Gardein

The Gardein Original Plant-Based Breakfast Saus’ge earns a 2/5 green leaves rating. This product positions itself as a plant-based alternative to traditional breakfast sausages. It is designed for consumers seeking vegetarian or vegan options. However, the product’s commitment to cleaner food is questionable based on its ingredients list.

The product is not organic, which detracts from its healthfulness. Organic foods are generally perceived to be cleaner due to the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The presence of added sugars, such as sugar and citric acid, further undermines the product’s health claims. These added sugars are unnecessary and contribute to the product’s low rating.

Moreover, the inclusion of potentially harmful additives like natural flavors and canola lecithin raises concerns. ‘Natural flavors’ is a broad term that does not specify the source or composition of the flavoring agents, leaving consumers in the dark about what they are ingesting. Canola lecithin, while used as an emulsifier, is often derived from canola oil, which is commonly processed using chemicals.

The use of canola oil is another point of contention. Despite its prevalence in the food industry, canola oil is often heavily refined and may undergo processes that strip away nutritional benefits. Its inclusion here is at odds with the pursuit of cleaner food options.

To improve this product, the manufacturer should consider using organic ingredients to eliminate concerns regarding synthetic additives. Removing added sugars and replacing potentially harmful additives with more transparent and natural alternatives would also enhance the product’s appeal to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, switching to less processed oils known for their nutritional value could improve the product’s standing.

The Gardein Original Plant-Based Breakfast Saus’ge, with its current composition, falls short of the cleaner food standards that health-conscious consumers are searching for. It has room for improvement in several areas, including organic certification, ingredient transparency, and the elimination of unnecessary additives and sugars.