Is Built Puff Coconut Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the functional ingredients rather than just the flavor. Built Puff Coconut uses a Premium Collagen Protein Blend (Collagen Peptides and Whey Protein Isolate). The 'Isolate' form of whey is highly processed to remove most lactose and fat, which is why Built markets this as dairy-free. However, from a kosher perspective, whey is a dairy ingredient.

The major flag here is Gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from the collagen in animal skin, bones, and connective tissues. It is the primary structural agent that gives the bar its 'marshmallow' texture. For a product to be considered kosher, the gelatin must come from a kosher-certified source (usually beef hide treated under strict rabbinical supervision). Without a specific kosher symbol (like a 'U' in a circle) on the package, the gelatin source is unknown and assumed non-kosher.

Finally, the Dark Chocolate and Natural Flavors are generally acceptable, but in the world of kosher certification, 'natural flavors' can sometimes be derived from non-kosher sources (like castoreum or specific plant extracts processed with non-kosher equipment). Without the certification seal, the consumer is essentially trusting the manufacturer's general compliance rather than verified supervision.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Built Puff Coconut is designed as a mass-gainer or recovery snack. It is calorie-dense, typically hovering around 200-230 calories per bar depending on the specific batch size. The Glycerin and Sugar act as humectants and sweeteners, contributing to the high carbohydrate count.

The protein content is high (usually around 18g), which is excellent for muscle recovery. However, if you are watching your sugar intake for weight loss, this bar contains enough added sugar to spike insulin. It fits well into a bulking diet or an active lifestyle where carb re-fueling is necessary, but it is not a 'light' snack.