Chobani

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Chobani Zero Sugar Vanilla yogurt positions itself as a less than ideal choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This product does not boast an organic certification, and there is no clear indication that it uses non-GMO ingredients, both factors contributing to its average score.

The yogurt contains ultra-filtered nonfat milk, water, and skim milk, with allulose as a sweetener. The inclusion of allulose and stevia leaf extract reflect the product’s attempt to offer sweetness without added sugar. However, our criteria classify allulose and stevia as added sugars, and together with the non-organic citric acid, these ingredients result in points deducted from its overall score.

Potential consumers should be aware that the product also contains additives such as natural flavors and guar gum. ‘Natural flavors’ is a broad term that can mask a variety of substances, and while not necessarily harmful, their vague nature affects the product’s transparency, leading to a further reduction in its rating. Guar gum, a common thickener, is included in our criteria for potentially harmful additives.

While the yogurt features positive aspects such as tapioca flour and citrus fiber, which are less processed ingredients, and it includes live cultures beneficial for gut health, these do not offset the deductions made for the aforementioned reasons.

This product represents a compromise for those who prioritize a lower sugar content without artificial sweeteners but are not strictly seeking organic or non-GMO verified foods. It falls into a category where it may serve as a suitable option for some, but it does not distinguish itself as a leader in the clean food space.