Dannon

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Dannon Strawberry Banana yogurt offers a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner food choices. This product is not organic and includes genetically modified ingredients, which detracts from its overall green leaf rating. Additionally, the presence of added sugar and various additives like natural flavor and sodium citrate further impacts its score, reflecting a need for improvement in its composition.

The Dannon Strawberry Banana yogurt starts with cultured grade A reduced fat milk, a positive aspect for those looking to balance their dietary fat intake. However, the addition of sugar as a primary ingredient raises concerns for health-conscious consumers. While the strawberries and banana puree contribute to the natural fruit content, their benefits are somewhat overshadowed by the inclusion of modified food starch and kosher gelatin, which may not align with all dietary preferences.

The product also contains pectin and calcium citrate, common in many dairy products to improve texture and nutritional value. Malic acid, used here likely as a flavor enhancer or preservative, is another additive that some may wish to avoid. The yogurt is colored with beta carotene, a natural colorant, and fortified with vitamin D3, which can be beneficial for bone health.

The use of sodium citrate, a stabilizer and preservative, is another factor that affects the product’s green leaf rating. While it is deemed safe for consumption, its necessity and impact on health are debatable among clean eating advocates.

The Dannon Strawberry Banana yogurt, therefore, represents an option that balances certain positive nutritional aspects with areas that could be improved upon. It is neither among the cleanest food choices available nor does it fall into the category of highly processed, unhealthy options. This product may serve as a compromise for those who are not strictly organic or non-GMO but still wish to make moderately healthier choices in their diet.