Coffee Mate

Flavor:

French Vanilla Liquid Coffee Creamer

Ingredients:

Water, Sugar, Vegetable Oil (High Oleic Soybean And/or High Oleic Canola), And Less Than 2% Of Micellar Casein (A Milk Derivative)**, Mono- And Diglycerides, Dipotassium phosphate, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Cellulose Gel, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan.

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Coffee Mate French Vanilla Liquid Coffee Creamer is not recommended for consumers seeking cleaner food options. The product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, which already positions it unfavorably on the health-conscious scale. The presence of added sugars further diminishes its standing, as minimizing sugar intake is a common goal for those looking to maintain a healthier diet.

The ingredient list reveals several additives, including mono- and diglycerides along with both natural and artificial flavors. These components are often scrutinized for their potential health impacts and contribute to the product’s low score. Carrageenan, specifically identified as a known harmful additive, is associated with gastrointestinal inflammation and other negative health effects, justifying its significant deduction in the product’s rating.

Furthermore, the inclusion of high oleic soybean and/or high oleic canola oils is another point of concern. These oils, while not trans fats, are still processed forms of fat and their health implications are debated among nutrition experts. The creamer’s reliance on these oils instead of healthier alternatives is a point of criticism.

Lastly, the product loses additional credibility due to the mention of artificial flavors, which are often a catch-all term for various chemical additives. The creamer also mistakenly associates artificial flavors with high fructose corn syrup, which is not listed as an ingredient but is similarly regarded with caution by health advocates due to its links to obesity and diabetes when consumed in excess.

The Coffee Mate French Vanilla Liquid Coffee Creamer, with its low green leaf rating, fails to meet the criteria for a clean and healthy food product. Its composition of non-organic, GMO, sugary, and processed ingredients, along with the inclusion of potentially harmful additives, places it at odds with the goal of providing healthier, more natural alternatives in the market. This product is best left on the shelf by those prioritizing their health and well-being.