Product Review: BelliWelli

Written by: Kaylee Franklin

‍

I have struggled with stomach discomfort for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been allergic to pineapple and never loved seafood, but eight years ago, something in my stomach took a turn for the worst. 

I started going to a GI doctor. After months of x-rays, MRIs, allergy testing, endoscopies, colonoscopies, and many more tests, I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I was told to go on the Low-FODMAP diet, a diet low in certain sugars that may cause intestinal distress. I wasn’t given many details apart from that and told to stick to it, eliminate foods that made my symptoms worse, and find the ones that made it better. So that’s what I did. 

After a few months, I began to notice the diet change I was going through and struggled to find good snacks that fit my diet. I struggled for a while and finally found some things that worked for me. Now, eight years later, while working for the Stairway to CEO podcast, I’ve been introduced to BelliWelli, the first lifestyle food brand that creates bars specifically designed for people like me who suffer from IBS and gut issues.

If you haven’t heard the story behind BelliWelli, I strongly encourage you to listen to our most recent episode with Katie Wilson, Co-Founder and CEO. Lee sat down with Katie to chat about how growing up she always dreamed of being a matchmaker, and how later in life she began struggling with gut issues. Katie shares the results she received from surveying over 500 people, how she fundraised while pregnant during COVID, and what it feels like to have a billboard of her company up in Times Square. It’s a really incredible story, and I am definitely on my way to ordering some more bars! 

When I heard of BelliWelli, I was so excited to try these delicious bars specifically designed for my diet! I received the Strawberry Shortcake and Cinnamon Swirl. Some of the best things about these bars are that not only do they taste good, but their certified Low-FODMAP, contain no gluten or dairy, and have probiotics in them! You really can’t get any better than that. 

Before we get to how they taste, we of course have to talk about the branding, packaging, and price. Every box ordered comes with eight bars, each individually wrapped and ready for you to grab and take for the day. The wrappers are all fun, bright, and iridescent colors, making them easy to find in your pantry. Each box is priced at $26.96 and can be bought from their website.

First up I tried the Strawberry Shortcake, a bar packed with sweet strawberries, and creamy white chips. BelliWelli describes it as “a refreshing afternoon bite that your gut will thank you for!”

This bar is delicious! It’s sweet but also light. It’s a refreshing summer treat and I was so surprised by how yummy it was! I’m a rare commodity on the spectrum of those with IBS as I can still eat gluten and have dairy, so I don’t often grab things without those ingredients, and in the past, I’ve found that I just don’t love the flavor as much, but DANG. These are so good! 

Next up was the Cinnamon Swirl, this bar is packed with real cinnamon, warm vanilla, and creamy chips. I’ve got to be honest, this one is my FAVORITE. There’s something about the creamy chips that just add to the bar and make it complete. 

This bar is like none other I’ve had before, or to correct myself I guess I should say, THESE bars. The fact that they’re specifically designed for my diet, are gluten and dairy-free, and have probiotics in them makes it all the better. They also have a wide expansion of flavors from Peaches and Crème, Cookies and Crème, Birthday Cake, Mint Chip, and so many more! I’m dying to get my hands on some of these new flavors. They also have tester boxes that let you try their four best sellers! 

If you’re on the Low-FODMAP diet and looking for a better alternative snack, or just a better for you snack in general, I highly recommend trying out BelliWelli!