Cape Cod

The Cape Cod Waves Jalapeño Ranch receives a 1/5 green leaves rating, signaling this product as a choice to approach with caution for those seeking cleaner food options. The snack is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, which significantly impacts its score.

The product’s ingredient list includes potatoes and a variety of vegetable oils, such as canola, safflower, and sunflower oils. These oils, particularly safflower and canola, are considered harmful in our evaluation due to their processing methods and potential health impacts. The presence of whey, buttermilk, and various flavorings such as onion and jalapeño powder cater to the taste profile, but they do not mitigate the score reductions.

Citric acid, commonly used for flavor and preservation, is categorized under added sugars, leading to a deduction in the overall score. The inclusion of maltodextrin, a food additive derived from starch, is deemed particularly concerning due to its high glycemic index and potential health implications, resulting in the most significant score reduction. Additionally, ‘natural flavors’ are flagged for their ambiguous origins and potential for containing undisclosed additives, further diminishing the product’s standing.

The scoring system’s rigor is designed to spotlight cleaner, healthier food options, and the Cape Cod Waves Jalapeño Ranch falls short in meeting these standards. Its reliance on non-organic, GMO ingredients, added sugars, and harmful additives and oils positions it at the low end of the spectrum on our green leaves scale.

For consumers prioritizing clean eating, this product does not align with those values. Its composition suggests the need for cautious consideration by those aiming to maintain a diet free from such ingredients. The 1/5 green leaves rating serves as a guide to encourage better choices in a market saturated with less-than-ideal food options.