These Paleo Chocolate Protein Bars are a copycat of the popular RXBars. Made with simple, real ingredients and come together quickly with no baking. Gluten free, dairy free, and Whole30!
These chocolate protein bars made with dates and nuts are not only delicious but also a great source of natural sweetness, fiber, healthy fats, and protein. They make for a convenient on-the-go snack or a tasty indulgence when you're craving something sweet and satisfying.
These are technically Whole30 compliant because they are sweetened with just dates and make a great quick snack. They are also gluten free and dairy free, meeting lots of dietary requirements.
Ingredients for chocolate protein bars
Dates- pitted dates are the base of these bars that help with sweetness and binding them together.
Nuts- raw almonds and cashews are used, but using all of one will work great.
Protein powder- egg white protein powder is what the original bars use, but collagen powder also works just as well. Don't use actually egg whites as that will makes the bars very wet and not able to eat without baking. It's a very different ingredient.
Real Salt kosher salt- this is a large grain salt that balances perfectly with the sweet bar. Any large grain salt will work.
Making the bars
These are super easy to make! In a high powered blender or food processor, chop up the nuts a little to get started. Then add in the dates, cacao powder, and protein powder and blend until combined, stopping and scrapping down the sides as needed. Once combined, press into a prepared pan and place in the fridge to chill. Store covered in the fridge.
These are not as hard and chewy as the original version. The original are a little tougher to chew and stick to your teeth where these are softer and easier to eat. There are also not whole nuts in them which I prefer, it's all more blended together.
The nutrition info is below in the recipe card and it is similar to the original.
Original: Calories 210, Fat 9g, Carbs 24g, Fiber 6g, Sugar 15g, Protein 12g.
These are a little higher calorie, but also higher protein and fat. I didn't figure out the cost difference, but I definitely don't think I spent over $20 on these which is what it would cost to buy. You will love this homemade version are here are some more flavors to try:
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Chocolate Protein Bars (copycat RXBars)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup egg white protein powder just pure egg whites
- 2 cups pitted dates
- ½ cup cacao powder
- 4-6 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon large grain salt
Instructions
- Line a 9 inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a food processor, add the almonds and cashews and pulse until chopped up.
- Add in the egg white powder, dates, and cacao powder. Process until combined.
- Add in water a tablespoon at a time and process until mixture blends together like cookie dough. It should be moist enough to stick together, but not too wet where it's overly sticky. This may take a minute to fully come together, just keep processing until it does.
- Press evenly into prepared pan, sprinkle with large grain salt and refrigerate.
- Cut into 12 bars. Keep refrigerated for best texture. They can be at room temperature, but will soften.
Emily Catrambone says
Can regular egg whites be used instead of the powder?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Emily- I have had people do that, but then they need to be baked. Maybe read through the comments to find the time and temp. Hope that helps!
W says
These are so good! I could not find powdered eggs anywhere in my small town and used 1/3 collagen 1/3 chocolate protein powder 1/3 flax seed as a replacement and it turned out great. Will be making these regularly.
Caroline DeCoux says
I love the paleo chocolate protein bars. They taste better than RX bars, and they have enough protein to satisfy my hunger when I break my IF in the middle of work. I can go a couple of hours until 1:00 when my day is over.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Caroline! I'm so glad you like them!
Heather says
These look great! I am really exited to see how the family likes them. The kids don't normally try new things, but I am looking forward to showing them these!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Heather! I think they'll love these!
Katherine Skilton says
Looks yummy. Could you use a vegan protein powder instead of egg whites or collagen?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Katherine- sure! It may make them not paleo or Whole30 anymore, but if you don't care about that then that's fine.
Katherine Skilton says
Good to know! I love the RxBars but eggs are one of many food sensitivies I have been so blessed with. I did make it with Vega Organic Protein & Greens Creamy Vanilla (=119 grams) I was very pleased with the tasty results. More water was needed cause of the protein powder - I think I used 8 Tablespoons - and I think depending on how dry the dates are affects that also.
Jaimie says
I also have an egg sensitivity, and found that bone broth protein powder is a perfect sub for the egg whites! I like this one from Amazon Bone Broth Powder, 2lb Pure Grass... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X8YXLDJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Melissa says
I lost my old recipe for these and this one came out great! Quick tip--if you spray your food processor bowl and blade with cooking spray beforehand, it is sooo much easier to clean and to get the mixture out of the bowl.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Melissa! Ah- great tip! I'm definitely going to try that next time!
Jan Strommen says
I added a 5 Oz bag of dried cherries as my dates seemed dry. Really good!
Jane says
It looks great!! Any suggestions on what I can substitute the egg white powder with?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Jane- collagen is my favorite to use. Perfect Supplements and Ancient Nutrition are my favorite brands.
Amanda says
If you substitute with collagen is it a 1:1 substitution?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Amanda- yes, a 1:1 substitution. Hope you enjoy!
Ian Robey says
For me, the product of this recipe resulted in a sticky dense concoction that tasted like a decadent chocolate torte brownie. Much better than the commercial product, but too “desserty” and challenges caloric discipline.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Ian- thanks for trying it! I'm not sure if this is a compliment or not 🙂 I'm glad you like it, but sorry about how it's hard to eat just a little. Maybe just use as a dessert.
Pat says
Hi! Is there an alternative to egg white protein powder besides collagen? Recipe looks super tasty BTW
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Pat- you can just leave it out if you don't have it. They won't be as high in protein, but will still be delicious. Hope that helps!