14 RXBARs, Ranked Worst To Best

Every great road trip requires exactly two things: snacks and some form of entertainment. On a recent excursion with my husband and parents, we decided to combine these two necessities with a tournament-style taste test of RXBARs. Why RXBARs? Well, for one, they're good for you: no added sugar, simple ingredients, and enough protein to satisfy between rest stop meals.

Founded in 2013 by two friends just outside Chicago, RXBAR started as a scrappy, health-conscious brand for gym-goers and busy professionals craving a clean protein bar. Its signature minimalist packaging—those bold block letters listing "3 Egg Whites, 6 Almonds, 4 Cashews, 2 Dates" (or some variation thereof) — became a badge of honor for snackers who wanted transparency and quality without gimmicks. In 2017, Kellogg's bought the brand, but the bars have kept their cult-favorite status.

Many people love RXBARs because they taste more like a chewy, dense cookie than a chalky health bar, while still delivering a decent dose of protein. The simple ingredient list feels honest, but the flavors — ranging from classics like Chocolate Sea Salt to the wild cards like Lemon Honey Cashew Butter — add an element of surprise. In true family feud fashion, we put our taste buds to the test to decide once and for all which RXBAR flavor reigns supreme.

Some recommendations are based on first-hand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer/distributor/etc.

We went into the new High Protein Vanilla Peanut Butter RXBAR hoping for a road trip win, but it ended up being the low point of our snack lineup. The biggest complaint from all of us was the texture. It was chalky, dry, and a far cry from the fudgy chew we've liked in other RXBARs.

Mom admitted the peanut butter and vanilla balance was there, and even thought that it tasted sweeter than the usual lineup, but she still compared the texture to the inside of a Reese's that's been sitting out too long: soft but dry and unpleasant. Dad was even less impressed, saying he couldn't taste any vanilla at all and found the whole experience too dense and dry to enjoy.

Even with its higher protein content (a whopping 18 grams), the bar felt more like a chore than a treat. For a brand known for clean ingredients and bold flavors, this one missed the mark. It's a heavy, dusty-tasting bar that left us reaching for water instead of seconds.

My family is known for having a sweet tooth, especially where chocolate and peanut butter are concerned. Understandably, we were pumped to try RXBAR's Nut Butter & Oat Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter entry to the flavor wars.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the most disappointing snacks of our road trip. Mom was the first to call it: It was bland. She said it was nothing like what she'd hoped. There was barely a hint of chocolate, almost as if someone stirred a little cocoa powder into the mix and called it a day. She also couldn't taste any real peanuts or peanut butter, which should have been the star. Dad agreed, saying he didn't get any peanut butter flavor at all. He picked up just a whisper of dark chocolate, but nothing strong enough to make an impression.

As a group, we found the bar dry, uninspired, and forgettable, especially compared to other Rx flavors that actually taste like their names. Instead of indulgent and satisfying, it felt like a chalky, muted version of what could have been a great snack.

We cracked open the Coconut Chocolate RXBAR on our drive, and it quickly became one of the most divisive snacks of the trip. Mom took one bite and immediately shook her head, noting that she couldn't taste the chocolate at all. Noting that it wasn't for her, she gave it a flat 2 out of 5.

Dad surprised us by picking up the coconut flavor right off the bat. He actually liked the texture and said the coconut was so strong it reminded him of an Almond Joy without the sugar or maybe even a coconut macaroon (not a French macaron). But he agreed that the chocolate was definitely an afterthought, though he didn't seem to mind. My husband was the biggest fan, noting he could smell the coconut the moment he unwrapped it. He thought it was sweet but not too sweet and gave it a glowing 5 out of 5.

As for the rest of us, we found the bar strange. It felt like an identity crisis of coconut, faint sweetness, and very little chocolate. In the end, this RXBAR may win coconut lovers, but for anyone craving a chocolate treat, it's a confusing, off-brand disappointment.

Speaking of divisive treats, the new Nut Butter & Oat Lemon Honey Cashew Butter RXBAR threw us all for a loop. Mom took one bite and practically recoiled. She said she could definitely taste the lemon and honey, but felt that when mixed with the cashew, it didn't make sense to her palate. She gave it a hard 0 out of 5, calling it "off-putting."

Dad, on the other hand, was all smiles. He could definitely taste the lemon and clearly enjoyed the bright flavor. My husband chimed in that it tasted just like lemon meringue pie — sweet, tart, and creamy — but admitted that he couldn't detect the cashew at all.

The consensus was that the lemon and honey come through loud and clear, but the cashew adds a strange undertone that doesn't quite land. Texture-wise, it's soft and chewy, with a lingering citrus punch. Ultimately, this is a divisive bar: For those who love lemon curd or citrus desserts, it's a bright, tangy treat. For everyone else, it may feel more like a confusing mashup than a satisfying snack. Consider this one a gamble depending on your citrus tolerance.

