Exploring the Ingredients in Z Bar Cookies and Cream

November 12, 2025 •

2 min read

Despite being marketed for kids, the Zbar Protein Cookies 'n Creme bar has been classified as an ultra-processed food by organizations like the EWG. So, what are the ingredients in Z bar cookies and cream, and how do they combine to create this popular snack?

Quick Summary

The Z bar cookies and cream ingredient list features a blend of organic oats, brown rice flour, whey protein concentrate, and various syrups and fats for flavor and texture.

Key Points

Organic Base: The Zbar Cookies 'n Creme has a base with organic tapioca syrup, organic brown rice flour, organic rolled oats, and organic oat flour.
Whey Protein Source: The 'Protein' version uses whey protein concentrate, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet.
Processed Ingredients: Ingredients like chicory root fiber, alkalized cocoa, and 'natural flavors' contribute to flavor and texture and lead to an ultra-processed classification by some metrics.
Sweeteners and Fats: Organic cane sugar, invert cane syrup, and various oils are included for sweetness and texture.
Allergen Profile: The bar contains milk and soy and may be processed with peanuts and tree nuts.
Health Concerns: Critics note the high sugar content and ultra-processed nature.

A Detailed Look at the Ingredients in Z Bar Cookies and Cream

Understanding the composition of a packaged snack is crucial for making informed dietary choices. The popular Clif Kid Zbar, especially the Cookies 'n Creme Protein variety, contains a carefully formulated mix of ingredients designed for taste, texture, and energy. While some ingredients are recognizable whole foods, others are added for sweetness, processing, and protein content.

The Foundational Components: Grains and Sweeteners

The base includes organic grains and sweeteners. These provide structure, energy, and sweetness.

The Flavor and Protein: Key Additions

For flavor and protein, whey protein concentrate, alkalized cocoa, natural flavor, and organic vanilla extract are added. The Protein version contains whey.

The Fats, Fibers, and Emulsifiers

Additional ingredients like chicory root fiber, organic palm kernel solids and oil, organic high oleic sunflower oil, organic soy flour, organic soy lecithin, and salt are included for texture and flavor. Chicory root fiber adds fiber, and soy lecithin is an emulsifier.

The Health and Processing Debate

The Zbar Cookies 'n Creme has been categorized as ultra-processed by groups like the EWG, based on processed ingredients and added sugar. Each bar has 9 grams of added sugar.

Comparison of Zbar Varieties: Protein vs. Soft-Baked

Different Zbar varieties have varying ingredient lists.


Feature	Protein Cookies 'n Creme	Soft-Baked Cookies 'n Creme	Source
Key Protein Source	Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk)	Organic Soy Flour	,
Vegan Status	No (Contains Whey)	Likely Not (Contains Soy Lecithin, but no Milk or Whey)	,
Allergens	Contains milk and soy	Contains soy	,
Fiber Source	Chicory Root Fiber	Organic Oat Fiber, Fig Paste	,
Texture	Crispy, crunchy	Soft-baked	,

Conclusion: Navigating the Ingredient List

Understanding the ingredients helps consumers make choices. The bar includes organic components but is classified as ultra-processed with added sugar. The list contains grains, sweeteners, protein, fats, and additives. The Protein bar is not vegan due to whey. More information on Clif Bar's approach to plant-based foods is available on {Link: Clif Bar website https://www.clifbar.com/stories/are-clif-bar-energy-bars-vegan-our-philosophy}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cookies 'n Creme Protein version uses whey protein concentrate, derived from milk.

While containing organic ingredients, some groups classify it as ultra-processed due to its composition and sugar content.

No, the Protein bar contains whey protein concentrate from milk. It also warns it 'contains milk' and 'may contain' other allergens.

According to product information, Clif Kid Zbars do not contain high-fructose corn syrup, but include other added sugars like organic cane sugar and tapioca syrup.

The flavor comes from alkalized cocoa, natural flavors, and organic vanilla extract.

The Zbar Cookies 'n Creme Protein bar has 9 grams of added sugar per serving.

Yes, the Zbar Cookies 'n Creme Protein bar is listed as gluten-free.