Clif Bar

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Clif Bar Chocolate Brownie Flavor offers a selection of organic ingredients but falls short in terms of its commitment to clean eating. Despite its use of organic rolled oats and soybeans, the product’s inclusion of multiple types of added sugars and potentially harmful additives diminishes its overall healthfulness.

The Clif Bar is not entirely organic, which impacts its score negatively. While it does utilize non-GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect, the presence of cane syrup, brown rice syrup, and tapioca syrup increases the sugar content significantly. These added sugars are often linked to health issues when consumed in excess. Furthermore, the ingredient list includes natural flavors, an ambiguous term that raises questions about the source and composition of these additives.

Another point of concern is the use of sunflower and/or soybean oil. Though common in processed foods, these oils are considered less healthy due to their potential contribution to inflammation when not balanced with other fats in the diet. The product also contains mixed tocopherols, which serve as antioxidants, but this does not offset the other less desirable ingredients.

The Clif Bar Chocolate Brownie Flavor seems to be a product caught between the desire to offer a healthier snack and the constraints of conventional food processing. While it makes an effort to incorporate organic and non-GMO components, its reliance on added sugars, ambiguous flavor additives, and oils commonly associated with health risks detracts from its potential as a clean food option. Consumers seeking cleaner food products might find this Clif Bar lacking in the level of healthfulness they are searching for. Hence, the product’s current formulation does not align well with the goal of providing cleaner, healthier food choices.