Blue Bunny

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Blue Bunny Homemade Vanilla is a product that falls short of the cleaner food options that health-conscious consumers might be searching for. This ice cream is not organic and contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which immediately detracts from its potential as a wholesome choice.

The list of ingredients raises several red flags. Added sugars in the form of sugar and fructose are a concern for those monitoring their sugar intake. The presence of both natural and artificial flavors, which are often undisclosed mixtures of chemicals, further diminish the product’s standing. The inclusion of mono and diglycerides, which can be synthetically produced or derived from animal or vegetable sources, may not align with certain dietary preferences or restrictions.

Moreover, the product contains several additives such as carrageenan, which has been linked to digestive issues, and caramel color, an additive that has faced scrutiny due to potential health risks. Xanthan gum, another ingredient, is commonly used as a thickener but can cause digestive distress in some individuals. Maltodextrin, a processed sugar often derived from corn, wheat, or potato starch, is also included and can spike blood sugar levels.

The presence of multiple gums – carob bean, cellulose, and guar – used to stabilize and thicken the product, along with other less familiar ingredients like tara gum, may be off-putting for those seeking simpler, more natural food products.

Given the product’s composition of non-organic, GMO ingredients, added sugars, and a variety of questionable additives, the Blue Bunny Homemade Vanilla ice cream is positioned as an option that does not meet the criteria for cleaner, healthier food choices. As such, it receives the lowest rating on our scale and is not recommended for those seeking to incorporate cleaner, less processed foods into their diet.