CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter scores 45/100 (Decent) due to its notable protein and fiber content, which are offset by a significant amount of added sugar.
CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter has a FoodScore of 45/100.
It provides 16.2g of protein and 7.4g of fiber per 100g.
A primary concern is the 22.1g of added sugar per 100g.
This product is a NOVA class 3 processed food, unlike whole-food snacks.
Consider this bar for active recovery or as an occasional meal replacement.
Scores -6 points above the snack category average (51/100 across 54 foods).
Fiber
7.4g
26% of Daily Value
Protein
16.18g
32% of Daily Value
Added sugar
22.1g
44% of Daily Value
Sodium
338.24mg
15% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Fiber (7.4g)+9
Protein (16.2g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus)+6
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What holds it back
Added sugar (22.1g)-25
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 45
The CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter receives a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and less desirable components. On the positive side, the product is a good source of protein, contributing 16.2g per 100g, and fiber, with 7.4g per 100g. These components contribute positively to satiety and digestive health. It also provides some micronutrients like iron (16% DV) and magnesium (21% DV). However, a significant detractor is the added sugar content, which stands at 22.1g per 100g. This amount contributes substantially to the overall calorie count without providing additional micronutrient density. Ingredients such as organic brown rice syrup, organic tapioca syrup, and organic cane syrup are all sources of added sugar. Furthermore, as a NOVA class 3 processed food, it receives a penalty for its level of processing. Compared to whole-food alternatives like raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg with fruit, the CLIF BAR offers convenience but contains a higher concentration of added sugars and processed ingredients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in clif bar crunchy peanut butter actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Recovery and Satiety
With 16.2g of protein per 100g, the CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter can contribute to muscle repair and growth, especially when consumed after physical activity. Protein is also known for its role in promoting satiety, which can help manage hunger between meals. The combination of protein from sources like soy protein isolate and peanuts, along with fiber, helps to provide a more sustained feeling of fullness compared to snacks high in simple carbohydrates alone.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
This CLIF BAR provides 7.4g of fiber per 100g, which is a notable amount for a snack bar. Dietary fiber is crucial for digestive health, aiding in regular bowel movements and contributing to a healthy gut microbiome. The fiber content, partly from organic rolled oats and chicory fiber, also helps to moderate the absorption of sugars, potentially leading to a more gradual rise in blood glucose levels compared to low-fiber options.
Provides Essential Micronutrients
The CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter contributes several important micronutrients. It provides 16% DV for iron and 21% DV for magnesium per 100g. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production, while magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. These micronutrients, derived from ingredients like organic rolled oats and peanuts, add to the nutritional value of the bar.
CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter scores 45/100 (Decent) due to its notable protein and fiber content, which are offset by a significant amount of added sugar.
How to eat it
CLIF BARs are typically consumed as a convenient on-the-go snack, often before or after exercise, or as a quick meal replacement when time is limited. A single bar is the standard portion size. Due to its calorie and sugar content, it's important to consider its role within your overall daily intake.
Pair with a piece of fruit or a handful of unsalted nuts to add whole food nutrients and further enhance satiety.
Consider consuming half a bar if you need a smaller energy boost, especially if you are not engaging in intense physical activity.
Use as a post-workout recovery snack to help replenish glycogen stores and provide protein for muscle repair.
Limit consumption to occasional use rather than a daily staple due to the added sugar content.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with peanut or soy allergies should avoid this product, as it contains organic peanut butter, organic peanuts, peanut flour, soy protein isolate, organic roasted soybeans, and organic soy flour. The presence of chicory fiber may cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, in some sensitive individuals, particularly those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). While not excessively high, the sodium content of 338.24mg per 100g should be considered by those monitoring their sodium intake. The added sugar load is also a consideration for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, and should be factored into their daily carbohydrate budget.
Is CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter considered healthy?
CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter scores 45/100, indicating it's a 'Decent' option. It offers a good amount of protein (16.2g) and fiber (7.4g), which are beneficial. However, it also contains 22.1g of added sugar per 100g, which is a significant factor to consider for overall dietary balance. Its healthfulness depends on individual dietary needs and activity levels.
How does CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter compare to other snack bars?
Compared to a whole-food snack like a piece of fruit and a handful of almonds, CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter contains more added sugar and is more processed (NOVA 3). When compared to other protein bars like an RXBar, which often use dates as a primary sweetener, the CLIF BAR relies on syrups like organic brown rice syrup and organic cane syrup, contributing to its higher added sugar content. It generally offers more protein and fiber than many candy bars.
What is 'Soy Rice Crisps' in the ingredient list?
Soy Rice Crisps are a component designed to add texture and boost the protein content of the bar. They are made from soy protein isolate, rice flour, and barley malt extract. This ingredient contributes to the bar's overall protein per serving, which is a positive aspect for satiety and muscle support.
What is a recommended portion size for this CLIF BAR?
The recommended serving size is one bar. However, given its 382.35 calories and 22.1g of added sugar per 100g, individuals with lower energy needs or those not engaging in intense physical activity might consider consuming half a bar. This helps manage calorie and sugar intake while still benefiting from the protein and fiber.
Can I eat CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter every day?
While it provides protein and fiber, consuming CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter daily should be evaluated in the context of your overall diet. Its added sugar content is a consideration for regular consumption. For daily snacking, prioritizing less processed options like whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, or plain yogurt would generally align better with dietary guidelines for minimizing added sugars.