Catalina Crunch

Awarded a rating of 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Catalina Crunch Chocolate Banana is positioned as a mid-level choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This product does not boast an organic label, nor does it avoid GMOs, which are factors contributing to its average score. Additionally, the inclusion of Stevia as a sweetener and ‘Natural Flavors’ in its ingredients list raises concerns about added sugars and potential additives, respectively.

The Catalina Crunch Chocolate Banana is made with a proprietary Catalina Flour blend that includes pea protein, potato fiber, non-GMO corn fiber, chicory root fiber, and guar gum. This combination suggests a focus on providing a product with a base of plant-based proteins and fibers. Tapioca flour and organic high oleic sunflower oil also feature in the ingredient list, alongside cocoa powder, baking powder, sea salt, and calcium carbonate.

While the product does not contain conventional sugars, the use of Stevia extract as a sweetening agent leads to deductions in its overall rating. ‘Natural Flavors’ are also present, a term that often encompasses a range of substances and has led to points being subtracted due to the ambiguity and potential for unwanted additives it represents.

The Catalina Crunch Chocolate Banana does not align with the highest standards of clean eating due to its lack of organic certification and the presence of GMOs. The product’s attempt to offer a healthier snack option is acknowledged, but its ingredient choices have prevented it from achieving a top-tier rating on the green leaf scale.

Consumers seeking an alternative to many of the unhealthy options in the market might consider this product as a moderate choice. However, for those prioritizing organic ingredients and a complete avoidance of GMOs and added sweeteners or flavors, the Catalina Crunch Chocolate Banana may not fulfill all criteria. It stands as an option that straddles the line between health-conscious and conventional snack foods.