Next up, we decided to get into the holiday spirit by unwrapping one of RXBAR's signature seasonal offerings: gingerbread. Tearing into the bright red wrapper, I was immediately hit with a ginger punch, the kind of smell that recalls pulling gingerbread men or ginger snaps out of the oven. As we each took a bite of the bar, we all noted that while ginger was the dominant scent, there was something else overpowering the flavor.

After a few minutes, we realized what it was: The flavor of the dates was adding a sticky sweetness that made the bar taste more like fruitcake than classic gingerbread. Was it bad? Not at all, but it wasn't the ginger-forward treat we were expecting from scent alone. It still hits the holiday high notes, just not exactly in the way we were expecting. So, if your Yuletide memories aren't complete without a slice of grandma's not-so-famous fruitcake, then this bar is an absolute must. Though if you're craving straight ginger, you might be disappointed.

Switching gears, we decided to give our taste buds a break from spice and pick up something fruity, instead. Classic strawberry was just the ticket, with a smell like the intensely flavored freeze-dried strawberries you'd find in classic breakfast cereal.

Mom's first impression was the chewiness, adding that the strawberry flavor wasn't immediately fruit-forward. For her, it came later, more like a spoonful of jam than fresh berries. She liked the distinctive chunks of cashew in this otherwise dense and chewy bar but admitted she wouldn't want a whole one, saying she'd get tired of the flavor after a few bites.

Dad, on the other hand, thought the strawberry flavor was stronger overall and gave it a solid 3 out of 5. We agreed that the bar offered a pleasant combination of chewy texture and nutty crunch, but it didn't capture the bright freshness you'd hope for in a strawberry snack. All in all, it's good but not great — certainly snackable, but not a standout in the Rx lineup.

The Vanilla Almond RXBAR left us with mixed feelings. Mom noticed right away that the texture seemed different from other RXBARs. It seemed more moist (or at least not as dry), which was a welcome change. She didn't necessarily get a strong vanilla flavor, though, and said it was pleasant but not particularly memorable.

Dad, on the other hand, found the vanilla more forward and said he kind of liked it, though he agreed it was good, not great. The almond pieces added a nice crunch, but none of us felt it stood out among the more daring flavors in the Rx lineup. As for the vanilla itself... well, true to its name, it was vanilla: pleasant, mild, and safe, but not particularly exciting. Overall, the Vanilla Almond RXBAR delivers on texture with a gentle nutty undertone, but the flavor won't blow anyone away. It's a solid choice if you like classic, understated snacks, but don't expect a bold punch of taste.

Despite the 85-degrees Fahrenheit weather outside the car, we decided to get into the fall spirit with the seasonal Pumpkin Spice RXBAR next. Mom was impressed, saying it definitely tastes like a pumpkin baked good, reminiscent of a pumpkin muffin. She appreciated the combination of warm seasonings, which were noticeable but not overwhelming, perfectly complementing the pumpkin base. "As a pumpkin spice bar, it nails it," she said.

Dad agreed that the flavor wasn't overpowering and leaned more subtle, adding that it smelled like fall and was better than he expected, giving it a 3 out of 5. The texture was familiar RXBAR chewy goodness, with little bits that added some crunch without being distracting.

Our only real complaint? We wouldn't want to eat this flavor all the time. Pumpkin spice is a seasonal delight that hits the spot when you're craving autumn flavors, but after a few bites, it might start to feel a little one-note. Overall, the Pumpkin Spice RXBAR delivers on cozy, familiar flavor, making it a perfect occasional treat for pumpkin lovers.

Remember when I said that we're big fans of peanut butter? Well, it should come as no surprise that the straight Peanut Butter RXBAR was a crowd-pleaser. Mom noticed the salty edge right away, saying it definitely tastes like salted peanuts rather than creamy peanut butter. She liked it, giving it a 3.5 out of 5, though she noted it wasn't quite the peanut-butter-forward experience she expected.

Dad, on the other hand, was thrilled, calling it the best flavor so far. Unlike mom, he thought that it tasted exactly like peanut butter — the kind you want on a spoon, not just mixed into a bar. He gave it a solid 4.5 out of 5. As a group, we appreciated the balance of saltiness, chewiness, and nutty flavor that makes this bar so satisfying. The texture hits that familiar RXBAR chew without feeling dry, and the flavor is bold without being overwhelming. Overall, the Peanut Butter RXBAR is simple and straightforward, exactly what you want from a classic peanut butter snack.

When we dug into the Nut Butter & Oat Blueberry Cashew Butter RXBAR, we were pleasantly surprised by how bright and flavorful it was. Mom immediately said it reminded her of a blueberry crumble, noting that the blueberry flavor was strong, likely heightened by the dried blueberries in the mix, giving it that distinct blueberry-flavored vibe.

