Breyers

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Breyers Vanilla Chocolate ice cream presents a choice for consumers that falls short on our clean food criteria. This product is not organic, which has impacted its rating negatively. While it does use non-GMO ingredients, the inclusion of added sugars and potentially harmful additives such as “Natural Flavor” detracts from its overall score.

The ice cream’s composition begins with basic dairy ingredients like milk and cream, but the presence of added sugar raises concerns about the product’s healthfulness. The use of whey is common in ice cream, yet its nutritional value does not compensate for the added sugars. The Dutched cocoa processed with alkali is a standard method to reduce the bitterness of cocoa, but it also strips away some of the antioxidants found in natural cocoa.

The vegetable gums, tara and carob bean, serve as thickeners and stabilizers. These are relatively benign but are often used to compensate for lower quality ingredients that do not naturally provide the desired texture.

The most contentious ingredient cited is “Natural Flavor.” This term is broad and often obscures the true nature of the additives included under its umbrella. The lack of transparency and potential for unwanted chemicals is a significant factor in the reduction of this product’s rating.

The Breyers Vanilla Chocolate ice cream has room for improvement in its ingredient profile. A switch to organic ingredients could enhance its rating, as would the elimination of vague additives and added sugars. As it stands, the product does not align with our standards for cleaner food options. Consumers seeking healthier alternatives might find this product falls short of expectations, primarily due to its non-organic ingredients and the inclusion of added sugars and ambiguous additives.