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Ben’s Original
Flavor:
Ready Rice™ Creamy Four Cheese Flavored Rice
Ingredients:
Water, Parboiled Long Grain Rice, Vermicelli Pasta (Durum Wheat Semolina, Ferrous Sulfate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Canola Oil: Less than 2% of: Modified Corn Starch, Whey*, Salt, Nonfat Milk*, Cheddar/Romano/Blue/Mozzarella Cheese* (Cow’s Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Enzymes), Potassium Chloride, Onion*, Maltodextrin, Sugar, Natural Flavors (Contains Milk), Yeast Extract, Cultured Whey*, Buttermilk*, Vitamins and Minerals (Calcium (Calcium Carbonate), Iron (Iron Phosphate), Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate), Folic Acid], Torula Yeast*, Lactic Acid, Annatto Extract (Color), Turmeric Extract (Color), Enzyme Modified Parmesan/Blue/Cheddar/Romano Cheese (Pasteurized Cow’s Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes). *Dried.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Ben’s Original Ready Rice™ Creamy Four Cheese Flavored Rice falls short of the cleaner food options sought by health-conscious consumers. This product is not organic and utilizes ingredients that have not been verified as non-GMO, detracting from its potential appeal to those prioritizing natural and environmentally friendly food sources.
A closer examination of the ingredients list reveals the presence of added sugars, which contribute to the overall caloric content without offering nutritional benefits. The inclusion of “natural flavors” is a concern due to their ambiguous nature and potential to contain undisclosed compounds. Furthermore, maltodextrin, a highly processed thickener and filler, is known to spike blood sugar levels and does not align with the principles of clean eating.
The use of canola oil, a highly refined and often genetically modified oil, is another significant drawback. While it is a common ingredient in processed foods, its inclusion is at odds with the ethos of providing cleaner, less processed alternatives. Additionally, the product contains a variety of synthetic vitamins and minerals, which, although intended to fortify the food, may not be as bioavailable or beneficial as those obtained from whole food sources.
The presence of multiple cheese types could be perceived as a positive aspect in terms of flavor, but it is important to note that these are also processed and contribute to the product’s high sodium content. This is further exacerbated by the addition of salt and potassium chloride, another salt substitute, which can lead to an excessive sodium intake if consumed in large quantities or as part of a diet already rich in salt.
With these considerations in mind, the Ben’s Original Ready Rice™ Creamy Four Cheese Flavored Rice is not recommended for those seeking cleaner, healthier food options. Its low green leaf rating reflects its deviation from the ideals of natural, minimally processed, and nutrient-dense foods, which are the cornerstone of a wholesome diet.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
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How We Rate
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