Ever eaten a protein bar and spent the next hour regretting it? That's usually not the protein. It's the polyols, and most people have no idea how much of it they're eating because the number hides in plain sight on the nutrition panel.
Jump to:
- What are polyols?
- Why protein bars use so much of them
- The bloating problem, and the label rule
- How Beast Bar compares
- Common myths
- Polyols FAQs
What Are Polyols?
Polyols, also called sugar alcohols, are low-calorie sweeteners like maltitol, erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol. They taste sweet, add bulk and texture, and carry fewer calories than sugar, which is exactly why they're everywhere in "low sugar" and "high protein" bars. The catch: your gut doesn't fully absorb them, and what doesn't get absorbed ferments in the colon.
Why Protein Bars Use So Much of Them
Protein itself doesn't taste like much, and high-protein bars need something to bind, sweeten and add chew without piling on sugar and calories. Polyols solve all three problems at once, which is why they've become a default ingredient across the category rather than the exception.
The Bloating Problem, and the Label Rule
This is where it goes wrong for a lot of people. Unabsorbed polyols draw water into the gut and get fermented by bacteria, producing gas. The effect is dose-dependent, small amounts are fine for most people, larger amounts cause bloating, cramping and, bluntly, a laxative effect. It's common enough that EU food labelling rules require any product containing more than 10g of polyols per 100g to carry a warning that "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." That's a regulatory line, not a marketing claim, if a bar needs that warning, it's telling you something real about the dose.
How Beast Bar Compares
Beast Bar contains 7.3g of polyols per 80g bar, 9.1g per 100g, just under that 10g/100g regulatory threshold. That's despite being a genuinely large bar at 80g with 25g of protein, most competitors' bars are smaller and still land at or above the threshold that triggers the laxative-effect warning. More bar, more protein, and a formulation that deliberately keeps polyol levels down rather than leaning on them to hit a macro target.
Common Myths
- "Sugar-free means gut-friendly." Often the opposite. Removing sugar frequently means adding more polyols to compensate for sweetness and texture, which is exactly what causes the bloating.
- "If a bar upsets your stomach, you're protein-sensitive." Rarely the protein. Check the polyols line on the nutrition panel before blaming the protein content.
- "All high-protein bars are basically the same." Formulation varies hugely, particularly on the polyol side, which is precisely the ingredient most people never check.
Polyols FAQs
Eddie's take: "Nobody wants to be caught out mid-session because a protein bar wrecked their stomach. Check the label. It's not complicated, most people just don't know to look."
Beast Foods
Beast Bar Salted Caramel Box of...
12 x 80g£29.99
BEAST BAR™ - NOT YOUR AVERAGE SNACK.
Beast Bar is 80g and delivers 25g of protein. Most bars on the market are 45–50g with 15g of protein. Beast Bar is 60% bigger and gives you 60% more protein, enrobed in real milk chocolate with 34% cocoa solids.†
Thick. Indulgent. Coated in real milk chocolate, not that waxy compound stuff the other guys use. Salted caramel layered through the middle. The kind of bar you actually look forward to, not something you choke down because you hit your macros.
And despite being 60% bigger than most bars on the market, it's formulated with lower levels of the ingredients that cause bloating, gas, and cramps. More bar. Less bloat. The others can't say that.
†Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Ingredients
Protein Blend (35%) [Milk Proteins, Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen, Soya Protein Nuggets (Soya Protein Isolate)], Milk Chocolate (18%) [Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Natural Vanilla Flavouring], Caramel Flavour Layer (11%) [Oligofructose, Humectant (Vegetable Glycerol), Shea Oil, Water, Palm Kernel, Butter (Milk), Palm Oil, Emulsifiers (Mono- Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Sorbitan Tristearate, Rapeseed Lecithin, Sunflower Lecithin), Carob Germ Flour, Salt, Colour (Plain Caramel), Natural Flavouring], Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Glucose Syrup, Rapeseed Oil, Sweetener (Maltitol), Humectant (Vegetable Glycerol), Natural Flavourings, Colour (Plain Caramel), Sea Salt. Milk Chocolate: Cocoa solids (34%), Milk Solids (20%).
Allergens
For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May contain wheat. Not suitable for nut or peanut allergy sufferers.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, consume within 24 hours.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
Beast Bar Salted Caramel - Single...
80g£2.99
BEAST BAR™ - NOT YOUR AVERAGE SNACK.
