Gardein
Flavor:
Teriyaki Chick’n Strips
Ingredients:
Water, Sugar, Soy Protein Isolate, Vital Wheat Gluten, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Canola Oil, Salted Sake( Water, Rice, Salt), 2% Or Less Of: Methylcellulose, Distilled Vinegar, Sunflower Oil, Ancient Grain Flour (Khorasan Wheat), Salt, Potato Starch, Natural Flavors, Spices, Yeast extract, Garlic Powder, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Barley Malt Extract, Onion Powder, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Gardein Teriyaki Chick’n Strips fall at the bottom of our cleaner food options scale. This product is a plant-based alternative to traditional chicken strips, designed to offer a vegetarian option to consumers. However, our evaluation criteria raise concerns about its composition and the use of certain ingredients.
While the product is organic, the presence of added sugars immediately reduces its standing, as we prioritize health and minimal processing in food items. The sugars contribute to the overall caloric content without offering nutritional benefits, which is a significant drawback for those seeking wholesome food choices.
More serious deductions stem from the inclusion of additives and oils that our standards deem harmful. The natural flavors listed in the ingredients, while common in many processed foods, are penalized for their ambiguous nature and potential health implications. Xanthan gum, often used as a thickening agent, also faces scrutiny due to its processed origins and possible gastrointestinal side effects.
The most substantial concern comes from the use of titanium dioxide, a color additive. Its inclusion is particularly alarming because of the associated health risks that have been identified in some studies, prompting us to significantly lower the product’s score.
Canola oil, another ingredient found in the Teriyaki Chick’n Strips, is often processed and may contain trans fats, which are linked to various negative health outcomes. Due to these factors, the product’s score reflects our stance on minimizing the consumption of such oils.
Despite these ingredients, the product does have positive attributes, such as the use of non-GMO ingredients and the absence of animal-derived components, aligning with the dietary choices of vegetarians and vegans. However, the drawbacks of the additives and sugars overshadow these qualities, leading us to advise against this product for those seeking the cleanest food options. The Gardein Teriyaki Chick’n Strips, as per our rigorous standards, do not meet the criteria for a healthy, minimally processed food choice.
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
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for society, and for our ecosystem