Clif builders

Rating: 2/5 Green Leaves

The Clif Builders Chocolate is a product that aims to provide protein in a convenient bar form but falls short in offering a clean eating option. The bar is not organic, which detracts from its potential appeal to those seeking purer food choices. It contains multiple types of added sugars, including cane syrup, cane sugar, and brown rice syrup, which contribute to its lower rating. These sugars, while common in many processed foods, are less desirable for a health-conscious consumer striving for a diet with minimal added sweeteners.

Further scrutiny reveals the presence of ingredients that raise concerns. Natural flavors, while ubiquitous in the food industry, are a catch-all term that lacks transparency, making it difficult to ascertain their origins and health implications. Soy lecithin and glycerin, although not uncommon in such products, are added to this list of questionable additives. Their inclusion suggests the product prioritizes shelf stability and texture over nutritional purity.

The oils used in the Clif Builders Chocolate also detract from its overall score. Soybean oil and palm kernel oil are considered less healthy options due to their saturated fat content and the environmental impact associated with palm oil production. The choice to use these oils is at odds with the goal of offering cleaner food options.

The product does, however, use non-GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect amidst the concerns. Nonetheless, the combination of non-organic ingredients, multiple added sugars, potential harmful additives, and the use of certain oils results in a product that does not align with the principles of clean eating. For consumers prioritizing cleaner, more wholesome food choices, the Clif Builders Chocolate would benefit from a reformulation that addresses these issues, focusing on organic, minimally processed ingredients with fewer additives and healthier oil alternatives.