365 By Wholefoods

The ‘365 by Wholefoods Organic Original Almondmilk’ earns a rating of 2 out of 5 green leaves. This score reflects the product’s use of some organic ingredients, such as the base of organic almond milk and organic locust bean gum. However, the presence of added sugars, specifically organic cane sugar, detracts from its overall healthfulness.

The product is non-GMO, which is a positive aspect for consumers seeking to avoid genetically modified organisms in their diets. Despite this, the inclusion of added sugars, which are linked to various health concerns, leads to a significant reduction in its green leaf rating. It is important to note that although the sugar used is organic, it remains a source of unnecessary calories and may affect blood sugar levels.

Moreover, the almond milk contains additives like gellan gum. Gellan gum is a thickening agent that, while approved for use in food, is considered less desirable by those aiming for a “clean” diet. The presence of these additives aligns with the product’s lower score, as they are not aligned with the goal of offering cleaner food options.

The product also lists vitamin fortifications, such as Vitamin A Palmitate, Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2), Dl-alpha-tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12). While these added vitamins may contribute to nutritional value, they do not compensate for the deductions made due to the added sugars and additives.

There is a deduction for harmful oils, specifically palm oil, but it is worth noting that palm oil is not listed in the ingredients. This discrepancy may require further clarification or adjustment in the scoring process.

Overall, the ‘365 by Wholefoods Organic Original Almondmilk’ has room for improvement to meet the standards of consumers seeking cleaner and healthier food products. Reducing or eliminating added sugars and additives could enhance the product’s rating and align it more closely with the health-conscious goals of such consumers.