RXBAR is a popular brand of protein bars that contain egg whites, nuts, and dates as their core ingredients. With the rising popularity of gluten-free diets in recent years, many consumers are curious whether RXBARs contain gluten or are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet. This article will provide a thorough exploration of RXBAR’s ingredients, manufacturing processes, and how the company addresses gluten cross-contamination risks. We’ll also compare RXBARs to other protein bars on the market when it comes to being gluten-free.
Are RXBARs Naturally Gluten-Free?
RXBARs are made with a simple whole food ingredient list that does not inherently contain gluten. The main ingredients in RXBARs are egg whites for protein, dates to bind the bars, and nuts like almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts. None of these core whole food ingredients contain gluten.
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Since the core RXBAR ingredients do not include grains or wheat, the bars do not naturally contain gluten.
Many protein bars on the market contain gluten ingredients like wheat protein, wheat flour, and sometimes oats or “oat fiber”. RXBARs stand out for using egg whites, not wheat, as their primary protein source. This means RXBARs are naturally free of gluten, while other protein bars often contain gluten right in their ingredients lists.
Common RXBAR Flavors and Ingredients
Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular RXBAR flavors and their ingredients lists:
Chocolate Sea Salt RXBAR
Ingredients: Dates, Egg Whites, Almonds, Cashews, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa, Sea Salt.
Coconut Chocolate RXBAR
Ingredients: Dates, Egg Whites, Almonds, Unsweetened Shredded Coconut, Cashews, Unsweetened Chocolate, Natural Flavors.
Blueberry RXBAR
Ingredients: Dates, Egg Whites, Almonds, Blueberries, Cashews, Unsweetened Apples, Natural Flavors.
Peanut Butter RXBAR
Ingredients: Dates, Egg Whites, Peanuts, Unsweetened Chocolate, Sea Salt.
Mango Pineapple RXBAR
Ingredients: Dates, Egg Whites, Almonds, Mangos, Pineapple, Cashews, Unsweetened Apples, Natural Flavors.
As you can see from these common flavors, the ingredients are simple and do not contain any gluten sources like wheat or barley. The eggs, nuts, fruits, spices, and flavors used are all naturally gluten-free.
Does Cross-Contamination Pose a Risk?
While the RXBAR ingredients themselves do not contain gluten, many consumers wonder about the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Cross-contamination is when gluten is unintentionally introduced from shared equipment, facilities or improperly cleaned tools.
RXBAR states that all of their products are produced in a dedicated nut and egg-free facility. They also note that the equipment used to produce RXBARs is dedicated entirely to RXBAR production and is not shared with any other products.
In addition, RXBAR has a thorough food safety plan that includes:
- Supplier audits for major ingredients like egg whites
- Incoming raw material inspections
- Allergen control procedures during processing
- Equipment cleaning validations
- Finished product testing
RXBAR’s allergen control procedures are specifically designed to prevent cross-contamination of major allergens like gluten. This includes processes like scheduling gluten-free production before products with gluten, thorough cleaning between product runs, and dedicated storage for allergen-free ingredients.
Based on their production practices and allergen controls, the risk of gluten cross-contamination appears very low in RXBARs. This is especially true since their factory does not handle any gluten-containing grains at all.
Third Party Testing for Gluten
To provide transparency and assurance to gluten-free consumers, RXBAR has their products tested by a third party lab to verify they meet the FDA gluten-free standard.
The FDA sets a gluten limit of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) for foods to be labelled as gluten-free. RXBAR states that their testing has confirmed RXBARs contain less than 5 ppm of gluten. This rigorous third party testing provides added assurance that cross-contamination is well controlled.
Some other protein bar brands state that their products are “made in facilities that also process wheat/gluten”. They may provide lab results showing less than 20 ppm of gluten, but the cross-contamination risk is higher than a dedicated facility. RXBAR’s testing combined with their dedication to avoiding cross-contamination indicates low gluten risk.
Comparison to Other Protein Bars
How do RXBARs compare to other leading protein bars when it comes to avoiding gluten? Here is an overview:
Quest Protein Bars
- Contain gluten ingredients like wheat protein isolate
- Not suitable for gluten-free diet
- Made in a shared facility with wheat/gluten ingredients
ThinkThin Protein Bars
- Contain oat fiber as main ingredient
- Oats are likely cross-contaminated with gluten
- May contain traces of wheat, barley from facility
- Higher gluten risk than RXBAR
NuGo Slim Protein Bars
- Made in a facility that processes milk, soy, wheat/gluten
- Higher risk of gluten cross-contamination
- Tested to contain <10 ppm gluten
Zeno Protein Bar
- Uses gluten-free ingredients
- States made in dedicated gluten-free facility
- Appears suitable for gluten-free diet
Among the major protein bar brands, Quest and ThinkThin contain gluten ingredients and pose a higher risk to those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
NuGo Slim tests below 20 ppm gluten but is made in a mixed facility. RXBAR and Zeno Protein Bars have the lowest gluten risk based on dedicated facilities and testing.
