Are Go Macro Bars Unhealthy? A Deep Dive Into Nutrition Facts

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some GoMacro bars are up to 18% sugar by weight, prompting many to ask: are Go Macro bars unhealthy? The answer depends on a bar's specific nutritional profile, your dietary needs, and how often you consume them, as they offer both clean, organic ingredients and high sugar content.

Quick Summary

This article examines GoMacro bar nutrition, ingredient quality, and overall health implications. We will scrutinize sugar and fat levels while considering protein, fiber, and processing to determine if they align with your health goals.

Key Points

High in Added Sugars: Despite using organic sweeteners like brown rice syrup, some GoMacro bars have a sugar content that can be problematic for those monitoring blood sugar or on a low-sugar diet.
Calorie Dense: With approximately 260-290 calories per bar, GoMacro bars are energy-dense and should be consumed in moderation, especially for weight management.
Clean Ingredients: The bars are praised for their certified organic, vegan, and non-GMO ingredients, offering a 'clean' snack option compared to many processed alternatives.
Balanced Macronutrients for Fuel: They provide a good balance of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making them a suitable fuel source for athletes or sustained energy.
Not a Low-Fiber Option: Compared to some competitors, GoMacro bars often contain less fiber, which is important for digestion and satiety.
Consider Arsenic Risk: As with many rice-based products, GoMacro bars may contain moderate levels of arsenic, which is a known contaminant in rice.

Decoding the Nutritional Profile of GoMacro Bars

GoMacro bars are often lauded for their simple, plant-based, and certified organic ingredients. They appeal to vegans and those seeking gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO options. However, the question of whether they are truly "healthy" is more nuanced. Like many snack bars, their nutritional profile can vary significantly by flavor and intended purpose, which requires a closer look at the specific macronutrients. Some flavors can be surprisingly high in sugar and calories, which might not align with certain dietary goals, such as weight management or controlling blood sugar levels.

The Sugar and Sweetener Situation

One of the main points of contention regarding GoMacro bars is their sugar content. While the sweeteners used—such as brown rice syrup and coconut sugar—are derived from natural sources, they are still added sugars. The EWG has noted that some bars are roughly 18% sugar by weight, with up to 3 teaspoons per serving. A high intake of added sugars, regardless of the source, has been linked to increased risks of several health issues, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Brown Rice Syrup: This organic sweetener is a prominent ingredient. It has a high glycemic index, which can cause blood sugar spikes similar to regular sugar.
Coconut Sugar: While sometimes seen as a healthier alternative, coconut sugar offers a negligible nutritional advantage over brown rice syrup or table sugar in terms of impact on blood glucose.
Flavor-Specific Variation: Some flavors may have more sugar than others due to additional ingredients like chocolate chips or fruit. It is always wise to check the nutrition label for the specific bar you intend to consume.

Fats and Protein: The Balance

GoMacro bars generally contain a good balance of healthy fats and protein, which can contribute to satiety. The fat content typically ranges from 9 to 12 grams, sourced primarily from nut and seed butters. This is a positive for sustained energy, especially for athletes or those needing a substantial snack. The plant-based protein, usually from organic sprouted brown rice and peas, contributes to muscle recovery and fullness. However, some bars may also be high in saturated fat, which should be considered in the context of your overall diet.

Other Health Considerations

Beyond the primary macronutrients, several other aspects impact the overall health assessment of GoMacro bars:

Organic and Clean Ingredients: The use of certified organic and non-GMO ingredients is a major plus for many health-conscious consumers. This minimizes exposure to synthetic pesticides and other chemicals.
Processing Concerns: The EWG has classified the bars as having low processing concerns, which is favorable compared to many other snack bars filled with artificial additives and industrial ingredients.
Potential Contaminants: There is some concern regarding moderate levels of arsenic contamination from the rice-based ingredients used. This is a general issue with rice products and is not exclusive to GoMacro.
High Calorie Density: With bars typically ranging from 260 to 290 calories, they are energy-dense. While good for fueling sustained activity, they can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively without balancing daily energy expenditure.

GoMacro vs. Other Popular Bars: A Nutritional Showdown

To put GoMacro's profile into perspective, here is a comparison with a couple of other popular bar options based on a typical flavor.


Feature	GoMacro MacroBar (e.g., Cashew Caramel)	ALOHA Protein Bar (e.g., Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip)	IQ Bar (e.g., Almond Butter Chip)
Protein	10-12g	14g	12g
Fat	9-12g	10-12g	10-12g
Sugar	10-14g	5g	1-2g
Fiber	1-3g	10g	6g
Main Sweetener	Organic Brown Rice Syrup	Monk Fruit, Stevia	Stevia, Monk Fruit
Dietary Features	Vegan, GF, Soy-Free	Vegan, GF, Soy-Free	Vegan, GF, Soy-Free, Keto

This comparison highlights GoMacro's relatively high sugar content and lower fiber compared to some competitors. For individuals prioritizing low sugar and high fiber, alternatives like ALOHA or IQ bars might be a more suitable choice.

Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, whether go macro bars are unhealthy depends on how they fit into your diet and lifestyle. For someone needing quick, plant-based energy for endurance sports, the calorie and carbohydrate load might be beneficial. The clean, organic ingredients are also a definite advantage over many highly processed alternatives. However, for those focused on strict sugar control or weight loss, the high caloric and sugar content of some flavors could be a drawback. It's best to read the label of your chosen flavor carefully and consider your overall dietary context. For a balanced diet, snacks should contribute to overall nutrition without over-relying on a single, high-energy source. The key to healthy snacking is moderation and variety.

For more detailed nutritional comparisons, you can consult resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Frequently Asked Questions

GoMacro bars primarily use organic brown rice syrup as a sweetener, which can contribute to a high sugar content, even though it's naturally derived.

Due to their high caloric and sugar density, GoMacro bars should be consumed in moderation if you are trying to lose weight. They are best used as a supplement to a balanced diet rather than a frequent snack.

GoMacro bars hold multiple certifications, including USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

GoMacro bars generally have a higher sugar content than some popular competitors, such as ALOHA bars, which use alternative natural sweeteners.

Some concerns exist about moderate levels of arsenic, a contaminant often found in rice-based ingredients like brown rice syrup and crisps, which are used in GoMacro bars.

Many GoMacro bars are low-FODMAP friendly, which can be beneficial for individuals with sensitive digestive tracts. Always check the specific bar's ingredients if you have sensitivities.

While some flavors are nut-free, many GoMacro bars contain nuts or nut butters. The company also produces bars in a facility that may handle other allergens, so individuals with severe allergies should always check packaging carefully.