During a recent trip to the store with my good friend Bryce, we found ourselves eyeing the protein bar section, specifically the ALOHA plant-based bars. Knowing I focus on non-toxic living, Bryce asked for my thoughts on whether these bars were safe for someone trying to live a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.

The packaging looked promising, boasting “organic” on the wrapper, which caught much attention. But as with any food product, you can’t judge it by the label alone. You have to dig deeper and check out the ingredients to see if it align with a truly non-toxic, clean diet. So, we did just that—and here’s what we found.

The Breakdown of ALOHA Protein Bars

These bars contain a mix of plant-based ingredients that might seem harmless at first glance, but when you look closely, they aren’t quite as healthy as they appear. Here are the key ingredients we saw:

• Protein Blend: A vague term that doesn’t tell you exactly what’s in it or how processed it may be. Anytime you see a “blend” listed in the ingredients, it’s a red flag that multiple sources—some of which might be heavily processed—are being used.
• Brown Rice Protein: While this is a common plant-based protein, it’s far from ideal. Brown rice protein is often less bioavailable, meaning your body doesn’t absorb it as well as other protein sources. Additionally, rice can contain higher levels of arsenic, which is especially concerning when consumed regularly.^[1]
• Pumpkin Seed Protein is a better plant-based protein, offering a good range of amino acids, but it is still not as effective as animal-based proteins in terms of absorption and muscle repair.
• Tapioca Fiber: While this ingredient adds fiber, it’s a processed carbohydrate that contributes to the carb content without offering significant nutritional benefits.
• Sugar: The bar includes various forms of sugar, contributing to its 24 grams of carbs—largely coming from rice and tapioca, which is essentially added sugar in disguise.
• Sunflower Seed Butter: While seeds can be part of a healthy diet, sunflower seeds are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess, especially when seed oils and butter are processed at high heat.^[2]
• Lots of Brown Rice: The overwhelming presence of brown rice in both the protein blend and the carbs pushes this bar closer to a sugary snack than a balanced meal replacement.

Why ALOHA Protein Bars Aren’t Ideal for Non-Toxic Living

Let’s be clear—ALOHA protein bars aren’t exactly toxic. But if you’re aiming for a non-toxic lifestyle, these bars fall short of the mark for a few key reasons:

1. Excessive Carbs and Sugars: With 24 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from brown rice and tapioca, this is far from a low-sugar option. Eating this regularly will spike your blood sugar levels, which can lead to energy crashes and cravings and, over time, contribute to metabolic issues like insulin resistance.
2. Subpar Protein Source: Brown rice protein is not a high-quality protein source, even in the plant-based world. It’s low in essential amino acids, making it less efficient at repairing muscles and supporting overall health than other proteins like beef, eggs, or even higher-quality plant sources like pea protein.
3. Inflammatory Seed Oils and Butters: Sunflower seed butter may sound healthy, but high in omega-6 fats. When consumed regularly, these fats can promote inflammation, a cause of many chronic diseases. A non-toxic lifestyle means reducing your exposure to foods that cause inflammation, and seed oils are one of the top culprits.
4. Highly Processed Ingredients: These bars’ protein blend and fiber sources are highly processed. This process strips away nutrients and can introduce chemical additives or preservatives that don’t belong in a clean, non-toxic diet.

When Is It Okay to Reach for One?

Now, I’m not saying you should never have an ALOHA bar. In some situations, convenience is key, and if you’re traveling or in a bind with no other options, these bars might be a better choice than other highly processed snacks on the market. They aren’t loaded with artificial flavors or toxic additives, which makes them better than most mainstream protein bars.

However, these bars should not be a regular part of your diet, especially if you’re striving for a cleaner, more non-toxic lifestyle. There are much better, whole-food options you can turn to that won’t spike your blood sugar or expose your body to unnecessary toxins.

What Are Better Alternatives?

If you’re looking for a protein-rich, low-toxin option to replace a meal or provide a healthy snack, here are some better choices:

1. 100% Grass-Fed Beef Jerky: Jerky made from grass-fed beef offers a complete source of protein, is easy to carry around, and doesn’t come with the sugars and carbs you find in most bars.^[3]
2. Raw, Lightly Salted Nuts: Raw almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts provide healthy fats and protein without added sugars or processed oils.^[4]
3. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Eggs are a nutrient powerhouse, packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. They’re also easy to prepare ahead of time for on-the-go meals.^[5]
4. Fresh Produce with Nut Butter: Pairing fresh fruits or vegetables with a small amount of almond butter or coconut butter balances fiber, fats, and nutrients without the downsides of processed protein bars.

The Bottom Line

While ALOHA protein bars aren’t the worst on the market, they’re far from ideal for a non-toxic, clean diet. Their reliance on processed ingredients, sugar, and subpar protein sources makes them more of a last-resort option rather than something you should consume regularly.

If you’re truly committed to a non-toxic lifestyle, focus on real, whole foods that nourish your body without introducing unnecessary toxins or inflammatory ingredients. After all, the foundation of a healthy, non-toxic life is built on the quality of the foods you put into your body—so make sure they’re as clean and unprocessed as possible.

References:

1. Jayaprakash, Gopika, et al. “A Narrative Review on Rice Proteins: Current Scenario and Food Industrial Application.” Polymers, vol. 14, no. 15, July 2022, p. 3003.
2. Patterson, E., et al. “Health Implications of High Dietary Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.” Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 2012, Apr. 2012, p. 539426.
3. Espinales, Cindy, et al. “Strategies for Healthier Meat Foods: An Overview.” Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, vol. 29, no. 1, Mar. 2024, p. 18.
4. Gonçalves, Berta, et al. “Composition of Nuts and Their Potential Health Benefits—An Overview.” Foods, vol. 12, no. 5, Feb. 2023, p. 942.
5. Puglisi, Michael J., and Maria Luz Fernandez. “The Health Benefits of Egg Protein.” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 14, July 2022, p. 2904.