Cheetos

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Cheetos Simply Crunchy White Cheddar Cheese snack falls short of meeting the criteria for cleaner food options as defined by our website. This product is neither organic nor does it use non-GMO ingredients, both of which are fundamental for a higher rating on our scale. The inclusion of citric acid, which we classify as an added sugar, further detracts from its score. The presence of natural flavors and maltodextrin, identified as potentially and known harmful additives respectively, contribute to the product’s low rating.

The ingredient list for this snack begins with enriched corn meal, which includes several vitamins and minerals. Sunflower oil is used in the recipe, and cheddar cheese adds to the product’s name. Whey and sea salt are present as well, along with maltodextrin, a common food additive that we have flagged for its potential negative health implications. The product also contains natural flavors, which are often criticized for their vague composition and potential health risks. Sour cream is included in the mix, and the product is seasoned with torula yeast, lactic acid, and citric acid.

The scoring system in place on our website rigorously evaluates food products based on their organic status, GMO content, and the inclusion of added sugars and harmful additives. The Cheetos Simply Crunchy White Cheddar Cheese snack does not align with the cleaner food options we aim to promote. It lacks organic certification, includes GMO ingredients, and contains additives that raise health concerns. Due to these factors, the product has earned the lowest possible score we offer. Consumers seeking healthier snack options are advised to consider alternative products that better align with the principles of clean eating and that boast a higher green leaf rating.