Is ZBar Protein Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Clif
ZBar Protein is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Clif. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Palm Kernel Oil, Organic Palm Kernel Solids affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like whey protein concentrate and palm kernel oil, which raise quality concerns. The presence of organic ingredients like cocoa and oats is positive but does not fully mitigate the risks associated with synthetic additives.
Main concern
Contains palm kernel oil, which raises concerns about sustainability and health effects.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains organic ingredients such as cocoa and oats, indicating some level of quality.
- Whey protein concentrate provides a source of protein, beneficial for muscle recovery.
- Chicory root fiber is a natural source of prebiotic fiber, supporting digestive health.
- Includes organic vanilla extract, enhancing flavor without artificial additives.
Concerns
- Contains palm kernel oil, which raises concerns about sustainability and health effects.
- Whey protein concentrate is a processed dairy ingredient, which may not suit all dietary preferences.
- Natural flavor is vague and can include synthetic components, raising transparency issues.
- High levels of added sugars from organic cane sugar and syrups may contribute to excessive sweetness.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this snack.
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Is Organic Tapioca Syrup safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Tapioca Syrup is used here as sweetener. Organic tapioca syrup is a sweetener derived from cassava, used for moisture and sweetness. While organic, it is still a processed sugar alternative.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: ORGANIC TAPIOCA SYRUP
-
Is Organic Brown Rice Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Brown Rice Flour is used here as base. Organic brown rice flour serves as a gluten-free base, providing texture and some nutrients. Its organic status supports quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: ORGANIC BROWN RICE FLOUR
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic Brown Rice Flour
-
Is Whey Protein Concentrate From Milk safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey Protein Concentrate From Milk is used here as base. Whey protein concentrate is a dairy-derived protein source, beneficial for muscle recovery but may not be suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Role in formula: base
Original: WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE (FROM MILK)
-
Is Organic Rolled Oats safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Rolled Oats is used here as base. Organic rolled oats provide fiber and nutrients, contributing to the product's overall health profile. Their organic nature enhances quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: ORGANIC ROLLED OATS
-
Is Organic Invert Cane Syrup safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Invert Cane Syrup is used here as sweetener. Organic invert cane syrup is a sweetener that can enhance flavor and moisture. While organic, it is still a form of sugar.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: ORGANIC INVERT CANE SYRUP
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic Invert Cane Syrup
-
Is Organic Cane Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Cane Sugar is used here as sweetener. Organic cane sugar is a common sweetener that adds sweetness but contributes to overall sugar content, raising health concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: ORGANIC CANE SUGAR
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Is Organic Oat Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Oat Flour is used here as base. Organic oat flour adds fiber and nutrients, enhancing the product's health benefits while maintaining a gluten-free profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: ORGANIC OAT FLOUR
-
Is Chicory Root Fiber safe in this snack?
Good
Chicory Root Fiber is used here as fiber. Chicory root fiber is a prebiotic that supports digestive health. Its inclusion is beneficial for gut health.
Role in formula: fiber
Original: CHICORY ROOT FIBER
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Is Rice Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Rice Flour is used here as base. Rice flour is a gluten-free ingredient that provides texture but is less nutrient-dense compared to whole grains.
Role in formula: base
Original: RICE FLOUR
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Is Organic Cocoa safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Cocoa is used here as flavor. Organic cocoa adds flavor and antioxidants, enhancing the product's appeal while supporting a clean ingredient profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ORGANIC COCOA
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Is Organic Tapioca Syrup Solids safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Tapioca Syrup Solids is used here as sweetener. Organic tapioca syrup solids are used for sweetness and texture but are still a processed sugar alternative.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: ORGANIC TAPIOCA SYRUP SOLIDS
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic Tapioca Syrup Solids
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Is Vegetable Glycerin safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Glycerin is used here as sweetener. Vegetable glycerin is a humectant that retains moisture and adds sweetness. While derived from plants, it is still processed.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: VEGETABLE GLYCERIN
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Is Organic Pea Protein safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Pea Protein is used here as base. Organic pea protein is a plant-based protein source, suitable for vegan diets and beneficial for muscle recovery.
Role in formula: base
Original: ORGANIC PEA PROTEIN
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Is Palm Kernel Oil safe in this snack?
Bad
Palm Kernel Oil is used here as fat. Palm kernel oil is a saturated fat that raises health concerns and is linked to environmental issues due to unsustainable sourcing.
Role in formula: fat
Original: PALM KERNEL OIL
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Is Organic Palm Kernel Solids safe in this snack?
Bad
Organic Palm Kernel Solids is used here as fat. Organic palm kernel solids are derived from palm oil and contribute to saturated fat content, raising health and sustainability concerns.
Role in formula: fat
Original: ORGANIC PALM KERNEL SOLIDS
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic Palm Kernel Solids
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Is Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil is used here as fat. Organic high oleic sunflower oil is a healthier fat option but is still an oil that may be processed, raising some concerns.
Role in formula: fat
Original: ORGANIC HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER OIL
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil
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Is Organic Unsweetened Chocolate safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Unsweetened Chocolate is used here as flavor. Organic unsweetened chocolate adds rich flavor and antioxidants, enhancing the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ORGANIC UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic Unsweetened Chocolate
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and is essential for taste, though excessive amounts can raise health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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Is Organic Alkalized Cocoa safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Alkalized Cocoa is used here as flavor. Organic alkalized cocoa is treated to reduce acidity, enhancing flavor but may lose some antioxidants in the process.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ORGANIC ALKALIZED COCOA
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic Alkalized Cocoa
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Is Organic Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Organic soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier, improving texture but may raise concerns for those with soy allergies.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: ORGANIC SOY LECITHIN
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Is Organic Vanilla Extract safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Vanilla Extract is used here as flavor. Organic vanilla extract enhances flavor naturally, contributing positively to the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ORGANIC VANILLA EXTRACT
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic Vanilla Extract
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor can include various components, raising transparency concerns about its exact composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL FLAVOR
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Is Organic Cocoa Butter safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Cocoa Butter is used here as fat. Organic cocoa butter adds richness and flavor while providing some health benefits due to its antioxidant properties.
Role in formula: fat
Original: ORGANIC COCOA BUTTER
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Is Molasses safe in this snack?
Medium
Molasses is used here as sweetener. Molasses is a natural sweetener that adds flavor and some nutrients but also contributes to sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: MOLASSES
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3410889
More from this brand: Clif products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.