Bolthouse Farms

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Bolthouse Farms Watermelon Mint Lemonade presents itself as a refreshing beverage choice but falls short on the cleaner food scale due to several concerns surrounding its ingredients.

This lemonade is not certified organic, which detracts from its overall cleanliness score, as organic products typically ensure the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in their production. Additionally, the lack of non-GMO ingredients raises questions about the potential inclusion of genetically modified organisms, which some consumers opt to avoid in pursuit of a cleaner diet.

A significant issue with this product is its sugar content. The inclusion of cane sugar not only contributes to the added sugars tally, which is a point of reduction in the scoring process, but it also doubles down on the concern due to cane sugar being specifically called out as a more harmful type of added sugar. This increases the beverage’s caloric content and diminishes its nutritional profile.

Furthermore, the presence of ‘Natural Flavor’ in the ingredient list is problematic. The term ‘Natural Flavor’ is broad and does not provide transparency regarding the source or composition of the flavoring agents used. This ambiguity is not consistent with the ethos of clean eating, which emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and clear, straightforward labeling.

The product does attempt to offer some natural appeal by using beta carotene and vegetable juice for coloring instead of synthetic dyes, which aligns with cleaner food principles. However, this positive aspect is overshadowed by the aforementioned concerns.

The product’s green leaf rating reflects its position on the lower end of the cleaner food spectrum. It’s evident that Bolthouse Farms Watermelon Mint Lemonade has room for improvement, particularly in the areas of organic certification, non-GMO verification, and reduction of added sugars. Transparency around flavor additives would also enhance the product’s standing. While the drink may be a refreshing choice, those seeking truly clean food options might consider alternatives that align more closely with the principles of clean eating.