Is Clean Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I check on any 'health' bar is the primary structural ingredient. In the case of Clean, the verdict is immediate: this is not a gluten-free product. The presence of enriched wheat flour is the primary red flag. This is a standard flour derived from wheat, containing the gluten proteins that trigger autoimmune responses in celiac patients and digestive issues in those with sensitivity.

Furthermore, the milk chocolate coating introduces another layer of complexity. While chocolate itself is generally safe, the processing environment matters. However, the primary issue here is the flour itself. The inclusion of palm oil and corn syrup are common in processed snacks to provide texture and shelf stability, but they don't pose a gluten risk. The real danger lies in that wheat flour, which is often processed on shared equipment with other gluten-containing grains unless explicitly certified otherwise.

Nutritional Value

Looking beyond the gluten issue, Clean presents a nutritional profile typical of many processed snack bars. The primary ingredients by weight are sugar and palm oil, which contribute to a higher calorie count. While it does contain skim milk for some protein, the sugar content (listed as sugar, corn syrup, and dextrose) is significant. For those strictly managing blood sugar or looking for a low-calorie snack, this bar may not fit those specific diet limits. It functions more as a confectionery treat than a true health food, despite the branding.