Is RXBAR Blueberry Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the RXBAR Blueberry, the ingredient list appears deceptively simple: Dates, Egg Whites, Almonds, Cashews, Blueberries, and Natural Flavors. However, for a vegan diet, one of these stands out immediately.

The primary non-vegan ingredient is Egg Whites. RXBARs rely on dried egg whites to provide a high protein content and a chewy, binding texture. While egg whites are a great source of protein for omnivores, they are strictly excluded from vegan diets because they are an animal byproduct derived from chickens.

The other ingredients are plant-based. Dates provide natural sweetness and binding, while Almonds and Cashews add healthy fats and crunch. Blueberries offer antioxidants and flavor. However, the presence of Natural Flavors is sometimes a gray area in veganism, though in this context, it is likely referring to plant-derived compounds or vanilla. The dealbreaker remains the egg white.

Nutritional Value

Despite not being vegan, the RXBAR Blueberry is nutritionally dense. A standard bar contains approximately 210 calories, primarily derived from the natural sugars in the dates and the fats in the nuts. It typically packs around 12 grams of protein, which is impressive for a whole-food bar and is largely attributed to the egg whites.

Sugar content is roughly 13 to 14 grams per bar. While this is high for some, it is important to note that these are added sugars from the dates and fruit, not refined cane sugar. The bar also provides a good amount of dietary fiber (about 5 grams), which aids in digestion and satiety. It fits well into a paleo diet, but for those strictly watching sugar intake, it should be consumed in moderation.