Cape Cod

The Cape Cod Dark Russet earns a rating of 3 out of 5 green leaves on our scale for cleaner food options. This rating reflects the product’s average position in the market, balancing its qualities against areas where it falls short of the highest standards for health and sustainability.

The product consists of three simple ingredients: potatoes, a blend of vegetable oils, and salt. It’s a gluten-free option, which is a plus for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, the lack of organic certification detracts from its overall score, as consuming organically grown produce can reduce exposure to certain pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Moreover, the product is not verified non-GMO. While the health implications of genetically modified organisms are a subject of debate, many consumers seeking cleaner food options prefer non-GMO products due to concerns about environmental impact and corporate control over the food supply.

The inclusion of certain oils—safflower oil, canola oil, and unspecified vegetable oils—also affects the product’s rating. These oils are often extracted using chemical solvents and can be heavily processed. Some of these oils may also be high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in disproportionate amounts to omega-3 fatty acids, may contribute to inflammation. For consumers prioritizing minimally processed foods with a more favorable fatty acid profile, this is a significant consideration.

While the Cape Cod Dark Russet chips do not reach the pinnacle of what our green leaf rating system represents, they still occupy a moderate position as a cleaner alternative in a market saturated with less healthy options. They offer simplicity in their ingredients list and cater to gluten-free needs, but their non-organic and non-GMO status, alongside the use of certain vegetable oils, means there is room for improvement in terms of offering a truly clean food product.