Chobani

This product earns a 1/5 green leaf rating. The Chobani Greek Yogurt Lemon & Cream is not organic, leading to an initial deduction in its clean food score. Its ingredients include cane sugar, which contribute to its added sugar content, a factor that diminishes its healthfulness. The presence of natural flavors and locust bean gum, considered potentially harmful additives, further lowers its rating.

The yogurt is not verified as using non-GMO ingredients, which is another key aspect of the evaluation process. The product’s reliance on cane sugar, a form of added sugar, is a significant drawback as it contributes to the negative scoring. While cane sugar is a natural sweetener, its classification as a more harmful added sugar reflects concerns over its impact on health when consumed in excess.

Natural flavors, listed among the ingredients, result in a serious penalty. The term ‘natural flavors’ is broad and can encompass a range of substances, some of which may not align with the goal of clean eating. The inclusion of such an ambiguous ingredient compromises the product’s transparency and purity.

Despite these issues, the product does incorporate fruit pectin, which is a natural thickener, and turmeric, a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties and used here as a coloring agent. These ingredients do not offset the deductions made for the other components but are worth noting for their natural qualities.

The assessment criteria are stringent, focusing on the presence of organic ingredients, non-GMO verification, and the avoidance of added sugars and potentially harmful additives. The Chobani Greek Yogurt Lemon & Cream falls short in these areas, resulting in its low green leaf rating. The product has room for improvement to meet the standards of cleaner and healthier food options. To enhance its score, a reformulation to include organic, non-GMO ingredients and the elimination of added sugars and ambiguous additives would be necessary.