Dreyer’s

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, Dreyer’s Chocolate Ice Cream appears on our list as a product consumers might consider avoiding if they are seeking cleaner food options. This ice cream is not organic, and the manufacturer does not explicitly state the use of non-GMO ingredients, which already sets it back in our rating system.

Added sugars are a concern for many health-conscious shoppers, and this ice cream includes sugar in its list of ingredients, contributing to the lower score. Furthermore, it contains corn syrup, which is another form of added sugar that some consider to be even more harmful due to its high fructose content and potential health risks associated with its consumption.

The presence of potentially harmful additives also impacts the product’s score negatively. Specifically, monoglycerides are included in the ice cream, which are often used as emulsifiers in food products but can be a source of trans fats. Although the FDA recognizes them as generally safe, there is ongoing debate about the health implications of such additives, leading us to deduct more points.

The product’s ingredient list also features items like skim milk, cream, cocoa processed with alkali, whey, guar gum, and carob bean gum. Guar gum and carob bean gum are common thickeners and stabilizers in the food industry, and while they are not necessarily harmful, they are often less desirable in products marketed as ‘clean.’

Dreyer’s Chocolate Ice Cream, as evaluated, does not align with the criteria for a higher rating of green leaves on our website. With its score, we advise consumers who prioritize organic, non-GMO, and additive-free food products to look for alternatives that better meet these standards. Our scoring reflects the product’s composition and how it stands in relation to our benchmarks for a cleaner diet, leading to its current rating.