Are bobs bars gluten free? The Complete Guide to Safe Snacking

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, requiring them to follow a strict gluten-free diet, which raises the crucial question: Are bobs bars gluten free? The answer is nuanced, as it depends on the specific brand—either Bob's Red Mill or Bobo's—both of which produce snack bars and have certified gluten-free options.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the gluten-free status of Bob's Red Mill and Bobo's bars. It explains their certification processes, use of uncontaminated oats, and the importance of reading labels to ensure safe and nutritious snacking for those avoiding gluten.

Key Points

Two 'Bobs' Brands: The name 'bobs bars' typically refers to either Bob's Red Mill or Bobo's, both of which offer certified gluten-free options.
Look for Certification: Always check for the official 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo, such as the GFCO mark, to ensure the product meets safety standards for celiac disease.
Not All Oats are Equal: Pure oats are gluten-free, but cross-contamination is a risk. Certified gluten-free bars use specialized oats (like Purity Protocol) and are processed in dedicated facilities to prevent contamination.
Both Brands are Safe: Both Bob's Red Mill and Bobo's use rigorous protocols, including dedicated gluten-free facilities, to ensure their specific gluten-free bar lines are safe for consumption.
Know Your Brand: For Bob's Red Mill, look for the 'Bob's Bar' line; for Bobo's, all their oat bars are certified gluten-free.
Check Labels for Other Allergens: While certified gluten-free, always check the ingredients list for other allergens or dietary needs, as recipes can vary by flavor.

Decoding the 'Bobs Bars' Dilemma

The similar names of popular snack bar brands, Bob's Red Mill and Bobo's, often cause confusion for consumers seeking gluten-free products. While both offer certified gluten-free options, their manufacturing processes and specific product lines differ. For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, understanding the distinction is essential for nutritional safety. Both brands prioritize using wholesome ingredients and rigorous protocols to ensure their dedicated gluten-free lines meet strict safety standards.

Bob's Red Mill: A Trusted Name in Gluten-Free Foods

Bob's Red Mill has been a leader in the natural foods market for decades and is known for its wide range of gluten-free products, including its popular line of 'Bob's Bars'.

Dedicated Facility: Bob's Red Mill manufactures its gluten-free products, including the Bob's Bars, in a dedicated gluten-free facility. This isolation prevents cross-contamination from gluten-containing grains.
Certified Gluten-Free: Many of their products are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This third-party certification ensures that products contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, a stricter standard than the FDA's 20 ppm guideline.
R5-ELISA Tested: The company uses the R5-ELISA testing method to verify the gluten-free status of its products. This testing helps ensure the safety and reliability of their gluten-free claims for consumers.

Bobo's: The Hand-Baked Oat Bar Specialists

Bobo's, a brand specializing in soft-baked oat bars, also offers a comprehensive line of certified gluten-free products. Their approach focuses on simple, wholesome ingredients and small-batch baking.

Purity Protocol Oats: Bobo's sources its whole-grain oats under a Purity Protocol. This means the oats are grown and harvested in fields that are not cross-contaminated by other gluten-containing grains.
Certified Gluten-Free Facility: All Bobo's snacks are baked in a certified gluten-free facility, a crucial step to avoid any potential cross-contamination with gluten-containing items.
Vegan and Non-GMO: In addition to being certified gluten-free, Bobo's bars are also vegan, soy-free, dairy-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified, catering to a range of dietary needs.

Why 'Certified' is Crucial for Oats

Naturally, pure oats do not contain gluten. However, they are frequently cross-contaminated with wheat, barley, or rye during cultivation, harvesting, or processing in non-dedicated facilities. For individuals with celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can trigger a harmful autoimmune response. Therefore, a product must carry a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label to guarantee safety. The certification process verifies that the product meets stringent standards and has been tested to be free from cross-contamination.

Comparison Table: Bob's Red Mill vs. Bobo's


Feature	Bob's Red Mill Bob's Bars	Bobo's Oat Bars
Gluten Status	Certified Gluten-Free (GFCO)	Certified Gluten-Free (GFCO)
Facility	Dedicated gluten-free facility	Dedicated gluten-free facility
Oat Sourcing	R5-ELISA tested for gluten	Purity Protocol oats
Key Ingredients	Whole grain oats, peanut butter, honey	Whole grain oats, rice syrup, coconut oil
Dietary Features	Non-GMO, Kosher	Vegan, Non-GMO, Dairy & Soy-Free
Product Texture	Satisfying and wholesome	Soft-baked, moist, and chewy

The Role of Gluten-Free Bars in a Healthy Diet

Incorporating certified gluten-free bars can be a beneficial part of a balanced diet, especially for those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. When consumed in moderation, they offer several nutritional advantages:

Convenient Energy Source: With wholesome ingredients like whole-grain oats, nuts, and fruit, these bars provide a sustained release of energy, making them an ideal snack for busy lifestyles, workouts, or travel.
Improved Digestive Health: For those sensitive to gluten, switching to certified gluten-free products can significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, cramping, and digestive discomfort, allowing the gut to heal and function properly.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: By reducing gut inflammation caused by gluten, a gluten-free diet can improve the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, which can lead to increased energy and overall well-being.
High in Fiber and Protein: Both Bob's Red Mill and Bobo's bars often contain valuable fiber and protein, contributing to a feeling of fullness and supporting overall nutritional needs.

Conclusion

In summary, for those wondering if are bobs bars gluten free? the answer is reassuringly positive, provided you choose the certified products from either Bob's Red Mill or Bobo's. Both companies employ rigorous standards, from ingredient sourcing (like Purity Protocol oats) to manufacturing in dedicated gluten-free facilities, to ensure the safety of their snack bars. The key takeaway is to always look for the official 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo on the packaging, which is your guarantee of safety. By doing so, you can confidently enjoy a delicious and convenient snack that aligns with a celiac-safe or gluten-free diet. When exploring other brands or products, always scrutinize the label for certification to protect your health and support your nutritional goals.

For more information on certification, visit the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bob's Red Mill and Bobo's are two different companies. Both offer certified gluten-free oat bars, but they have distinct recipes, ingredients, and manufacturing approaches. Bob's Red Mill products often contain honey, while Bobo's are vegan and use rice syrup.

For packaged foods in many regions, the 'gluten-free' label is legally regulated and highly reliable. For maximum assurance, look for third-party certifications, such as the GFCO logo, which confirm rigorous testing and manufacturing standards.

Yes, but only if the oats are certified gluten-free. Pure oats are safe, but standard oats are often contaminated with wheat, barley, or rye during processing. Certified gluten-free oats, like those used by Bobo's, are grown and handled with care to prevent this cross-contamination.

Purity Protocol is a system for growing, harvesting, and processing oats to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing grains. These oats are used by brands like Bobo's for their certified gluten-free products to ensure safety.

Always check the product packaging. On certified products, you will see a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo. Also, read the ingredients list and allergen statement, as required by law, to confirm its gluten-free status.

Yes, Bob's Red Mill produces its Bob's Bars in a dedicated gluten-free facility to prevent any cross-contamination. This is a key part of their commitment to safety for gluten-sensitive consumers.

No, all Bobo's oat snacks are vegan, meaning they are made without any animal products or by-products. They are also soy and dairy-free.

Many brands offer certified gluten-free snacks. Reliable options include bars from brands that use third-party certification and clearly label their products. Always check for the certified gluten-free symbol on the packaging to be sure.