Are Clif Bars All Natural? An Ingredient Deep Dive

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 Consumer Reports study, 62% of shoppers prefer to buy foods labeled "natural" despite not fully understanding the term. This trend has brought attention to products like Clif bars, prompting many to ask, are Clif bars all natural? The answer requires a closer look at the ingredients and manufacturing process.

Quick Summary

Clif bars use over 70% organic ingredients, but the presence of processed components like soy protein isolate and various syrups means they don't fully qualify as 'all natural.' They are designed for active individuals and contain significant added sugars, which may not be suitable for sedentary snacking.

Key Points

No, Clif Bars Are Not 'All Natural': While they contain over 70% organic, plant-based ingredients, they are not entirely 'all natural' due to refined and processed components like various syrups and soy protein isolates.
High in Added Sugars: Clif bars contain significant amounts of added sugars, often in the form of organic brown rice and cane syrups, which can cause blood sugar spikes, especially for less active consumers.
Intended for Active Lifestyles: The high carbohydrate and sugar content is purposefully designed to fuel endurance athletes before and during long, moderate-intensity activities.
Marketing vs. Ingredient Reality: The brand emphasizes organic and plant-based ingredients, but this can create a misleading perception of being a minimally processed, universally healthy snack.
Better Alternatives Exist: For general snacking or for less active individuals, healthier, genuinely unprocessed alternatives like whole fruits, nuts, and homemade trail mix are recommended.
Class-Action Lawsuit Over Misleading Labels: A $12 million settlement in 2024 addressed allegations that the bars' labels misled consumers about their high added sugar content.
Ingredient List is the Key: Consumers should look past marketing claims and scrutinize the full ingredient list to understand a bar's actual composition and processing level.

The Deceptive World of 'Natural' Labeling

Unlike the term 'organic,' which is regulated by the USDA, 'natural' is a marketing term with no legally binding definition. This ambiguity allows brands to label products as natural even if they undergo some level of processing or contain refined sugars. Clif bars are a perfect example of this. While they boast a list of organic, plant-based ingredients, a deeper analysis reveals a complex formulation that goes beyond the common perception of 'natural' food.

Are Clif Bars Highly Processed?

Food processing is not inherently bad, but the level and type of processing are crucial. Clif bars fall into a gray area, classified somewhere between moderately and ultra-processed depending on the specific product. The inclusion of isolated components and various syrups is a key indicator of processing. For example, ingredients often include:

Organic Brown Rice Syrup
Soy Protein Isolate
Organic Rolled Oats
Organic Cane Sugar and Syrup
Chicory Root Extract

The creation of soy protein isolate, for instance, involves extensive chemical processing to separate the protein from the rest of the soybean. While these steps don't disqualify a product from having some 'natural' qualities, they do indicate a level of manufacturing complexity that is far from picking ingredients straight from a farm.

The Role of Sugar in Clif Bars

One of the most significant points of contention regarding the "natural" and "healthy" claims surrounding Clif bars is their sugar content. The bars contain a variety of syrups that, despite being organic, are still a form of added sugar.

Organic Brown Rice Syrup: Often listed as a primary ingredient, this is a refined sugar that can cause significant blood sugar spikes, especially for less active individuals. A class-action lawsuit filed against Clif Bar even alleged misleading nutritional labeling due to high added sugar content, with some bars deriving up to 37% of their calories from added sugar.
Purpose for Athletes: Clif Bar defends its sugar content by stating the bars are designed to provide energy for endurance activities, such as long hikes or bike rides. In this context, the rapid availability of simple carbs is intentional. However, many consumers eat them as a daily snack without high activity, which can lead to excessive sugar intake.

Navigating Marketing vs. Reality

Marketers often use terms like "organic," "plant-based," and "no high fructose corn syrup" to build a perception of wholesomeness. While Clif has committed to using organic ingredients and sustainable practices, this marketing can overshadow the reality of the bar's nutritional profile. Consumers are encouraged to look beyond the front-of-package claims and examine the full ingredient list and nutritional facts. This scrutiny reveals a product optimized for a specific, active use case, not a general-purpose, 'all natural' snack.

Comparison Table: Clif Bar vs. A Truly Natural Snack


Feature	Clif Bar (e.g., Chocolate Chip)	Truly Natural Whole Food Snack (e.g., homemade trail mix)
Processing Level	Moderate to Ultra-Processed; contains isolates and syrups.	Minimal processing; ingredients are in their whole form.
Primary Sweeteners	Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Cane Syrup.	Dates, dried fruit (without added sugar), or a small amount of maple syrup.
Protein Source	Often soy protein isolate.	Whole nuts and seeds.
Fiber Source	Chicory Root Extract, Oat Fiber.	Intact oats, nuts, and seeds; comes naturally with ingredients.
Convenience	Highly convenient, ready-to-eat, long shelf life.	Requires preparation; shelf life can be shorter; less convenient for on-the-go.

Conclusion

So, are Clif bars all natural? The simple answer is no. While they incorporate a significant percentage of organic and plant-based ingredients, their formulation includes refined components and multiple forms of added sugars that place them outside the scope of what is generally considered an 'all natural' food. For active individuals needing quick fuel, Clif bars serve their intended purpose. However, for a sedentary snack, their high sugar content can be a downside, and consumers should be aware of the difference between organic sourcing and truly minimal processing. Ultimately, a whole food snack remains the most genuinely natural option. Read more about the distinction between marketing terms like "natural" and official certifications on Healthline.

Are Clif bars all natural?: Lists

What are some processed ingredients found in Clif bars?

Soy Protein Isolate: A highly refined soy product used to boost the protein content.
Brown Rice Syrup and Cane Syrup: Multiple forms of added sugar, despite being organic.
Chicory Root Extract: Added as a source of fiber and sweetener.
High Oleic Sunflower Oil: Used for texture and shelf stability.
Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier that helps bind ingredients together.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term "all natural" is largely unregulated by the FDA and is often used for marketing. It generally implies no artificial ingredients or preservatives and minimal processing, but it doesn't guarantee a product is unprocessed or low in sugar.

Not necessarily. While organic certification regulates farming practices, it doesn't change the fundamental nutritional profile of an ingredient. For example, organic brown rice syrup is still a form of refined sugar.

The high sugar content is intentional and designed to provide a quick and sustained energy release for endurance athletes during intense physical activity, like a long hike or bike ride.

For less active individuals, Clif bars are generally not recommended for casual, daily snacking. Their high calorie and sugar content is excessive for a sedentary lifestyle and could contribute to weight gain.

Most Clif bars are plant-based and contain no intentionally added animal products, though they may be manufactured in facilities that process dairy. The "Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter & Honey" flavor contains honey.

Soy protein isolate is a highly processed ingredient made by extracting protein from soybeans. It is used in Clif bars to increase the protein content, contributing to muscle repair and satiety.

Beyond marketing terms, the best way to evaluate a food's processing level is by reading the ingredient list. Look for whole, recognizable food items at the top of the list and minimal additives or refined ingredients.