Is Organic Macrobar Dark Chocolate + Almonds Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look for hidden gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye, or ambiguous starches. In the case of the Organic Macrobar Dark Chocolate + Almonds, the ingredient list is surprisingly clean regarding allergens. The primary binder is organic brown rice syrup, which acts as the glue holding the bar together. Unlike glucose syrup derived from wheat (which is often processed to remove gluten but can be a concern for the highly sensitive), rice syrup is naturally gluten-free.

The texture comes from organic puffed brown rice. This is a crucial distinction; many granola bars use oat clusters or wheat crisps. Oats, while naturally gluten-free, are frequently cross-contaminated with wheat during harvesting and milling. By sticking strictly to brown rice, the manufacturer eliminates that cross-contamination risk entirely.

For protein, the bar utilizes a blend of organic sprouted brown rice protein and organic pea protein. This is a smart formulation choice for two reasons. First, it avoids dairy (whey or casein) which is a common allergen. Second, it avoids soy, which is another frequent irritant. The fats come from organic almond butter and organic sunflower seed butter, both naturally free of gluten. Even the chocolate chips, sweetened with coconut sugar, pose no gluten risk. There are no modified food starches, maltodextrins from wheat, or hydrolyzed vegetable proteins to worry about here.

Nutritional Value

While this bar passes the gluten test with flying colors, the nutritional profile tells a story of energy density. The first ingredient is organic brown rice syrup, which is a high-glycemic sweetener. This means it will spike your blood sugar faster than a bar sweetened with monk fruit or stevia. If you are managing diabetes or insulin resistance, this is a significant factor to consider.

Looking at the macros, this bar is designed as a meal replacement or a substantial snack. It packs roughly 260 to 290 calories per bar, depending on the specific batch size, with a significant portion coming from fats (almonds and almond butter) and carbohydrates (syrup and chocolate). It offers a decent amount of protein (around 10-12g), which helps with satiety. However, it also contains about 12 to 15 grams of sugar per bar. While this sugar is organic and comes with a bit of fiber, it is still a high amount for a single serving. It fits well into a high-activity diet or a gluten-free vegan diet, but it may not be ideal for a strict weight-loss plan where volume eating is preferred.