Dr. Praeger’s

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, Dr. Praeger’s Chick’n Littles does not meet the standards for cleaner food options as set by our evaluation criteria. This product is not organic, which immediately results in a deduction from its total score. Despite being made with non-GMO ingredients, a positive aspect, there are several areas where it falls short in terms of offering a clean eating option.

The product includes dextrose, a type of added sugar, which negatively impacts its score due to potential health risks associated with excessive sugar intake. Additionally, the presence of natural flavor raises concerns about the product’s purity and transparency, as this term can encompass a wide range of ingredients that are not specified on the label. The use of corn starch, often processed and with little nutritional value, further detracts from the product’s clean food credentials.

Another significant issue is the inclusion of canola oil, which is an expeller-pressed oil but is not specified as non-GMO or organic, leading to further deductions. While expeller-pressed oils are generally considered better than their highly processed counterparts, the lack of organic certification for the canola oil used here is a drawback for consumers seeking the cleanest food options.

Dr. Praeger’s Chick’n Littles also incorporates a variety of vegetable purees, such as carrot, butternut squash, and sweet potato, which contribute nutrients. However, these healthier ingredients are overshadowed by the less desirable elements found within the product.

Overall, Dr. Praeger’s Chick’n Littles is not aligned with the highest standards of clean eating. The non-organic status, added sugars, ambiguous natural flavors, and the presence of potentially harmful oils are key factors that have led to its low green leaf rating. For a product to rank higher, a shift towards organic ingredients, elimination of added sugars and ambiguous additives, and the use of unequivocally clean oils would be necessary steps.