Is Clif Organic Nutter Butter Bar Peanut Butter Energy Bar Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight at the formulation. The primary reason the verdict for the Clif Organic Nutter Butter Bar Peanut Butter Energy Bar is 'MAYBE' comes down to one specific ingredient category: Organic Oat Flour and Organic Rolled Oats.

Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are almost always processed in facilities that also handle wheat. Without a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal (which this bar lacks), there is a significant risk that these oats contain trace amounts of gluten. Furthermore, the ingredient list includes Organic Rice Flour. While rice is naturally gluten-free, it is another ingredient that can be subject to cross-contamination if not processed in a dedicated facility.

On the positive side, the bar is free from obvious gluten culprits like wheat flour or malt. However, the presence of natural flavors is a standard wildcard in the industry. While unlikely to contain gluten in this context, strict gluten-free dieters often flag this ingredient because its source isn't explicitly defined.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this bar is designed as a fuel source for endurance activities, not necessarily as a weight-loss snack. It is calorie-dense, packing roughly 270 calories per bar. The macronutrient profile is dominated by carbohydrates, specifically sugars. Ingredients like organic brown rice syrup, organic date paste, and organic cane syrup contribute to a high sugar content (typically around 20g per bar). This provides a quick spike in blood glucose, which is beneficial for an athlete mid-hike but less ideal for sedentary individuals.

Fat content is moderate, largely derived from organic peanut butter and organic high oleic sunflower oil. These are generally considered quality fat sources. The protein content is decent (around 9g), bolstered by organic pea protein and organic brown rice protein. It fits well into a high-calorie diet or a 'clean bulking' phase, but it is too high in sugar for a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet.