McCormick

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the McCormick Simply Better Chicken Gravy falls short of the clean food standards promoted by our website. This gravy, while convenient, is not organic and includes genetically modified ingredients, which are significant drawbacks for consumers seeking natural and unaltered food products.

The ingredient list reveals the use of chicken stock, modified corn starch, potato starch, and salt as the base, which may be typical for gravy. However, the inclusion of natural flavor raises concerns due to its potential to harbor hidden, unhealthy additives. Additionally, the presence of modified corn starch and potato starch, which often undergo extensive processing, detracts from the product’s overall purity.

Further examination of the ingredients shows rice flour, yeast extract, and a blend of spices, including thyme, black pepper, and celery seed, which are commonplace in flavoring savory dishes. The product also contains cooked vegetable stock from celery, carrot, and onion, providing a foundation of vegetables that could be beneficial if sourced organically. The use of chicken fat is another point of contention, as its health implications depend on the quality and source of the poultry used.

The McCormick Simply Better Chicken Gravy does not meet the high bar set for cleaner, healthier food options. While it provides a quick and accessible means to enhance a meal, the product’s reliance on non-organic ingredients, GMOs, and questionable additives such as natural flavors means it does not align with the values of consumers prioritizing health and transparency in their food choices. For a product to be considered cleaner and healthier, a shift towards organic, non-GMO, and additive-free ingredients is essential. This would not only improve its green leaf rating but also its appeal to health-conscious shoppers looking for trustworthy food products.