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Cheetos
Flavor:
Cheddar Popcorn
Ingredients:
Popcorn, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola Oil and/or Sunflower Oil), Cheese Seasoning (Whey, Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Canola Oil, Maltodextrin [Made from Corn], Natural and Artificial Flavors, Salt, Whey Protein Concentrate, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, and Artificial Colors [Yellow #6], and Salt.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Cheetos Cheddar Popcorn falls at the bottom of our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, utilizes GMO ingredients, and features a range of additives that raise concerns.
The ingredient list for Cheetos Cheddar Popcorn includes non-organic popcorn and a trio of vegetable oils, which may include corn, canola, and sunflower oil. The cheese seasoning contains whey, cheddar cheese, and canola oil, along with maltodextrin derived from corn, both natural and artificial flavors, salt, whey protein concentrate, monosodium glutamate, lactic acid, citric acid, artificial color Yellow 6, and added salt.
The presence of non-organic elements in the popcorn immediately subtracts from its clean food potential. GMO ingredients further detract from its healthfulness. Citric acid, typically not classified as an added sugar, is flagged here due to its processing origins and potential role in sweetness. The product also contains a variety of additives that are considered potentially harmful. These include natural and artificial flavors and Yellow 6, which have been linked to health concerns.
More concerning are the known harmful additives like artificial flavors, maltodextrin, monosodium glutamate, and artificial colors, specifically Yellow 6. These components are associated with negative health impacts and are often avoided by those seeking cleaner food options. Additionally, the oils used in this product, such as canola and other vegetable oils, are often processed and may contribute to overall health risks. The deduction for high fructose corn syrup, associated with artificial flavors, further underscores the product’s distance from clean eating standards.
Given these factors, Cheetos Cheddar Popcorn receives our lowest possible green leaf rating. It embodies many of the qualities that consumers looking for cleaner, healthier snack options are advised to avoid. This product stands as an example of what our rating system identifies as a less desirable choice in the context of a market saturated with similar offerings.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
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