Key findings
- 1RXBARs are one of the few protein bars that achieve 12g protein from whole food sources (egg whites, nuts) rather than industrial protein isolates
- 2Dates provide natural binding and sweetness but contribute approximately 16g of sugar per bar, the sugar is natural but still sugar
- 3With a short ingredient list in most varieties, RXBARs are dramatically simpler than most protein bars
- 4Of the 80 RXBARs we score, none are Level 4 (ultra-processed) and 60 are Level 2
What goes into RXBARs products?
RXBARs are notable in the protein bar category for actually delivering on their simple-ingredient promise. The base formula of egg whites (protein source), dates (natural binding agent and sweetener), and nuts (fat and texture) creates a functional bar without the protein isolates, sugar alcohols, and emulsifiers typical of competitors. Dates serve a dual purpose: their high sugar content (primarily fructose and glucose) provides natural sweetness and their sticky texture acts as a binding agent; eliminating the need for corn syrup or industrial binders. That said, dates are essentially concentrated sugar (66g sugar per 100g), so calling them "healthy" is nuanced. Some varieties add natural flavors and sea salt. The egg whites are separated and processed (not whole eggs), which adds some processing, but the overall product remains dramatically simpler than protein bars built on isolates and long additive lists.
How 80 rxbars products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
RXBARs brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a RXBARs label
- 1
Egg whites, dates, and nuts as the first three ingredients is genuinely simple for a protein bar
- 2
Dates function as both sweetener and binder; natural but still high in sugar (about 16g per bar from dates alone)
- 3
"Natural flavors" is the one vague ingredient; it is a proprietary blend but the only non-whole-food item in most varieties
- 4
Compare the short ingredient list to Quest or Clif bars, which list far more
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Frequently asked questions
Are RXBARs really as clean as they claim?
Largely yes. Most varieties contain egg whites, dates, nuts, natural flavors, and sea salt. This is genuinely simpler than nearly all competitors. The one caveat is that "natural flavors" is a vague term that can encompass various processed flavor compounds.
Are RXBARs high in sugar?
RXBARs contain approximately 13-16g of sugar per bar, almost entirely from dates. While this is natural sugar rather than added corn syrup, it is still a significant amount. The sugar comes with the fiber and nutrients of the whole date.
How do RXBARs compare to Clif bars?
RXBARs are significantly less processed than Clif bars. Of the 80 RXBARs we score, none are Level 4 (ultra-processed) and 60 are Level 2; search Clif bars to see its products' own scores. Clif bars use brown rice syrup, soy protein isolate, and multiple industrial ingredients that RXBARs avoid entirely.