Gardein
Flavor:
Sweet And Sour P'rk Bites
Ingredients:
Water, Sugar, Soy Protein Isolate, Vital Wheat Gluten, Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Canola Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Pineapple Concentrate (Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Water, Natural Flavor, Ascorbic Acid), 2% Or Less Of: Tomato Paste, Yeast extract, Salt, Methylcellulose, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Rice Flour, Garlic Powder, Natural Flavors, Onion Powder, Corn Starch, Tamarind Paste, Spices, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Carrageenan, Crushed Red Pepper, Xanthan Gum, Paprika Extract (Color), Leavening (Cream Of Tartar, Sodium Bicarbonate), Gum Arabic, Malic Acid, Red Pepper Sauce Flavor (Red Pepper, Distilled Vinegar, Salt)
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Gardein Sweet And Sour P’rk Bites receive a 1/5 green leaf rating. This product is a meat alternative designed to offer a plant-based version of a classic dish. Despite its intention to provide a vegetarian option, our review identifies several areas of concern regarding its ingredients and overall health profile.
The product is not organic, which results in a deduction in its rating. While it uses non-GMO ingredients, the presence of added sugars is a significant downside. The sugar content contributes to the low score, as added sugars are linked to various health issues when consumed in excess.
Further scrutiny reveals the inclusion of several potentially harmful additives. Ingredients such as natural flavors and enriched wheat flour raise questions about the product’s purity and potential health impacts. Xanthan gum, malic acid, and corn starch also contribute to the deductions, although they are commonly used in processed foods, they are flagged for their potential negative health effects.
More concerning are the known harmful additives present in the product. Carrageenan and titanium dioxide are specifically highlighted for their controversial use in food products. Carrageenan has been associated with digestive issues, while titanium dioxide has raised concerns about its safety as a food colorant.
Additionally, the use of canola oil is considered a negative aspect of this product. Despite being a common ingredient in the food industry, canola oil is often processed and may not align with the goals of those seeking cleaner food options.
This product’s low green leaf rating reflects its composition of ingredients that are either not organic, contain added sugars, or include potentially and known harmful additives. The significant number of such ingredients results in the lowest rating on our scale, and we advise consumers to consider these factors when making their food choices. The Gardein Sweet And Sour P’rk Bites may offer a plant-based alternative, but it falls short in providing a cleaner, healthier option in the market.
Certifications:
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
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