those following a keto diet, it is important to carefully monitor carbohydrate intake and choose low-carb, high-fat food options to maintain ketosis.

Flavours: which ones are available?

ThinkThin bars are available in a variety of flavours, including:

• Creamy Peanut Butter
• Chunky Peanut Butter
• Chocolate Strawberry
• Double Caramel Bliss
• Chocolate Mint (Plant Based)
• Sea Salt Almond Chocolate (Plant Based)
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough
• Lemon Delight
• Banana Oat Muffin
• Brownie Crunch
• White Chocolate
• Chocolate Crisp
• Chocolate Fudge
• Lemon Crisp
• Boston Creme Pie
• Chocolate Creme
• Chocolate Wafer
• Cookies and Creme
• Chocolate Peanut Caramel
• Strawberry Yogurt
• Blueberry Lemon Pancakes

Where to buy?

Think Thin Bars are available at numerous major retailers both online and offline.

Stores that sell Think Thin High Protein Bars include: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, CVS, Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond, and more.

Prices for a box of 10 bars are around $15.00, although some vendors do sell it cheaper. However, the shipping usually knocks it up to $15.00.

You can also buy these bars from the Think online store, Thrive Market, Kroger, Walgreens, and more. To find out where you can purchase Think Keto Bars in your local area, head over to their location finder.

Frequently asked questions