365 By Wholefoods

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the 365 by Wholefoods Vanilla Almondmilk falls short in providing a cleaner food option for health-conscious consumers. The product is not organic, a significant drawback for those seeking pure, unadulterated foods. It does, however, avoid the use of GMO ingredients, a positive aspect for those looking to steer clear of genetically modified organisms in their diet.

The almond milk is penalized for its inclusion of added sugars, specifically organic cane sugar, which detracts from its overall healthfulness. The presence of added sugars is a concern for many consumers looking to reduce their sugar intake. Furthermore, the product contains natural flavors, a term that often masks the true nature of the ingredients and raises questions about their origins and possible health effects.

Additional points of concern include additives such as gellan gum and locust bean gum, which, although commonly used in food products to improve texture and stability, are not aligned with the clean eating philosophy that prioritizes minimal processing. The almond milk also lists palm-derived vitamin A palmitate among its ingredients, which is problematic due to the environmental and ethical issues associated with palm oil production.

Despite these ingredients, the product does offer nutritional fortification with essential vitamins such as Vitamin D2, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B12. These added nutrients can be beneficial for those whose diets may lack these vitamins, particularly for individuals following plant-based diets.

The 365 by Wholefoods Vanilla Almondmilk, with its current formulation, does not meet the high standards set for clean and healthy food products. Its score reflects the need for improvement to eliminate added sugars, ambiguous flavorings, and certain additives to better cater to the needs of consumers seeking the healthiest options in a market saturated with less wholesome alternatives.