365 By Wholefoods

Awarded 2 out of 5 green leaves, the ‘365 By Wholefoods Organic Plain Soymilk’ falls short of our clean food standards. This product begins with organic soymilk, which includes filtered water and organic soybeans, and adds other elements that raise concerns about its overall healthfulness.

The inclusion of organic cane sugar detracts from the product’s nutritional value, as added sugars are unnecessary for a health-oriented diet. This particular soymilk also contains natural flavors, a term that lacks transparency and often encompasses a range of unspecified ingredients, leading to questions about their origins and potential effects on health. Gellan gum and locust bean gum, while common in plant-based milk alternatives for their thickening properties, are processed additives that some consumers prefer to avoid in pursuit of a cleaner diet.

Moreover, the presence of vitamin A palmitate is notable, as the term ‘palmitate’ is commonly associated with palm oil, a controversial ingredient due to its environmental impact and potential health implications. Although palm oil is not explicitly listed, it is essential for consumers to be aware of derivative ingredients.

While the product boasts non-GMO ingredients and fortification with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D2, riboflavin (B2), and cyanocobalamin (B12), these positive aspects are overshadowed by the inclusion of the aforementioned additives and sugars.

For those seeking the cleanest food options, ‘365 By Wholefoods Organic Plain Soymilk’ does not meet the high standards set for health and transparency. It is clear that while this product attempts to provide a healthier alternative to conventional dairy milk, there is ample room for improvement. The product’s composition could benefit significantly from the removal of added sugars and ambiguous additives, moving towards a more wholesome and straightforward ingredient list.