Key findings
- 1Brown rice syrup (the first ingredient) has a higher glycemic index than table sugar and is produced through enzymatic starch-to-sugar conversion
- 2Soy protein isolate is extracted from soybeans using hexane solvent and acid washing, making it one of the most industrially processed protein sources
- 3Trail mix or an RXBAR provides similar energy for outdoor activities with far less processing
What goes into Clif Bars products?
Clif Bar's branding emphasizes outdoor adventure and natural energy, but the ingredient list includes industrial components. Brown rice syrup (the first ingredient in many varieties) is a highly refined sweetener with a glycemic index higher than table sugar. It is produced by treating cooked rice with enzymes (often from barley malt) to break starches into sugars, then concentrating the resulting syrup. Soy protein isolate, the primary protein source, is extracted from soybeans using hexane solvent and acid washing, an industrial process far removed from whole soybeans. Additional ingredients include organic cane syrup, organic soy butter, rice flour, organic oat fiber, and various flavoring and binding agents. The word "organic" appears frequently but organic ingredients can still be ultra-processed.
How 158 clif bars products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Clif Bars brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a clif bars label
- 1
Brown rice syrup as the first ingredient means sugar is the primary component by weight
- 2
Soy protein isolate is extracted using hexane solvent, an industrial chemical process
- 3
"Organic" does not mean less processed; organic brown rice syrup is still a refined sweetener
- 4
Count the ingredients: the list runs well beyond oats, nuts and fruit
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Frequently asked questions
Are Clif bars good for hiking and outdoor sports?
Clif bars provide quick energy (primarily from brown rice syrup sugar) and moderate protein, which can be useful during activity. However, from a processing standpoint, trail mix, dates, or nuts provide similar energy with far less processing. Of the 158 Clif bars we score, 19 are Level 4 (ultra-processed) and 128 are Level 3.
What is brown rice syrup and why is it the first ingredient?
Brown rice syrup is produced by treating cooked rice with enzymes to convert starch to sugar, then concentrating the liquid. It has a higher glycemic index than table sugar. It is the first ingredient in most Clif bars, meaning sugar is the primary component by weight.
Are Clif Builder bars more processed than regular Clif bars?
Yes. Clif Builder bars add additional soy protein isolate, sugar alcohols (erythritol), and a chocolate-flavored coating made with palm kernel oil and alkali-processed cocoa. Each Builder product page shows its own score.