365 By Wholefoods

Rating: 2/5 Green Leaves

The 365 by Wholefoods Non-Dairy Almondmilk Yogurt, Vanilla, earns a modest 2 out of 5 green leaves on our health-conscious scale. This product does not meet the criteria for being organic and contains added sugars, which contributes to its lower rating. While it is made with non-GMO ingredients, the presence of cane sugar diminishes its standing as a cleaner food option.

This almond milk-based yogurt alternative is not organic, a factor that detracts from its overall cleanliness. The addition of cane sugar, a form of added sugar, further reduces its health appeal, as added sugars are known to be less favorable for a well-balanced diet. The product also includes natural flavors, which, despite their seemingly harmless title, are considered potentially harmful additives due to their undisclosed mixture of ingredients and possible chemical processing.

The inclusion of live and active cultures like Bifidus, L. Acidophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Paracasei, and S. Thermophilus is a positive aspect, as these probiotics are beneficial for gut health. However, the beneficial qualities of the live cultures are overshadowed by the presence of less desirable ingredients such as cane sugar and natural flavors.

The use of ingredients like tapioca starch and pectin is common in non-dairy yogurts to achieve the desired texture and consistency. Agar-agar serves as a plant-based gelatin substitute, an ingredient that is generally recognized as safe and suitable for vegan diets.

This product’s green leaf rating reflects its position in the market for those seeking cleaner food options. While it does offer some healthful components, particularly for those requiring non-dairy alternatives, it falls short in terms of offering an entirely clean and wholesome option due to the inclusion of added sugars and non-organic ingredients. Cleaner alternatives would ideally exclude such additives and strive for organic certification, enhancing their appeal to health-focused consumers.