Crush

Flavor:

Strawberry

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Acacia Gum, Caramel Color, Red #40, Natural And Artificial Flavors

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Crush Strawberry receives a 1/5 green leaf rating for its overall health impact. This beverage comprises a variety of ingredients that raise concerns for those seeking cleaner food options. The absence of organic certification and the presence of GMOs have significantly affected its score.

The product contains high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener that has been linked to various health issues. This ingredient alone has a substantial negative impact on the product’s rating. Additionally, the use of artificial flavors and colors, specifically caramel color and Red 40, further lowers its score due to potential health risks associated with these additives. Sodium benzoate, a preservative found in the beverage, has been scrutinized for its possible health effects.

Moreover, the presence of added sugars is another drawback of Crush Strawberry. Citric acid, while naturally occurring, is often used in conjunction with other sweeteners and may contribute to the overall sugar content. The scoring system penalizes both the presence of added sugars and the inclusion of more harmful sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup.

The product is also marked down for containing potentially harmful additives. These include the broad categories of natural and artificial flavors, which can encompass a range of unspecified chemicals. The lack of transparency regarding these flavors is a concern for consumers seeking clean food products.

Given these factors, Crush Strawberry is not recommended for those looking to maintain a diet consisting of cleaner, healthier food and drink options. The combination of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and potentially harmful additives aligns with the lowest rating on our green leaf scale. While the colorful packaging and branding may appeal to consumers, the ingredient list reveals a product that does not meet the standards for a clean and healthy option.