Beast Bar is 80g and delivers 25g of protein. Most bars on the market are 45–50g with 15g of protein. Beast Bar is 60% bigger and gives you 60% more protein, enrobed in real milk chocolate with 34% cocoa solids.†
Thick. Indulgent. Coated in real milk chocolate, not that waxy compound stuff the other guys use. Salted caramel layered through the middle. The kind of bar you actually look forward to, not something you choke down because you hit your macros.
And despite being 60% bigger than most bars on the market, it's formulated with lower levels of the ingredients that cause bloating, gas, and cramps. More bar. Less bloat. The others can't say that.
†Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Ingredients
Protein Blend (35%) [Milk Proteins, Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen, Soya Protein Nuggets (Soya Protein Isolate)], Milk Chocolate (18%) [Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Natural Vanilla Flavouring], Caramel Flavour Layer (11%) [Oligofructose, Humectant (Vegetable Glycerol), Shea Oil, Water, Palm Kernel, Butter (Milk), Palm Oil, Emulsifiers (Mono- Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Sorbitan Tristearate, Rapeseed Lecithin, Sunflower Lecithin), Carob Germ Flour, Salt, Colour (Plain Caramel), Natural Flavouring], Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Glucose Syrup, Rapeseed Oil, Sweetener (Maltitol), Humectant (Vegetable Glycerol), Natural Flavourings, Colour (Plain Caramel), Sea Salt. Milk Chocolate: Cocoa solids (34%), Milk Solids (20%).
Allergens
For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May contain wheat. Not suitable for nut or peanut allergy sufferers.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, consume within 24 hours.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
BEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per...
40gfrom
£3.49
£13.96
60g of protein per 100g. Nothing else to say.
Beast Biltong is made from 100% British and Irish beef, expertly marinated and air-dried using traditional South African methods. Each 40g bag delivers 24g of protein at just 109kcal, with virtually zero fat. No MSG, no gluten, no nitrates, no allergens.†
No filler. No compromise. Just beef, salt, and spice. Made in the United Kingdom.
Nutritional values shown are for Original flavour. Protein content (24g) is consistent across all flavours. Values may vary slightly by flavour. See packaging for full details.
†Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Ingredients
Original
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.
Made in the UK
Peri Peri
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.
Made in the UK
Smoky BBQ
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate, Garlic Powder, Brown Sugar, Smoke Flavouring.
Garlic and Herb
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Garlic, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.
Made in the UK
Warnings
Store in a cool dry place and consume within 48 hours once opened. The oxygen absorber in this pack is not for consumption.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
BEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per...
12 x 40g£34.99
£41.88
60g of protein per 100g. Nothing else to say.
Beast Biltong is made from 100% British and Irish beef, expertly marinated and air-dried using traditional South African methods. Each 40g bag delivers 24g of protein at just 109kcal, with virtually zero fat. No MSG, no gluten, no nitrates, no allergens.†
No filler. No compromise. Just beef, salt, and spice. Made in the United Kingdom.
Nutritional values shown are for Original flavour. Protein content (24g) is consistent across all flavours. Values may vary slightly by flavour. See packaging for full details.
†Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Ingredients
Original
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.
Made in the UK
Peri Peri
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.
Made in the UK
Garlic and Herb
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Garlic, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.
Made in the UK
Smoky BBQ
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate, Garlic Powder, Brown Sugar, Smoke Flavouring.
Made in the UK
Warnings
Store in a cool dry place and consume within 48 hours once opened. The oxygen absorber in this pack is not for consumption.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
BEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per...
32 x 40g£79.99
£111.68
60g of protein per 100g. Nothing else to say.
Beast Biltong is made from 100% British and Irish beef, expertly marinated and air-dried using traditional South African methods. Each 40g bag delivers 24g of protein at just 109kcal, with virtually zero fat. No MSG, no gluten, no nitrates, no allergens.†
No filler. No compromise. Just beef, salt, and spice. Made in the United Kingdom.
Nutritional values shown are for Original flavour. Protein content (24g) is consistent across all flavours. Values may vary slightly by flavour. See packaging for full details.
†Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Ingredients
Original
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.
Made in the UK
Peri Peri
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.
Made in the UK
Smoky BBQ
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate, Garlic Powder, Brown Sugar, Smoke Flavouring.
Made in the UK
Garlic and Herb
Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Garlic, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.
Made in the UK
Warnings
Store in a cool dry place and consume within 48 hours once opened. The oxygen absorber in this pack is not for consumption.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
References
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers, Annex III, Part A(1), which mandates the statement "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects" on foods containing more than 10g of polyols per 100g.
This article is for informational purposes only. Individual tolerance to polyols and sugar alcohols varies, if you experience persistent digestive discomfort, consult a healthcare professional.