Dad agreed that it was definitely blueberry-forward and compared it to a Nutrograin bar, which he enjoys, noting the familiar chewy texture complemented the fruity punch nicely. My husband chimed in that while the blueberry flavor was strong, it tasted a bit artificial, but in a way that was nostalgic rather than off-putting. The nut butter and oats provide a satisfying chew and subtle nuttiness that balance the sweetness of the berries, making each bite hearty and snackable. It's a fun, slightly indulgent twist on a classic RXBAR, perfect for anyone who loves their fruit flavor to shine and doesn't mind a touch of playful, dessert-like sweetness.

We tried the classic Blueberry RXBAR alongside the newer Blueberry Cashew Butter version, and it sparked some friendly debate in the car. Mom was quick to point out that this one reminded her of a fruit roll-up: bright, straightforward, and more of a pure blueberry flavor. She liked that it wasn't muddled by other additions and said she preferred it over the other blueberry bar, giving it a solid 4 out of 5, an opinion my husband shared.

Dad, on the other hand, still enjoyed the blueberry taste, but he leaned toward the Cashew Butter version. His main issue with this classic bar was the inclusion of dates in the mix, which he doesn't particularly care for, though he still rated it 4 out of 5. As a group, we agreed that the bar hits that chewy, satisfying Rx texture with a clean, pronounced blueberry flavor that isn't too sweet or artificial. While our opinions on the finer points of blueberry intensity differed, the classic Blueberry RXBAR offered a dependable, flavorful snack, one that balances fruity brightness with that signature nutty, chewy base.

This one was a bit of an anomaly in our RXBAR rankings. Across the board, we agreed that this one didn't deliver on the flavor it promised. None of us could taste peanut butter, and the cinnamon flavor was elusive, if detectable at all. However, the Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter Nut Butter & Oar RXBAR somehow inched ahead of the competition. Why? Well, simply put, it was delicious.

It may not have delivered the promised flavors, but the honey sweetness and the additional texture from the oats proved to be a winner for all of us. Mom loved the light crunch, noting that it tasted more like a honey oat bar, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Dad was able to detect a hint of cinnamon, but agreed that the texture of this bar was much more satisfying than the typical chew of a classic date-based RXBAR. While this one technically didn't meet the flavor-forward criteria, we enjoyed the Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter RXBAR so much that we nudged it into the top three.

When we ripped into the Chocolate Sea Salt RXBAR on our road trip, we immediately knew this one was going to be a hit. Mom took the first bite and loved how it wasn't overly sweet but still managed to satisfy her sweet tooth. She pointed out the light touch of salt, saying it added just enough contrast without being overdone. She noted that it was fudgy without being too sweet, happily ranking it a 4.5 out of 5.

Dad agreed that it was a standout, noting he could definitely taste the sea salt, which balanced the chocolate flavor beautifully. He liked it a lot, giving it a solid 4 out of 5. As a group, we were impressed by how the bar felt indulgent yet balanced with a rich cocoa flavor, chewy texture, and a little hint of salt that elevated it from basic chocolate to something more sophisticated. The cashews added just enough crunch to keep each bite interesting. Overall, the Chocolate Sea Salt RXBAR struck us as a satisfying, dependable snack — one that feels like a treat without going overboard, making it an easy favorite in the Rx lineup.

It should come as no surprise, given our collective Reese's-loving taste buds, that our top pick turned out to be a peanut butter–forward treat. From the first bite, we all agreed the flavor struck a sweet spot between indulgent and balanced. Mom was especially impressed, noting that this bar tasted the most chocolatey of the bunch, with just a subtle peanut butter undertone that elevated the chocolate rather than overpowering it. She liked how it leaned rich and fudgy without going overboard.

Dad, on the other hand, tasted it differently. For him, the peanut butter was the star of the show, more prominent than the chocolate but still paired in a way that felt deliberate and enjoyable. We all appreciated the bar's chewy texture, which was dense but not dry, and the satisfying sweetness that made each bite feel like a small treat rather than just a protein snack. In the end, we unanimously scored it 4.5 out of 5 for its harmonious flavors, nostalgic appeal, and snack-worthy staying power.

Here's how we approached our RXBAR flavor showdown. Each bar was judged blind to keep expectations from coloring the results. First, we asked: Did the bar actually taste like the flavor listed on the wrapper? If it promised Chocolate Sea Salt, did it deliver on both the chocolate and the salty pop, or did it veer off into generic sweetness?

Next, we noted what we actually tasted beyond the headline flavor. Were there unexpected undertones, like extra date sweetness or a surprising nutty kick, that enhanced or distracted from the main profile? Finally, we evaluated texture, because RXBARs have a reputation for being dense and chewy. Was the bar pleasantly fudgy or overly sticky? Did the nuts add a satisfying crunch or feel like an afterthought?

Each taster scored their bar individually on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being "I'll never eat this again," and 5 denoting a new favorite. We averaged the results to create a ranking that reflects both flavor accuracy and eating experience. In the end, the final RXBAR rankings came down to flavor, texture, and simple snack-time joy.