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Cheez It
Flavor:
Italian Four Cheese
Ingredients:
Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin B1 [thiamin mononitrate], vitamin B2 [Riboflavin], folic acid), vegetable oil (high oleic soybean, soybean, palm, and/or canola with TBHQ for freshness), white cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes). Contains 2% or less of salt, rice flour, monosodium glutamate, monterey jack, romano, parmesan, mozzarella and asiago cheeses (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), dextrose, Baking Soda, yeast, autolyzed yeast extract, Garlic powder, lactic acid, onion powder, citric acid, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, artificial flavor, turmeric extract color, annatto extract color, soy lecithin.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Cheez It Italian Four Cheese snack falls short of cleaner food standards due to its composition of non-organic, potentially GMO ingredients, and the inclusion of multiple additives and sugars. This product is made with enriched flour and a variety of oils, including high oleic soybean, soybean, palm, and canola with TBHQ to maintain freshness, which are not in line with the health-conscious criteria set by our rating system.
The presence of artificial flavor and TBHQ, a preservative, raises concerns due to their association with potential health risks. Monosodium glutamate, another additive found in the snack, has been linked to negative health effects, prompting further deductions in its score. The use of dextrose and citric acid, both considered added sugars, contribute to the product’s low rating as they do not align with the pursuit of cleaner eating.
Furthermore, the snack contains soy lecithin, an emulsifier that is often derived from soybeans that may be genetically modified. While the product includes an array of cheeses such as white cheddar, Monterey Jack, Romano, Parmesan, mozzarella, and Asiago, the benefits of these ingredients are overshadowed by the presence of the aforementioned additives and non-organic components.
The scoring system penalizes the lack of organic certification and the potential use of GMOs, reflecting a strong preference for natural and unmodified food sources. The Cheez It Italian Four Cheese contains artificial coloring agents, such as turmeric and annatto extract, which, although derived from natural sources, are processed and added for aesthetic purposes rather than nutritional value.
As a result, consumers seeking cleaner, healthier food options are advised to steer clear of this product. The accumulation of points deducted for each non-compliant ingredient has led to the product’s low green leaf rating, indicating it does not meet the standards for a health-conscious diet. The focus on providing cleaner alternatives means that products like this, which harbor numerous additives and non-organic ingredients, are not recommended.
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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