The paleo diet, also known as the caveman diet, emphasizes consuming foods that were supposedly available to our hunter-gatherer ancestors. This includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Foods to avoid are grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, and highly processed items. The simplicity of RXBAR's ingredients—egg whites for protein, dates for binding, and nuts for texture—appeals to many looking for cleaner, whole-food options, but a closer look reveals areas of debate within the paleo community.
The Paleo-Friendly Aspect of RXBARs
For many, the straightforward ingredient list is a key factor in aligning RXBARs with a paleo lifestyle. The base ingredients—egg whites, dates, and various nuts—are all permitted on the diet.
- Egg Whites: A pure protein source derived from eggs, a staple of a paleo-style diet. They provide a protein boost without added fillers or processed ingredients.
- Dates: These are whole-food fruits used to bind the bars and provide natural sweetness. This is acceptable for paleo dieters, as it avoids refined sugar and artificial sweeteners.
- Nuts: Almonds and cashews are common ingredients and are fully paleo-compliant.
- No Added Sugar, Dairy, or Gluten: RXBARs explicitly state they contain no added sugar, dairy, or gluten, which satisfies three of the most fundamental paleo rules.
The Paleo Controversies: Peanuts and Processing
While many RXBAR flavors seem to fit the mold, two primary points of contention arise among stricter paleo adherents.
The Peanut Debate
Peanuts are legumes, not nuts. As legumes are typically excluded from the paleo diet, flavors like Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Chocolate may be off-limits for some. This is often the most common reason a specific RXBAR flavor is deemed non-compliant. While some on a more flexible paleo track may overlook this, purists will avoid peanut-containing products altogether.
The Role of Natural Sugar and Processed Snacks
The second point of debate is the bar's nature as a processed snack. The paleo diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods. While RXBARs are minimally processed and use natural sweeteners, some argue that the bar's concentrated nature, particularly the high sugar content from dates, works against the spirit of the diet. The concentration of sugar from multiple dates in a single bar can elicit a similar blood sugar response and sweet craving as a candy bar, which is counter to the intent of breaking such dependencies on the diet.
Beyond the Standard: Non-Paleo Varieties
It is important to note that not all RXBAR products follow the same ingredient principles. The company has introduced newer lines that are definitively not paleo.
- Nut Butter and Oat bars: These varieties explicitly include whole grain oats, which are not allowed on the paleo diet. Always check the specific product's ingredient list before assuming it is paleo-friendly.
RXBAR vs. Strictly Paleo Snack Bars
To put RXBARs into context, here is a comparison with other snack bars aimed at the paleo market.
| Feature | RXBAR | Strictly Paleo Bar (e.g., specific flavors of Primal Kitchen or Bearded Brothers) | Reason for Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peanuts | Some flavors contain peanuts (legume), which are not paleo-compliant. | Typically avoids peanuts and all legumes to be compliant. | Strict adherence to paleo rules for legumes. |
| Natural Sweetener | Uses dates, which provide natural, but concentrated sugar. | May use dates, honey, or maple syrup, but often in smaller quantities or focuses on nuts/seeds. | Reflects the paleo ideal of moderation even with natural sugars. |
| Processing Level | Minimal processing, focuses on a few whole-food ingredients. | Same, focuses on minimal, whole-food ingredients. | Both brands align with low processing, but RXBAR's peanut issue is key. |
| Compliance | Most flavors are 'paleo-friendly'; specific peanut flavors are debatable. | Designed for full compliance with no gray areas regarding legumes or grains. | Targeted specifically for the paleo certification and market. |
| Texture | Chewy and dense, a result of the dates and egg whites. | Varies, can be more crunchy (nut-heavy) or soft depending on the brand and recipe. | Ingredient composition and binding methods differ between brands. |
Conclusion: So, are RXBARs Paleo?
For most, the short answer is that many RXBAR flavors are considered paleo-friendly and are even Whole30 compliant, another program with similar restrictions. They avoid the most common pitfalls of modern snacks: added sugar, dairy, and grains. However, the answer is not a universal 'yes.' Adherence depends on your specific paleo approach.
- For strict, purist paleo followers, any flavor containing peanuts (a legume) is out. Furthermore, some may feel that any processed bar, regardless of ingredients, goes against the spirit of consuming truly whole, unprocessed foods and avoiding a dependency on sweet treats.
- For flexible or pragmatic paleo eaters, many flavors of RXBARs are an excellent and convenient option for a snack or pre/post-workout fuel, especially for those on the go. It's a significant step up from standard protein bars laden with artificial additives.
Ultimately, always check the ingredients on the specific flavor you intend to purchase, and consider your personal interpretation of the diet's principles. For the most part, RXBARs represent a solid choice within the paleo framework, as long as you read the label and know what you're looking for.
One resource for verifying compliant ingredients and understanding certification standards is The Paleo Diet's website. They outline criteria for their TRUEPALEO™ and PaleoFLEX™ certifications, which can help guide your choices.
What are RXBARs made of?
RXBARs are made from a simple, core list of ingredients, most commonly egg whites, dates, and nuts like almonds or cashews, with natural flavorings from sources like real fruit or chocolate.
Are all RXBAR flavors paleo-compliant?
No, not all RXBAR flavors are paleo-compliant for everyone. Some flavors, like Peanut Butter, contain peanuts, which are legumes and excluded by strict paleo rules. Furthermore, product lines such as RXBAR Nut Butter and Oat explicitly contain grains and are not paleo.
Is the sugar in RXBARs okay for paleo?
The sugar in RXBARs is natural, coming from the dates used as a binder. For paleo, this is generally acceptable as it is not refined sugar. However, some strict adherents may be mindful of the high concentration of natural sugars in one bar.
Are RXBARs compliant with Whole30?
Yes, many RXBAR flavors are Whole30 compliant and paleo-friendly because they contain no added sugar, grains, dairy, or legumes. Check the specific flavor, but popular ones like Chocolate Sea Salt and Blueberry often meet the criteria.
Why do some paleo followers avoid RXBARs?
Some paleo followers avoid RXBARs because they are still a processed snack, even with clean ingredients. They believe the high sugar content from dates, and the bar's similarity to a dessert, goes against the spirit of eliminating sugar cravings.
Can I eat RXBARs if I'm on a strict paleo diet?
If you are on a strict paleo diet, you should avoid any RXBAR flavors that contain peanuts, as peanuts are legumes. Non-peanut flavors are generally compliant, but it comes down to your personal interpretation of the diet's stance on minimally processed foods.
What are some good alternatives to RXBARs for a paleo snack?
Other paleo snack bar options include Primal Kitchen, Bearded Brothers Paleo Bars, and homemade paleo bars using compliant ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Whole-food snacks like nuts, seeds, or beef jerky from compliant brands like Chomps are also great choices.
