RXBAR Chocolate Sea Salt
Whole-food advocates who want the simplest possible ingredient list with real food only
Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein Bar
Taste-first consumers who want the best-tasting high-protein bar and can tolerate sugar alcohols
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose RXBAR Chocolate Sea Salt
Whole-food advocates who want the simplest possible ingredient list with real food only
RXBAR pioneered the "No B.S." movement in protein bars — every ingredient is listed on the front of the package. Egg whites, dates, nuts. That's basically it. The trade-off is 12g sugar from dates and modest 12g protein. For whole-food purists, the simplicity is unmatched.
Strengths
- Famously minimal ingredient list (6-8 items) printed right on the front of the package
- Egg white protein provides excellent bioavailability with complete amino acid profile
- Zero artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, or processed additives of any kind
Limitations
- 12g sugar per bar from dates — natural source but highest sugar in this comparison
- Only 12g protein per bar is on the lower end for a protein bar
- Date-based sweetness creates a dense, chewy texture that some find too heavy
When to Choose Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein Bar
Taste-first consumers who want the best-tasting high-protein bar and can tolerate sugar alcohols
Barebells is arguably the best-tasting protein bar on the market — it genuinely tastes like a candy bar. The 20g protein and 1g sugar macros are excellent. The catch is maltitol in the coating, which dings ingredient purity and sugar profile scores. If you prioritize taste and macros over ingredient purity, Barebells wins.
Strengths
- Exceptional taste that rivals actual candy bars — consistently top-rated for flavor
- 20g whey protein with only 1g sugar makes for an outstanding macro profile
- Swedish-designed with a satisfying chocolate coating and creamy center
Limitations
- Contains maltitol in the chocolate coating — a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive issues
- No USDA Organic, NSF, or other major health-focused certifications
- Ingredient list includes several processed additives beyond the maltitol
