Is Rxbars Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
RXBARs are Level 2-3 — one of the cleanest protein bars available. The "No B.S." marketing is largely supported by the ingredient list: egg whites, dates, nuts, and natural flavors form the core of most varieties, with minimal industrial additives.
Key Findings
- •RXBARs are one of the few protein bars that achieve 12g protein from whole food sources (egg whites, nuts) rather than industrial protein isolates
- •Dates provide natural binding and sweetness but contribute approximately 16g of sugar per bar — the sugar is natural but still sugar
- •With 5-7 ingredients in most varieties, RXBARs are dramatically simpler than most protein bars that contain 20-30 industrial ingredients
Why Is Rxbars Level 2?
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 a 30-ingredient Quest bar.
Rxbars Processing Level Distribution
How 3 rxbars products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 29.0 · Average nutrition score: 7.0/10
Rxbars Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed rxbars products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rxbar Protein Bar, 1.83 Oz, 10 Count | Rxbar | Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed | 7.0 | 29 |
| Rxbar Protein Bar, 1.83 Oz, 10 Count | Rxbar | Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed | 7.0 | 29 |
| Rxbar Protein Bar, 1.83 Oz, 10 Count | Rxbar | Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed | 7.0 | 29 |
How to Read Rxbars Labels
- 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 5-7 ingredient list to Quest bars (20+) or Clif bars (20+) for context
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 — 5-7 ingredients. 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 (Level 2-3, 5-7 ingredients) are significantly less processed than Clif bars (Level 3-4, 20+ ingredients). Clif bars use brown rice syrup, soy protein isolate, and multiple industrial ingredients that RXBARs avoid entirely.