RXBAR’s whole vibe is “No B.S.”—a phrase I deeply respect. Their Energy Blocks are basically a cross between a fruit leather and a date bar, made from dates, egg whites, and a few other ingredients you can actually pronounce. Looking at you, chemical-soup energy gels.
The promise is real food for real athletes, which sounds wonderful until you’re mid-run and wondering if a date can really power you up a hill. I’m here to tell you: sometimes it can, but sometimes it fights back.
The Good: What Works on the Run
Let’s start with the texture. These blocks are dense—like a cross between a brownie and a chewy candy. That density means they don’t crumble into a sticky mess in your pocket, which is a massive win for trail runners. No need to lick your palm mid-stride.
Flavor-wise, the Chocolate Sea Salt is a revelation. It tastes like a legitimate dessert, not a sports product. You’ll forget you’re “fueling” and feel like you’re sneaking a snack, which is half the mental battle during a long run.
And the fuel itself? It works for steady-state runs. The combination of dates (carbohydrates) and egg whites (protein) gives a slow, sustained release. No sugar spike, no dramatic crash. Just a gentle hum of energy that keeps you going.
RXBAR Expands Beyond the Bar with New Protein Energy Bites
The Not-So-Good: Where the Blocks Stumble
Here’s the catch: digestion is a diva during a run. Those 12 grams of protein from egg whites? They sit in your stomach like a brick. On a hot day or a faster-paced session, that brick can turn into a cramp. I’ve had moments where I regretted my life choices.
Also, the chew factor is real. You need to drink water with every bite. If you’re in a race situation where you can’t slow down to swallow, these blocks become a sticky hazard. Imagine trying to swallow a date while sprinting—not cute.
And the portion size? One pack has two blocks, which feels like a tease. For a long run, you’ll need at least two or three packs. That’s a lot of spent cash for what amounts to fancy dates.
