Guayaki Yerba Mate

Awarded a 3/5 green leaf rating, the Guayaki Yerba Mate Orange Exuberance positions itself as a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This beverage has a mix of organic and fair trade ingredients, including organic yerba mate and orange peel. It is commendable that the product uses non-GMO ingredients, which aligns with the preferences of health-conscious consumers.

However, the product does not fully commit to an organic label, which may deter some customers who prioritize organically certified goods. The inclusion of added sugars, specifically organic cane sugar, leads to a reduction in its health score, reflecting concerns over sugar consumption. The presence of citric acid, while commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer, also contributes to the deduction of points due to its classification as an additive.

Further scrutiny reveals the use of ‘natural flavor’ in the ingredients list. This term often encompasses a variety of substances, and without transparency, it is challenging to determine the exact nature of these flavors. The addition of ‘flavor’ as an ingredient, without specifying its source, raises similar questions and affects the product’s overall score. These ambiguities regarding additives are a significant factor in the product’s rating, as they do not align with the ideal of a ‘cleaner’ food option.

Despite these concerns, the product does offer a blend of organic and fair trade components that contribute to its appeal. The use of organic yerba mate and orange peel, along with organic juice concentrates and extracts, showcases the brand’s commitment to incorporating quality ingredients. Additionally, the product’s avoidance of GMOs is a positive aspect that resonates with a segment of consumers.

The Guayaki Yerba Mate Orange Exuberance thus presents itself as an option that straddles the line between health-focused and conventional offerings. It embodies an attempt to offer a cleaner alternative in the market, though it does not fully escape the pitfalls of added sugars and ambiguous additives. With its middle-of-the-pack rating, it serves as a compromise for those who value certain organic ingredients but are not strict on avoiding all additives and sugars.