Save yourself some cash and a trip to the store with these homemade Copycat Chocolate Coffee RX Bars. This paleo, no-bake protein bar is the perfect way to refuel after a tough workout.
This post is sponsored by NOW Foods.
A few weeks ago, I was on the hunt for a delicious new protein bar. I popped into a GNC and snagged a few different kinds to test out. After my various taste-tests, one bar stood out as the clear winner: the RX Bar. I fell in love with the two flavors I tried (blueberry and chocolate coffee) and wanted to try more. However, as anyone who likes protein bars knows, those suckers are EX-to-the-PENSIVE!
I couldn’t bring myself to shell out almost $30 for a box of 12 bars. I stared longingly at the bars sitting on the shelf when I realized something: RX bars basically list the recipe for their bars right on the packaging. Here’s an example:
I figured I could take that recipe, multiply it by however many bars I wanted to make and whip these babies up in my own kitchen. So that’s exactly what I did! The result? These just-as-good-as-the-original Copycat Chocolate Coffee RX Bars!
(UPDATE: a recipe for Copycat Blueberry RX Bars is also available here)
It ended up not being quite as simple as I hoped it would be to recreate this recipe, but after a little trial and error playing with ingredient amounts, I think I hit the nail on the head.
Plus, since I did all the trial and error, you won’t have to, which means this recipe stupid simple for you to make. And no-bake to boot!
The ingredient list couldn’t be better, and almost everything I used came from NOW Foods because… NOW is the bomb dot com. Seriously, the almonds, cashews, cacao and egg white protein used in this recipe are all NOW products. I’m slightly obsessed. Better yet, everything used in this recipe is totally paleo friendly (gluten free, dairy free, soy free).
I will be enjoying these for breakfast and/or post-workout. They’ve got carbs, protein, healthy fats – and a little extra jolt from the coffee to perk you right on up.
- 1 cup pitted dates (about 2 dozen)
- 3/4 cup egg white protein powder
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 2 tsp instant espresso powder
- 1/4 cup raw cacao nibs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp water (add more if needed)
- Place all ingredients in a food processor.
- Process until everything begins to stick together to form a sticky ball of dough.* You may need to stop every few minutes to push everything down with a spatula.
- Once you have a ball of dough, remove it from the food processor and press it into a parchment lined 8x8 baking dish. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Slice into 10-12 bars and enjoy!
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze.
- *If things don't seem to be sticking, slowly add more water about a 1/2 tbsp at a time until it does.
Let’s Chat:
Have you ever had RX Bars? What’s your favorite flavor?
Which flavor should I try to recreate next?
This post is linked up with Meatless Mondays.
I love Rx Bars, and I agree, they are hella expensive. So they are definitely a treat (but no longer because I can just make yours!)
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Lunching Ladies and Impromptu Long Runs
I tried a BS bar this morning and it was so delicious and satisfying. I would try to create the coconut chocolate bar.
This looks amazing! I’m starting to attempt to make bars like this from scratch, so I’ll have to add this to the list!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Runfessions – August 2016
I really should make them more often. They save so much money and are so good.
Have you attempted the Blueberry or Apple Cinnamon ones yet? I can’t find a recipe anywhere and was hoping someone already tried.
I am going to be attempting the blueberry soon and will add the apple cinnamon to my list of recipes to try. Stay tuned!
Yes please on the bluberry!! Please Please Please!!!
Blueberry ones should be posted next week :). Stay tuned!
Blueberry ones should go up next week!
I hope at some point you’d also attempt the Chocolate Mint flavor! Thank you so much for your time and energy in creating this recipe and writing the blog.
Thanks for visiting! I’ll add that to my list of ones to try to recreate. Stay tuned!
I can’t wait to see the mint recipe!
These look aaaahmazing!!! I totally want one for breakfast!
Annmarie recently posted…Rainbow Carrot Breakfast Hash {Low FODMAP, Low Histamine}
Come on over. I have one ready for you!
Bars are SO expensive! It’s a great idea to make your own and these sound great.
I’ve never tried an RX bar (don’t eat eggs), but I think with a little substituting I could make these. They sound so good! I’ve never seen egg white protein powder. Do you think subbing a regular protein powder would work?
Debbie recently posted…Postcards from the Weekend: Countdown to Race Day (and a 1st B’day Party!)
I think a plain protein powder would work – or maybe even chocolate for extra chocolatelyness! Let me know if you try it and how they turn out.
These look awesome! You know I’m a fan of RXBARs but agree that they can be expensive!
Kimberly G recently posted…#MusicMonday – Red Hot Chili Peppers
you are SO smart to think to legit copy the ingredients – although the tweaking part must have been hard!
you should sell these in NYC – you’d make a fortune 🙂
Haha not a bad idea!!
You are the bomb! How about those lemon Larabars?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Trials and Errors
ooo Larabars probably wouldn’t be too hard. Which flavor?!
I am totally going to make these. Coffee in my protein bar..yes please!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Weekend Recap – Mountain Adventures and Fireworks
Woot! Let me know how they turn out!
