Gardein
Flavor:
Chipotle Black Bean Burger
Ingredients:
Water, Cooked Black Beans (Black Beans, Water), Cooked Brown Rice, Canola Oil, Black Bean Powder, Onions, Corn, Textured Soy Protein Concentrate, Tomato Paste, Bell Peppers, 2% Or Less Of: Potato Starch, Sugar, Methylcellulose, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Spices, Yeast extract, Chipotle Chili Powder, Citric Acid, Tomato Powder, Natural Flavors, Lactic Acid, Molasses
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Gardein Chipotle Black Bean Burger presents itself as a meatless alternative for those seeking a plant-based option. Despite its positioning in the market, the product does not align with the highest standards for clean eating as defined by our website’s criteria.
The burger is not organic, which directly impacts its score. Organic foods are often preferred for their environmentally friendly cultivation methods and reduced exposure to pesticides. The absence of non-GMO ingredients is a positive aspect of this product, but it is overshadowed by the presence of added sugars. Ingredients like molasses and sugar contribute to the burger’s caloric content and may affect blood sugar levels, detracting from its healthfulness.
Moreover, the inclusion of potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors raises concerns. These additives are often a composite of various substances that may not be disclosed on the label, leading to a lack of transparency about what consumers are ingesting. Additionally, the product contains canola oil, which we consider a harmful oil due to its high omega-6 fatty acid content and the potential for containing trans fats, which are linked to heart disease.
The burger’s base ingredients, including black beans, brown rice, and vegetables, are nutritious components that provide fiber and essential nutrients. However, the benefits of these whole foods are diluted by the less desirable ingredients that accompany them.
The Gardein Chipotle Black Bean Burger, with its current composition, falls short of the clean and healthy standards that consumers might expect from a plant-based product. While it serves as a protein-rich alternative to meat, the burger’s reliance on non-organic ingredients, added sugars, and questionable additives diminishes its overall nutritional value. For a product to score higher in the future, a reformulation with a focus on organic ingredients, the elimination of added sugars, and a more transparent approach to flavoring would be necessary.
Certifications:
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
Alternatives
No Items found.
- Frozen Ready To Roast Vegetables – Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Multicolor Carrots, Broccoli Florets & Chickpeas
- Root Vegetable Hashbrowns With Yukon Gold Potatoes, Carrots & Sweet Potatoes
How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem