365

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the 365 Hot Italian Pork Sausage presents itself as a middle-of-the-road choice for consumers seeking cleaner food options. This product does not boast organic certification, nor does it claim to use non-GMO ingredients, which are factors that have affected its overall rating on our scale.

The ingredient list reveals a straightforward composition: pork, water, a blend of spices including fennel, red pepper, and black pepper, sea salt, white vinegar powder, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary extract for freshness, and lemon juice concentrate. The use of spices and natural preservatives like rosemary extract and lemon juice concentrate aligns with cleaner eating principles. However, the absence of organic ingredients means the pork used in this sausage may have been raised with conventional farming practices, which often involve pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

The inclusion of sea salt and spices provides flavor without resorting to artificial additives or flavor enhancers, which is a positive aspect for those monitoring their intake of synthetic substances. The white vinegar powder and garlic powder are common in processed meats, serving both as flavoring and as preservatives.

The rosemary extract is a natural choice to maintain the freshness of the sausage, and its use is preferable to synthetic preservatives which are frequently found in processed foods. This demonstrates a commitment to a cleaner product. Lemon juice concentrate is another natural ingredient that can aid in preservation and add a subtle zest to the sausage.

The 365 Hot Italian Pork Sausage receives a moderate rating due to its blend of natural spices and preservatives, paired with the lack of organic and non-GMO credentials. It stands as an option for those looking to avoid the most concerning additives while acknowledging that there is room for improvement in terms of sourcing and transparency regarding the origin and quality of its pork.