For gluten-free consumers, RXBAR is one of the safer choices compared to protein bars containing gluten ingredients or made in mixed facilities with higher risk of cross-contamination.
RXBAR Labeling and Gluten-Free Certifications
RXBAR clearly labels their products as gluten-free on packaging and online. Their website FAQ states:
“Yes, all RXBAR flavors are gluten-free. Every product we produce is made in a dedicated nut and egg free facility, so you can feel confident that RXBAR products are free of gluten across all flavors.”
While RXBAR does not currently carry any gluten-free certifications like the GFCO Certification Program, their rigorous procedures and third party lab testing indicates a strong commitment to keeping their products gluten-free. RXBAR states:
“At this time, RXBAR does not carry the gluten-free certification. We do extensive testing and can assure you our products contain less than 5 ppm of gluten.”
Suitability for Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerances
Based on their gluten-free ingredients, dedication to avoiding cross-contamination, and third party testing, RXBARs appear to be suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerances.
Of course, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should always review the ingredients carefully, be aware of allergen advisory statements, and contact the manufacturer with any questions or concerns.
Those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive should also watch for any symptoms after consuming RXBARs and discuss trying them with a doctor. Since celiac disease causes intestinal damage from even small exposures to gluten, strict precautions are important.
However, RXBARs meet the definition of gluten-free, indicating a low risk for most gluten-free consumers. Those without celiac disease are less likely to react to the very low levels of potential cross-contamination.
Are RXBARs Safe in a Gluten-Free Diet?
Based on an extensive review of their production, labeling, and testing, RXBARs appear to be safe for inclusion in a gluten-free diet for most individuals.
The simple, naturally gluten-free whole food ingredients, dedication to avoiding cross-contamination, and testing well below 20 ppm of gluten indicates that RXBARs have a very low risk of gluten exposure.
Of course, gluten-free consumers should take individual precautions based on their health needs and sensitivities. But overall, RXBARs meet the strict standards to be considered gluten-free foods.
Including a variety of lean proteins, fruits, nuts, and minimally processed whole foods is important in a gluten-free diet. For active individuals or anyone looking for a convenient, high protein snack, RXBARs can fit well into a balanced gluten-free lifestyle.
Conclusion
RXBARs are free of gluten-containing ingredients and are produced in facilities dedicated to preventing cross-contamination. Extensive allergen control procedures, equipment cleaning protocols, and third party testing provides assurance that RXBARs contain very low levels of potential gluten.
While no food is 100% guaranteed gluten-free, RXBARs meet the FDA standard for gluten-free labeling and appear to be safe for most gluten-free diets. However, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities should still take personal precautions and discuss trying new foods with a doctor.
Overall, RXBARs are one of the safest, lowest-risk protein bar options for gluten-free consumers compared to products made with gluten ingredients or in mixed facilities. Their commitment to avoiding gluten makes RXBARs a smart, nutritious choice for active gluten-free lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I contact RXBAR about gluten testing?
RXBAR discloses online that all their products are tested to contain less than 5 ppm of gluten. You can contact their customer service for specifics, but their website provides thorough details about production and testing.
Can RXBARs be contaminated if made in a facility with nuts?
RXBARs state their facility is dedicated and allergen-controlled to prevent cross-contamination of any kind. The presence of nuts does not increase gluten risk.
Are RXBAR flavors like coffee chocolate chip gluten-free?
Yes, RXBAR states that all their flavors are gluten-free to the same strict standards. Unique flavors use the same core ingredients and processes.
Does RXBAR offer any gluten-free certified products?
At this time, RXBAR does not carry gluten-free certifications like GFCO. However, their internal processes and testing appear to meet certification standards.
What are the best gluten-free protein bar alternatives?
Some other protein bars made in dedicated gluten-free facilities include Zeno Bars, NuGo Slim bars, and Pure Protein bars. Kind, Larabar, and Probar are also gluten-free.
Should celiacs eat RXBARs?
Those with celiac disease need to take individual precautions. While RXBARs adhere to gluten-free protocols, celiacs should consult a doctor before trying any new product. Starting with a small serving size is also recommended.
