Is RXBAR Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a packaged food is truly gluten-free, we look for the absence of wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. The specific RXBAR flavor we analyzed lists Dates, Egg Whites, Almonds, Cashews, Strawberries, and Natural Flavors.

First, the base of the bar is Dates. Dates are a fruit and naturally contain no gluten. They provide the sticky texture and sweetness that holds the bar together. Next, we have Egg Whites. These are a pure protein source and are naturally gluten-free. They are dried to create a protein-rich binder.

The nuts, Almonds and Cashews, are whole foods that do not contain gluten. However, it is important to note that nuts are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat. RXBAR addresses this by adhering to strict manufacturing practices, but the ingredients themselves are safe. Finally, Natural Flavors and Strawberries add taste and variety without introducing gluten. Unlike some granola bars that rely on oat flour (which carries a high risk of cross-contamination), RXBARs rely on nuts and dates, making them inherently safer from a gluten perspective.

Nutritional Value

While being gluten-free makes RXBARs accessible, their nutritional profile dictates how they fit into a diet. A standard RXBAR typically contains between 200 and 220 calories, largely derived from the carbohydrates in the Dates and the fats in the Almonds and Cashews.

The bar is marketed as having 12 grams of protein, which comes primarily from the Egg Whites. This is a solid amount for a snack and can help with satiety. However, consumers should be mindful of the sugar content. Because the primary sweetener is dates, a single bar can contain 13 to 14 grams of sugar. While this is natural sugar, it is still a significant amount that can impact blood sugar levels. For those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, the carb count might be too high. For general health, it serves as an excellent energy-dense snack for active individuals, but perhaps less ideal for those strictly managing calorie or sugar intake.