Black Forest

**Green Leaf Rating: 2/5**

The ‘Black Forest Organic Gummy Forest Critters’ earn a modest 2 out of 5 green leaves on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is certified organic, which is a positive aspect as it ensures the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in its ingredients. However, the presence of non-GMO ingredients has not been confirmed, which affects the product’s overall score.

Despite its organic certification, the product’s healthfulness is diminished by its inclusion of added sugars. Both organic cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup contribute to the sugar content, leading to significant point deductions. These sugars, while organic, still pose the same health risks as their non-organic counterparts when consumed in excess, including weight gain and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Further deductions were made for the use of citric acid, which, although naturally occurring in citrus fruits, is often used in processed foods as a preservative and flavor enhancer. The product also loses points for containing ‘natural flavors’. The term ‘natural flavors’ is broad and can encompass numerous substances, some of which may raise health concerns or may not align with consumers seeking the purest ingredients.

Lastly, while less concerning, the product contains agar, sunflower oil, and carnauba wax. These ingredients are often used in gummy candies for texture and shine but are not ideal for those seeking the cleanest food products.

The ‘Black Forest Organic Gummy Forest Critters’ have room for improvement. To align more closely with the health-conscious consumer, the product could benefit from reducing added sugars and providing more transparency regarding the ‘natural flavors’ used. Elevating its green leaf rating would require addressing these concerns, ensuring all ingredients contribute positively to the product’s health profile and align with the values of those seeking the cleanest, healthiest food options available.