I love these bars! This sounds delicious too. Much more affordable then buying them by the case like I have been.
These look good. Will have to check out the egg white protein powder… I have powdered egg whites…
Elle recently posted…PlantFusion Vegan Protein Review and Giveaway
Powdered egg whites will probably work the same. 🙂
I’ve never tried bars like these before but they sure do look good. You always have GREAT recipes!
Anna @ Piper’s Run recently posted…Maritime Race Weekend Training Week 9
Awe thanks, girl! 🙂
Holly yum balls! I think any granola or protein bar is over-priced for what you get. P.S. thank you for your sweet comment on Facebook yesterday. I was really upset about how this person has been mistreating me & your comment meant a lot.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Blueberry Chickpea Donuts {GF, Low Cal, Vegan}
Of course! I still can’t believe someone is being a jerk to you! I’m so mad and I really do have your back if you need me to boycott haha
Anytime you add espresso I’m in! 🙂 Thanks for linking up today for meatless Monday
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Spicy Summer Watermelon Gazpacho
Espresso makes everything better, doesn’t it?
I’ve been DYING to try RX Bars and now I can do that at home – awesome!!
Ange // Cowgirl Runs recently posted…‘Bye August! My Recap of August Goals
Woohoo! let me know if you give them a go 🙂
Simple and delicious! Love recreating my favorites at home. Confession time I still haven’t tried those bars but I think I need to…or make these and skip trying them! Thank you for linking up with us for Meatless Monday!
Just make these – they really do taste the same 🙂
Well, this looks amazing!! I definitely need to try!
These sound good! I’m getting ready to start the Whole 30, and I’m trying to build up my arsenal of recipes. Thanks for sharing!
These are perfect for Whole 30!
Excited to try and make these! Thanks for sharing!
Of course! Let me know how they turn out 🙂
I love making my own protein bars, especially since the ones at the store are so expensive. I’ve looked at those bars too and thought the same thing about how they pretty much give you the recipe on it and had been meaning to try it out myself. Thanks for putting in the hard work figuring out the recipe! Looks good 🙂
AZ@…And A Dash of Cinnamon recently posted…Guilt-Free, No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Almond Protein Cheesecake [Low carb, grain free]
AH! Finally, something to use egg white protein with. I’d had some years ago and it was awful in shakes but THIS…this would’ve been a good use for it!
Coach Henness recently posted…Upping my Meal Planning Game with PlateJoy
Yes it’s great for baking and bars 🙂
I haven’t tried the original, but these copycats look AMAZING!
Courtney recently posted…Easy Cheesy Spinach Bake
Thanks, girl!
I haven’t tried Rx Bars yet, they’re always too expensive for me to justify it. But this homemade version looks delicious! I’ll have to give these a shot instead 🙂
Let me know if you do!
Yum! I’ve never had RX bars. I see them at Whole Foods but I’m on a PROBAR kick right now so haven’t tried anything else in a while. I’ll have to make this recipe!
Rachel recently posted…Kitchen Tools for Every Kitchen
I love PROBAR, too! I’ll have to try to make those next.
I have never heard of RX bars, but it looks like you nailed the recipe!
I’ll take those cashews, though 🙂
Jenn recently posted…weekly wrap: 8.21 – 8.27
My, my, my…aren’t you resourceful 😉 Thanks for sharing your creative kitchen know-how with us 😉
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Doing things I haven’t done in awhile….or at all
Oh I am definitely giving these a try. These look amazing
Thanks, girl! Let me know how they turn out!
Bars seem to be getting more and more expensive every single day. These look like a great alternative.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon Training Log – Week 9
I love protein bars but you are right they don’t love my budget! I’m so glad you did all the work Nicole! I suck in the kitchen except eating of course so having it all nice and neat to follow is perfect for me!
Well these are easy peasy to make. Let me know if you give them a shot!
NOW Foods is definitely the bomb! I love how they use clean ingredients for their products, especially their supplements. I use NOW’s Omega-3 fish oil and I can tell they’re the best fish oil brand out there. 🙂
They really are the best!
I like how you took an expensive bar and made it yourself- very clever! and they look delish!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Fall Running Wish list!
I have been meaning to try RX bars because I’m seeing them EVERYWHERE! These look delicious.
Carly @ FitLiving Eats recently posted…Antioxidant-Rich Super Grain Salad with Cherries & Walnuts
They are delicious! And these are just as delicious! I need to make all the other flavors now 🙂
I love RX bars but rarely buy because of the price – will have to try these!
Hannah recently posted…Favorite links 8/28
Let me know what you think of the recipe!
This looks like such a great snack! I have never tried cooking with dates before. Perhaps this will be my first recipe 🙂
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Pique Tea Review (It’s Awesome!)
Say what?! Dates are the best!
Have you thought of doing the Mint Chocolate chips ones? they’re my favorite, but these ones look delicious. Can’t wait to make them!
Ohh I should try those next! I think I have some mint extract… stay tuned!
