Forager

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Forager Blueberry Cashewmilk presents itself as a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This product is a plant-based dairy alternative that utilizes organic ingredients and steers clear of GMOs, factors that align with the health-conscious consumer’s values.

The base of this beverage is cashew milk, complemented by the natural sweetness of blueberries and enriched with coconut cream. The texture is influenced by the addition of thickeners like tapioca starch, pectin, guar gum, locust bean gum, and agar. It maintains a vibrant color through the use of fruit and vegetable juices. The product incorporates live active cultures, which are beneficial for gut health.

However, the product loses favor due to the inclusion of added sugars, specifically cane sugar, which detracts from its overall healthfulness. Additionally, the presence of natural flavors raises questions, as this term can encompass a variety of substances and lacks transparency. The mention of rum is unexpected and warrants scrutiny, though it may be an error as it does not appear in the listed ingredients.

The Forager Blueberry Cashewmilk achieves an equilibrium between positive attributes such as its organic status and the drawbacks of added sugars and ambiguous natural flavors. It stands as an option for consumers, but with a score that reflects the need for caution due to the inclusion of certain ingredients. It represents a step towards cleaner eating, yet reminds us that even products marketed as healthier alternatives require a critical eye. This cashew milk alternative offers benefits, but it also carries compromise, an aspect that shoppers must weigh when making their food choices.