365 By Wholefoods
Flavor:
Kefir, Strawberry
Ingredients:
Cultured Whole Milk, Cane Sugar, Strawberry Puree, Strawberry Juice Organic Natural Flavors, Nonfat Dry Milk, Natural Flavors, Pectin, Guar Gum, Carrot Juice Concentrate (Color), Live and Active Cultures (Lactobacillus Lactis, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Streptococcus Diacetylactis, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus Casei, Saccharomyces Florentinus, Leuconostoc Cremoris, Bifidobacterium Longum, Bifidobacterium Breve, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Lactobacillus Reuteri), Vitamin D3, Black Currant Juice Concentrate (Color)
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the 365 By Wholefoods Kefir, Strawberry, receives the lowest possible score on our scale for cleaner food options. This dairy product is a cultured milk beverage that includes a range of live and active cultures, which are typically associated with probiotic benefits. However, the product’s healthful potential is overshadowed by its inclusion of non-organic ingredients and the presence of added sugars, which detract significantly from its nutritional value.
The product is not organic, which is a primary consideration for our scoring system. This means it may contain ingredients that have been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals commonly used in non-organic farming practices. Additionally, there is no clear indication that the ingredients are non-GMO, raising concerns about the potential for genetically modified organisms within the product.
The presence of cane sugar as an added sweetener further reduces the product’s score. Added sugars contribute to the caloric content without providing essential nutrients, and their overconsumption is linked to various health issues, including obesity and heart disease. The distinction between sugar and cane sugar in our scoring reflects the severity of added sugars’ impact on health, with cane sugar being penalized more heavily due to its commonality in processed foods and its contribution to excessive sugar intake in diets.
Furthermore, the product contains natural flavors, which are penalized for their lack of transparency. The term “natural flavors” encompasses a broad range of substances, and without specific details, it is impossible to determine the exact components and their potential health effects.
The inclusion of additives such as pectin and guar gum, which are commonly used as thickeners and stabilizers, also impacts the product’s score. While these additives are generally recognized as safe, their presence in a product marketed as a healthier option is less than ideal.
The 365 By Wholefoods Kefir, Strawberry, is a product that has potential due to its probiotic content but falls short of our standards for cleaner food options. The non-organic status, the inclusion of GMOs, added sugars, and ambiguous additives are significant drawbacks. Consumers looking for healthier, cleaner foods would be advised to seek alternatives that align more closely with the principles of organic, non-GMO, and additive-free products.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
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