Chobani

Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Chobani Less Sugar* Wild Blueberry yogurt struggles to meet the standards for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, and it fails to use non-GMO ingredients, which are two fundamental criteria for a higher score on our scale. Further, the inclusion of added sugars, specifically cane sugar, detracts significantly from its healthfulness. The presence of natural flavors and other additives also raises concerns about the product’s purity and quality.

The yogurt’s base is cultured lowfat milk, a common starting point for many dairy products. The addition of water is standard, yet the cane sugar and blueberry puree introduce added sugars, which are often criticized for their impact on overall health. The term ‘natural flavors’ is vague and can encompass a wide range of ingredients, some of which may not align with a clean eating philosophy. Guar gum, used as a thickener or stabilizer, is generally recognized as safe but is still an additive. The color of the product is derived from fruit and vegetable juice concentrate, which is preferable to synthetic colorants, but it does not offset the other concerns. Lemon juice concentrate provides some tartness and may also serve as a natural preservative.

The product’s shortcomings are clear: it is neither organic nor free of GMOs, and it contains added sugars and questionable additives. For those seeking cleaner, more wholesome food options, these factors are crucial. The 1/5 green leaf rating reflects the product’s failure to align with the high standards of health and transparency that are valued by consumers looking for the cleanest foods on the market. While the product may have some redeeming qualities, such as the absence of synthetic colors, it ultimately does not rise to the occasion when it comes to offering a truly healthy and clean option.