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Wendy’s
Flavor:
Chili & Cheese Baked Potato
Ingredients:
Potato : Potato.
Chili: Chili Base (Chili Sauce [Water, Tomato Paste, Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Juice, Calcium Chloride), Sugar, Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Chili Pepper, Spices, Flavor Enhancer (Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Modified Corn Starch), Citric Acid, Garlic Powder, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, Onion Powder, Xanthan Gum], Onions, Celery, Green Peppers), Water, Ground Beef (Beef, Salt), Chili Beans (Prepared Pinto Beans, Prepared Red Kidney Beans), Soy Lecithin. CONTAINS: MILK AND SOY.
Cheddar Cheese Sauce: Water, Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Salt, Bacterial Culture, Microbial Enzyme), Milk, Butter (Cream, Salt), Modified Corn Starch, Canola Oil, Natural Flavor, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Whey Protein Concentrate, Tomato Concentrate, Xanthan Gum, Konjac, Annatto (Color), Citric Acid, Onion Juice Concentrate, Oleoresin Paprika (Paprika Extract, Sunflower Oil), Soy Lecithin. CONTAINS: MILK, SOY
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto Color), Potato Starch (Added to Prevent Caking), Natamycin (A Natural Mold Inhibitor). CONTAINS: MILK.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Wendy’s Chili & Cheese Baked Potato falls at the bottom of our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, contains genetically modified ingredients, and includes a range of additives that raise concerns about its healthiness.
Starting with a base of a simple baked potato, the dish quickly accumulates negative points due to its chili and cheese components. The chili contains sugar and dextrose, both of which are added sugars that contribute to the dish’s lower score. Notably, dextrose is categorized under more harmful added sugars, further detracting from the product’s health value. The presence of natural flavors and unspecified “flavor” raises red flags about the transparency of the ingredients.
Additionally, the inclusion of soy lecithin, xanthan gum, and modified corn starch as additives is problematic. These ingredients are often used to enhance texture or extend shelf life but are not aligned with cleaner eating principles. The cheddar cheese sauce and shredded cheddar cheese both contain milk, which is not sourced from organic dairy, and the sauce also lists canola oil, a highly processed oil that is considered harmful in our evaluation.
The product’s use of potentially harmful oils, specifically canola oil, contributes to its low score. Canola oil, while common in processed foods, is often extracted using chemicals and high heat, which can result in unhealthy trans fats.
In light of these factors, the Wendy’s Chili & Cheese Baked Potato is positioned as a food option to avoid for those seeking cleaner, healthier choices. The ingredients list reveals multiple instances of non-organic, GMO, and additive-laden components that detract from the nutritional value of the meal. The dish does not meet the criteria for a healthy, clean food product, as reflected by its minimal green leaf rating.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
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