Catalina Crunch

This product earns a 2/5 green leaf rating. The Catalina Crunch Chocolate Peanut Butter cereal positions itself as a healthier alternative in the snack market, yet its ingredients list reveals several areas where it falls short of being a truly clean food option.

The cereal is not certified organic, which is a significant drawback for consumers seeking purity in their food sources. Moreover, it includes genetically modified organisms (GMOs) due to the presence of non-organic corn fiber, which could be a red flag for those aiming to avoid GMOs entirely. The inclusion of stevia as a sweetener, despite being a plant-based alternative to sugar, still counts as an added sugar, detracting from the product’s health score.

Furthermore, the presence of “natural flavors” in the ingredient list is problematic. This term is often used to describe a variety of additives that can be derived from numerous sources, not all of which are transparent or clean. Additionally, the use of peanut oil, while not uncommon in snack foods, is considered a less healthy oil due to its potential for oxidation and the presence of higher levels of unsaturated fats compared to alternatives like olive or avocado oil.

The product does utilize a blend of high-fiber ingredients such as pea protein, potato fiber, chicory root fiber, and guar gum in its Catalina Flour, which are commendable for their nutritional properties. However, these positive aspects are overshadowed by the aforementioned issues.

The Catalina Crunch Chocolate Peanut Butter scores poorly due to its lack of organic certification, inclusion of GMOs, added sweeteners, ambiguous natural flavors, and the use of peanut oil. While it may be positioned as a cleaner snack option, the ingredients suggest there is considerable room for improvement. Consumers seeking the cleanest food products will likely find alternatives that better align with their values and health goals.