Clif Bar

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Clif Bar Oatmeal Raisin Walnut is a food product that falls short of the clean eating standards set by our website. The primary concern with this bar is its use of added sugars, which are prevalent in the form of organic cane syrup, organic brown rice syrup, and organic tapioca syrup. These sweeteners contribute to the overall negative assessment of the product’s healthfulness.

Another significant issue is the inclusion of “natural flavors” in the ingredient list, a term that encompasses a variety of substances and does not guarantee a clean or healthy additive. This ambiguity in the ingredient list leads to further deductions in the product’s score. Additionally, the presence of soybean oil, which is often highly processed and may contain unhealthy fats, also detracts from the product’s clean label aspirations.

While the Clif Bar does use non-GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect, it fails to be entirely organic. The organic ingredients it does contain, such as organic rolled oats and organic raisins, are overshadowed by the non-organic components that lead to the subtraction of points from its total score.

The product also includes ingredients like soy protein isolate and chicory fiber, which may raise questions for consumers seeking the most natural and minimally processed food options. Furthermore, the inclusion of walnuts provides a source of healthy fats and protein, but this positive feature is not enough to counterbalance the product’s overall shortcomings.

The Clif Bar Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, with its current ingredient composition, does not align with the highest standards for clean and healthful eating. The product’s reliance on added sugars, ambiguous flavoring agents, and the use of processed oils mark it as an option that requires significant improvement. Consumers seeking cleaner food products would be advised to consider alternatives that offer a more transparent ingredient list and a commitment to organic, minimally processed components.