Dunkin Donuts

Awarded a rating of 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Dunkin Donuts Bagels with Cream Cheese Spread (Everything Bagel) offers a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking a cleaner food choice. This product does not feature organic ingredients, nor does it avoid the use of GMOs, which detracts from its overall healthfulness score. The presence of added sugars, such as molasses and sugar, further reduces its standing as a cleaner food choice.

The everything bagel includes enriched wheat flour and soy lecithin, two components that are flagged for their potential negative health impacts. Enriched wheat flour, while providing certain B vitamins and iron, has gone through a refining process that strips away beneficial fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. Soy lecithin is often used as an emulsifier in food processing, and while it is generally regarded as safe, some individuals may prefer to avoid it due to concerns over its typically GMO origins or potential allergenic properties.

The bagel is topped with a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dehydrated onion, dehydrated garlic, and rolled oats, which contribute to its texture and visual appeal. The product’s base is made of enriched wheat flour, which includes a mix of vitamins and minerals that are added back after processing, such as niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. Water, sugar, and malted barley extract are also key ingredients, with cornmeal, yeast, and molasses rounding out the flavor profile.

Despite these considerations, the Dunkin Donuts Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese Spread remains an accessible option for individuals looking to navigate a marketplace saturated with less health-conscious offerings. While it does not reach the pinnacle of ‘clean’ eating due to its non-organic and GMO ingredients, as well as the inclusion of additives and added sugars, it maintains a position within the acceptable range for those seeking a moderate alternative.