What Are the Ingredients in an Oatmeal Cookie Z Bar?

November 13, 2025 •

2 min read

Made with an energizing blend of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and fat, the Clif Kid Iced Oatmeal Cookie Z Bar is a popular organic snack for kids. But beyond the label claiming 'organic whole grains,' what are the specific ingredients in oatmeal cookie Z bar that give it its signature taste and texture? A closer look at the nutritional panel reveals a combination of oat products, fruit-derived sweeteners, and other plant-based components.

Quick Summary

The Iced Oatmeal Cookie Z Bar features a primary base of organic oats combined with fig paste and natural sweeteners. It uses plant-based oils and soy lecithin, with cinnamon and vanilla for flavor. Potential allergens like soy are present, and cross-contamination warnings for peanuts, tree nuts, and milk are listed.

Key Points

Organic Oat Blend: The base of the bar is a mix of organic rolled oats, oat flour, and oat fiber, providing whole grains and a soft-baked texture.
Natural Sweeteners: Sweetness is derived from organic tapioca syrup, organic fig paste, organic cane sugar, and molasses, not high-fructose corn syrup.
Soy Emulsifier: Organic soy lecithin is used to bind the ingredients and create a uniform texture, but it is also a source of the soy allergen.
Flavors and Fats: The cookie's flavor comes from organic cinnamon and vanilla extract, while organic high oleic sunflower oil and cocoa butter add moisture and richness.
Allergen Warning: The bar contains soy, and cross-contamination is possible with peanuts, tree nuts, milk, sesame, barley, rye, and wheat, as stated in the allergen warnings.
Added Sugar Content: Despite using natural sweeteners, the bar still contains a significant amount of added sugar, as noted by groups like the EWG.

Core Organic Ingredients

According to product listings, the base of the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Z Bar is an 'Organic Oat Blend,' providing the namesake oatmeal flavor and texture. This blend is composed of organic rolled oats, organic oat flour, and organic oat fiber. This combination ensures the bar has a rich, soft-baked chewiness while delivering whole grains and dietary fiber.

The Sweeteners and Binders

Instead of high-fructose corn syrup, the Z Bar uses organic sweeteners and fig paste. These include organic tapioca syrup, which acts as a binder and sweetener, organic fig paste for natural sweetness and binding, organic cane sugar and organic invert cane syrup for additional sweetness, and molasses for a richer flavor.

Fats, Emulsifiers, and Flavors

Plant-based oils like organic high oleic sunflower oil or soybean oil provide moisture and fat. Organic cocoa butter adds richness and a smoother texture. Organic soy lecithin, an emulsifier, prevents separation of ingredients. Natural flavors enhance the oatmeal cookie taste, while baking soda and salt are used for leavening and flavor. Organic cinnamon and organic vanilla extract provide the core cookie flavor, and mixed tocopherols act as an antioxidant to maintain freshness.

Nutritional Composition of an Oatmeal Cookie Z Bar


Nutrient	Amount per 36g Bar	Benefit	Role in Bar
Calories	150	Energy source	Provides fuel for activity
Total Fat	5g	Essential fatty acids	Adds moisture and flavor
Saturated Fat	1g	Part of total fat	Contributes to texture (from cocoa butter)
Carbohydrates	24g	Primary energy source	Provided by oat blend and sweeteners
Sugars	10g	Sweetness and flavor	From syrups, fig paste, and cane sugar
Dietary Fiber	3g	Digestive health	Primarily from the oat blend
Protein	2g	Supports muscle growth	Small amount from oats and soy flour

Potential Allergens and Contamination

The Iced Oatmeal Cookie Z Bar contains soy, a common allergen. The packaging also includes warnings about potential cross-contamination with peanuts, tree nuts, milk, sesame, barley, rye, and wheat from the manufacturing process. Although some ingredients are naturally gluten-free, the bar is not considered gluten-free due to the possibility of cross-contamination with other grains during processing. Always check the latest packaging for allergen information.

Conclusion: A Soft-Baked Organic Treat

The Iced Oatmeal Cookie Z Bar features organic oats, natural sweeteners like tapioca syrup and fig paste, and plant-based fats and flavors. It provides whole grains and fiber but also contains added sugars. While a convenient snack, the presence of soy and potential cross-contamination with other major allergens are important considerations for individuals with dietary restrictions.

For more information on the nutritional aspects of various ingredients, resources like ScienceDirect offer in-depth studies and context.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Clif Kid Iced Oatmeal Cookie Z Bar is not gluten-free. It contains an oat blend, and while oats are naturally gluten-free, the product is processed in facilities where cross-contamination with wheat, barley, and rye can occur.

The bar uses a blend of organic sweeteners, including organic tapioca syrup, organic fig paste, organic cane sugar, organic invert cane syrup, and molasses. It does not contain high-fructose corn syrup.

The bar does not contain nuts as a direct ingredient, but there is an allergen warning indicating that it 'may contain' peanuts and tree nuts due to being processed on shared equipment.

Tapioca syrup is a natural, hypoallergenic sweetener and binder derived from the cassava root. In the Z Bar, its primary purpose is to sweeten the product and hold the ingredients together, contributing to its chewy texture.

The bar's ingredients, including organic oats, tapioca syrup, fig paste, and soy products, are plant-based. However, the product label includes a 'may contain' warning for milk, so those with strict vegan diets should be aware of potential cross-contamination.

While it is made with organic ingredients and provides whole grains, it is considered a moderately processed food by some and contains a significant amount of added sugar. It provides energy for active kids but is not necessarily a low-sugar option.

No, according to the manufacturer, Z Bars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, or high-fructose corn syrup. It relies on natural flavorings and organic ingredients.