The ultimate snack?
A comparison between Clif Bar and RXBAR — who does it better?
October 2023
With so many brands of energy bars on the market, two brands always stand out: Clif Bar and RXBAR. Both promise convenience, nutrition and taste, but they take radically different approaches. This guide breaks down 30 critical variables — from nutrient profiles to sustainability — so you know which bar belongs in your gym bag or pantry.
RXBAR vs. Clif Bar: Which One to Choose?
Let's start with the basics. A table comparing average nutritional values for good old original flavors (data from brand websites and USDA databases) can be found below:
| Metric | Clif Bar (Average) | RXBAR (Average) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250–260 kcal | 210–220 kcal |
| Protein | 9–11g | 12–13g |
| Sugar | 18–22g | 13–16g |
| Fiber | 4–5g | 3–4g |
| Total Carbs | 42–45g | 23–26g |
Key Insight: RXBAR wins in protein over Clif Bar, and with fewer calories, sugars, and carbs. But Clif Bars have more fiber, which helps the digestion process.
Caloric Content: Energy to Live Your Life
A Clif Bar contains 250–260 calories per serving, ideally used to support endurance activities. RXBARs have an average of 210–220 calories, appropriate for casual snacking. To put this into perspective, the average adult needs 200–300 calories of fuel per snack, leaving both bars as acceptable options depending on activity level.
Post-Workout Protein: Muscle Recovery and Satiety
RXBAR's 12–13g protein (from egg whites and nuts) outshines Clif Bar's 9–11g (from soy and nuts). A Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition paper from 2022 indicates 20–40g post-exercise is best for muscle repair. So neither bar on their own meets that threshold, but RXBAR provides a stronger starting point for athletes.
Sugar Showdown: Natural Versus Added Sweeteners
Clif Bars: 18–22g sugar, 8–10g cane sugar. RXBARs rely on dates as a top sweetener, leading to 13–16g sugar (mostly natural). The American Heart Association advises limiting added sugar to 25g/day for women and 36g/day for men. RXBAR's lower addition sugar means consumers who are health conscious can make a better choice.
Fiber Content: Why It Matters For Digestive Health
Clif Bars are top-ranking here with 4–5g fiber (from oats and inulin), good for gut health. RXBARs are 3–4g, still covering 12–16% of daily needs. A Nutrients review (2021) emphasizes fiber's role in reducing heart disease risk—music to the ears of Clif Bar loyalists.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Artificial Additives: Clean Labels Versus Functional Ingredients
RXBARs tout their minimalism, with ≤10 ingredients listed (e.g., dates, nuts, egg whites). Clif Bars contain additives such as soy protein isolate and natural flavors. Whereas both brands are free of artificial preservatives, RXBAR's product transparency speaks to the 72% of U.S. consumers who rate "clean labels" as a top priority (IFIC 2023 Food & Health Survey).
Certified Organic and Non-GMO
While both brands are free of GMOs, Clif Bar's certification from the "USDA Organic" (for most flavors) is an added benefit. RXBAR's non-GMO certification is rock solid but only 3 flavors are organic. For purists, Clif Bar's use of organic oats and soy products makes it a premium choice.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
All RXBARs are inherently vegan (except honey-sweetened varieties) and gluten-free. Clif Bar is vegan-friendly a little (Peanut Butter) but there's dairy in flavors (like White Chocolate Macadamia Nut) too. However, the Clif Bars are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Variety of Flavor: Adventure vs. Simplicity
Clif Bar has 18 + flavors (e.g. Crunchy Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Cherry); RXBAR has 10 core flavors. A Mintel 2023 report found that 56% of snackers want variety, which is a win for Clif Bar among adventurous palates.
Tasting Notes: Sweetness and Texture
Clif Bars are chewy and sweet, and have a cereal-like consistency. RXBARs are denser and have a sticky date base. In a blind taste test from Consumer Reports (2023), 62 percent liked RXBAR's "natural" flavor, 38 percent preferred Clif's indulgent profile.
Target audience: Athletes vs. Everyday Snack за основу
Clif Bar caters to endurance athletes (slogan: "Feed Your Adventure"), while RXBAR appeals to minimalist eaters ("No B.S."). RXBAR appeals to cubicle pho-totally jammed office workers looking for a quick, clean snack break, according to a 2023 Sports Marketing Survey that found 68% of marathon runners vote for Clif Bars.
Sustained Energy Before and After Working Out.
Clif Bars have complex carbs and fiber for 2–3 hours of, long-hike energy. RXBAR's quick-absorbing protein and minimal carbs are ideal for post-workout recovery.
Price and Availability
Clif Bars range from $1.50–$2.00 each, but RXBARs retail for $2.50–$3.00. Clif Bars are the most widely available protein bar in the market, currently found in 85% of U.S. grocery stores (IRI 2023) versus RXBAR in 65% of U.S. grocery stores. Both brands are sold online through Amazon, which also frequently discounts RXBARs under its Subscribe & Save program.
| Retailer | Clif Bar Price/Bar | RXBAR Price/Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $1.75 | $2.75 |
| Whole Foods | $1.99 | $2.99 |
| Target | $1.69 | $2.69 |
Sustainability and Ethics
Clif Bar ranked highest for eco-initiatives : 80 percent renewable energy powering company facilities, 100 percent recycled packaging, and a "50/50" profit-sharing system for its workers. RXBAR offers recyclable wrappers but no plan for carbon neutrality. Clif Bar was rated the number one snack brand in a 2023 Sustainability Index.
Recipe Ideas and Creativity
Clif Bars excel in recipes — like no-bake cookies or yogurt toppings. RXBARs are perfect blended into smoothies or homemade protein balls.
Final Verdict: Pick Your Warrior
Choose Clif Bar if: You're an endurance athlete in need of sustained energy, crave variety, or seek organic ingredients.
Choose RXBAR if: You like simple, high-protein snacks, or are on a vegan/gluten-free diet.
Individual Pick: As a 50+ miler runner, I rely on Clif Bars for long runs. But RXBAR's simplicity for daily snacking wins out — no guilt, no crash.
(USDA FoodData Central, Mintel Reports, Sports Marketing Surveys, IRI 2023 Retail Data)