Don’t have egg white powder… it is possible to get the same result, when you add egg
White and bake it for a short time? Or, instead of, use protein powder like chocolate?? Isn’t that the same?
Hey Simone! I think any other protein powder would work. Use plain/unflavored if you don’t want to effect the flavor. I don’t know how it would work with egg white and baking, but if you try that, please let me know how it turns out!
These are amazing!! I’ve made 3 batches in a little over a week haha. My favorite is the coconut cacao so i just added some shredded coconut to this recipe and they’re perfect – much better than Rx bars actually, especially since they changed them and they’re so tough. Kids love them too. Thanks for sharing!!
I’m so happy you like them! I’ve been wanting to experiment with some other flavors, so I’m happy to hear the coconut cacao came out well for you! Any other flavors you’d like me to try to create?
would you try making blueberry and chocolate sea salt?
Absolutely! Blueberry is up next. I’ll keep you posted when I have it perfected 🙂
I really want to try to figure out the blueberry RX bars. I feel like the liquid from the berries might complicate things. Any suggestions?
I’ve had a few requests to make the blueberry flavor, so I’ll be attempting that soon. I think using dried blueberries is the way to go. I’ll keep you posted when I have the recipe ready 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing! I was disappointed with the price of the Rx Bars. This is much more practical for my budget. My kids even love these!
I’m so happy you and your kids like them!! I’ll be experimenting with other flavors soon, so stay tuned 🙂
This recipe is awesome thanks so much!! I’ve made it twice using my Vitamix but both times it overheated- that’s never happened before and I had to take the mix out and add it in small quantities but it really becomes time consuming and messy. For people with a food processor- does it work well for this? Does the motor ever stop? I’ve been thinking of getting one for the few jobs Vitamix can’t handle…
Hi, Sara! I’ve had my Vitamix overheat for random things and even melted the container once trying to make a coconut butter (yep… melted it), so I definitely recommend a food processor for this kind of recipe. It handles the stickiness and the big ball that forms much better than a Vitamix can (as much as I love my Vitamix). If you’re on the hunt for a good one, I love my Cuisinart (similar to this one: http://amzn.to/2mNyDJD). Hope that helps. Thanks for making the recipe!
My favorite are the Chocolate Sea Salt! Just tried the Chocolate Coffee yesterday, they were on sale at Sprouts for $1.50, which is still a ridiculous price, but I was hungry and needed something immediately! I came home and googled all the ingredients and found your site! Can’t wait to make these!
Chocolate Sea Salt is on my list to recreate, so stay tuned! Let me know how they turn out when you make them 🙂
Does anyone know if you can use actual egg whites instead of egg white powder?
I modified this recipe to try to make the chocolate coconut version and it worked so well. I’m soooo excited. I used 1 cup of egg white protein instead of 3/4, and substituted the cacao nibs for unsweetened shredded coconut. I also added a little vanilla, and folded in some chopped unsweetened baker’s chocolate at the end (those are not paleo, but you know). I am completely shocked by how good they are. They literally taste like coconut macaroons. The texture is great (actually a little easier to eat than a real rx bar) and so far they’re even holding up outside of the fridge. I’m so excited about these.
I’m so happy the versioning worked out so well! I’m slowly making my way through attempting each flavor, so I’m happy to hear this one is a success! xoxo
I added coconut extract and left out the espresso powder and it tastes just like chocolate coconut! thanks for the recipe!
Awesome! So glad to hear it adapted well 🙂
I was curious how long these keep in the fridge? I had time so I made three different batches and I’m hoping they will last a couple of weeks! Thanks
They should keep for at least a week if your dates are fresh! You may want to freeze some that you’ll be consuming later than that, though. They’ll be totally fine in the freezer and then defrosted 🙂
I notice that this recipe calls for 1 cup (2 dozen) dates. The blueberry recipe calls for 1 cup ( 12 dates), otherwise the recipes measurements are the same. Should I be using 1 or 2 dozen dates? Thanks.
This recipe used smaller dates while the blueberry recipe used Medjool Dates, which are larger. I recommend using one dozen Medjool Dates, but if you can’t find them, 2 dozen smaller dates will do just fine. Hope that helps!
Thanks for clarifying!
I just made these and they’re amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. They don’t sell RX bars near me and they cost a fortune anyways. I love them and am so happy I can make them at home. I like a bit of crunch in my bars so I reserved 1/8cup of almonds and chopped them in the food processor before. Once everything came together I quickly kneaded them in. Perfection!!
Thank you so much, Anna! I’m so happy to hear you liked them. I love the idea of giving them a little crunch!
I am obsessed with desserts! Definitely copycat chocolate coffee rx bars will be yummy! Thx for sharing Nicole!
I have to say this has been probably the most helpful posts for me. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next.
Wonderful recipe and quality info. Cacao nibs have many health benefits. Especially for diabetes control and do keep our heart healthy cacao nibs does a good job. I consume cacao nibs regularly as part my job.
Thank you
Srikanth
Cocoa Mantra