Is There Gluten in Met RX Bars? What Gluten-Sensitive Consumers Need to Know

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, products labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Whether there is gluten in Met RX bars depends entirely on the specific product line and flavor, requiring consumers to inspect the packaging carefully.

Quick Summary

The gluten content of Met RX bars varies significantly by flavor. While some popular options are explicitly labeled gluten-free, certain varieties contain wheat. Consumers with gluten sensitivities must scrutinize ingredient lists and be aware of potential cross-contamination risks.

Key Points

Flavor is Key: Whether a Met RX bar contains gluten depends on the specific flavor and product line, with some being gluten-free and others containing wheat.
Read the Label: The most reliable way to determine a bar's gluten status is to carefully read the ingredient list and allergen warnings on the packaging for every purchase.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Some products, even if gluten-free by ingredients, are manufactured in facilities that also process wheat, posing a risk for those with celiac disease.
Gluten-Free Labeled Options: Many Protein Plus and select Big 100 bar flavors are explicitly labeled gluten-free and are safe for most individuals avoiding gluten.
Avoid Wheat-Containing Flavors: Specific flavors, like the Peanut Butter Pretzel Big 100 bar, list enriched wheat flour as an ingredient and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
FDA Standard: The term 'gluten-free' means the product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, an important standard for certified products.

The Complex Answer: It Depends on the Flavor and Product

For many health-conscious consumers and athletes, protein bars are a go-to for a quick meal replacement or a post-workout snack. The question of "is there gluten in Met RX bars?" is a common concern for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. The definitive answer is not a simple yes or no; it is contingent on the specific product and flavor variant. Some Met RX products are intentionally formulated to be gluten-free, while others are not and explicitly list wheat as an ingredient.

Met RX Bars Confirmed Gluten-Free

Fortunately for those avoiding gluten, Met RX does offer a number of products that are labeled and marketed as gluten-free. These bars are manufactured without gluten-containing ingredients and must meet FDA standards for gluten-free products, which means they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. Some of the most popular gluten-free varieties include:

Protein Plus Bars: These bars, including flavors like Peanut Butter Cup, are explicitly noted as gluten-free on their packaging.
Big 100 Colossal Bars: Specific flavors within this line, such as Super Cookie Crunch and Crispy Apple Pie, are clearly labeled gluten-free.

When purchasing these bars, always look for the explicit "Gluten-Free" statement on the packaging, as formulations can change over time. These options provide a convenient and safe choice for many individuals on a gluten-free diet.

Varieties Containing Wheat

Not all Met RX bars are created equal when it comes to gluten content. Some products, particularly certain older or specialized flavors, contain ingredients derived from wheat. A prime example is the Big 100 Meal Replacement Bar in Peanut Butter Pretzel flavor. A review of its ingredient list reveals "Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)". For individuals with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, these varieties are not suitable and must be avoided. The inclusion of ingredients like pretzels, cookies, or other wheat-based components is a clear indicator that the bar contains gluten.

The Risk of Cross-Contamination

Even with products labeled gluten-free, cross-contamination is a significant concern for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. The ingredient list for some Met RX products includes a warning that they are "Made in a facility that also processes... wheat". This means that while a product may not have gluten-containing ingredients, it could be exposed to trace amounts of gluten during the manufacturing process. The risk of cross-contamination can be variable and depends on the manufacturer's cleaning protocols and facility segregation. For highly sensitive individuals, this warning is a red flag that may necessitate avoiding the product entirely. While the product might pass the FDA's <20 ppm test, any exposure could trigger a reaction.

The Golden Rule of Label Reading

To ensure your safety, the most crucial step is to read every label, every time you purchase. Do not rely on assumptions based on past purchases or a specific product line. Follow these steps for due diligence:

Check the Front of the Package: Look for a clear "Gluten-Free" certification or label.
Examine the Ingredient List: Scrutinize the ingredients for any mention of wheat, barley, rye, or derivatives. The Peanut Butter Pretzel example shows how wheat flour can be hidden within the description.
Review Allergen Warnings: Read the fine print under the ingredient list. This is where cross-contamination risks are disclosed, such as "Made in a facility that also processes wheat".

Comparison of Met RX Bar Gluten Status

This table provides a quick overview of how to approach different Met RX products regarding gluten content.


Bar Type / Flavor	Gluten-Free Label?	Contains Wheat?	Cross-Contamination Risk?	Suitable for Gluten-Free Diet?
Big 100 Super Cookie Crunch	Yes	No	Possible (check package)	Yes, for most individuals
Protein Plus Peanut Butter Cup	Yes	No	Possible (check package)	Yes, for most individuals
Big 100 Peanut Butter Pretzel	No	Yes	Yes	No
Big 100 Crispy Apple Pie	Yes	No	Possible (check package)	Yes, for most individuals
Any bar with pretzels/cookies	No	Likely, read ingredients	Yes	No

Conclusion

While the Met RX brand offers specific protein bars that are formulated and labeled as gluten-free, a blanket statement that all Met RX bars are safe for those avoiding gluten would be inaccurate. The presence of gluten depends entirely on the specific product. For individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, vigilance is key. Always read both the ingredient list and the allergen warning on every bar before consumption. This approach ensures that you can enjoy Met RX's high-protein products safely and without risk to your health. The bottom line is to educate yourself on the products you consume and never assume that one bar's gluten status applies to another.

For more specific product information, visiting the official Met-RX website is the most reliable method.

Ingredient-Specific Concerns

METAMYOSYN Protein Blend: This proprietary protein mix itself is generally gluten-free, containing soy and milk isolates, but it does not guarantee the final product is.
Flavorings and Inclusions: Ingredients like crisps, pretzels, and apple pieces are where gluten can be introduced. Always check these inclusions carefully.
Cross-Contamination Warnings: These are critical for those with celiac disease. Do not overlook the factory processing warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not every Met RX bar is gluten-free. The gluten content varies by product line and flavor. Some are specifically formulated and labeled gluten-free, while others explicitly contain wheat.

Specific flavors like the Peanut Butter Cup Protein Plus bar and the Super Cookie Crunch Big 100 bar are labeled as gluten-free. Always check the packaging for the most current information.

Some flavors of the Big 100 bar, such as Super Cookie Crunch, are labeled gluten-free. However, other versions, like Peanut Butter Pretzel, contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free.

There is a risk of cross-contamination for some products, as Met RX warns that their products are made in facilities that also process wheat. This is a concern for individuals with celiac disease.

You should always check the ingredient list and the allergen warning on the product's packaging. Do not rely solely on a general product line's reputation; confirm the specific bar is labeled gluten-free.

The METAMYOSYN protein blend itself, which contains milk and soy protein isolates, does not contain gluten. However, other added ingredients can introduce gluten into the final product.

The most accurate information is found on the individual product packaging. You can also cross-reference this with the official Met RX website or reputable nutritional information databases.

While some flavors are labeled gluten-free, individuals with celiac disease must be cautious due to potential cross-contamination warnings. It is best to choose a certified gluten-free brand to be completely safe.