Gardein

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Filets fall at the bottom of our scale for healthier food options. This product is a plant-based alternative to traditional chicken filets, targeting consumers seeking vegetarian or vegan meat substitutes. However, our assessment raises concerns about the ingredients used in these filets.

The product is not certified organic, which is a significant factor in our evaluation system. It also includes genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which many consumers aiming for cleaner diets try to avoid. Added sugars, such as citric acid and fructose, contribute to the low score, as these are ingredients that we find undesirable in a product marketed as a healthier option.

Further deductions were made for the inclusion of potentially harmful additives. ‘Natural flavors’ is a term that lacks transparency and can encompass a variety of substances, some of which may not align with cleaner food standards. The enriched wheat flour and xanthan gum, while common in many processed foods, are also flagged in our review process for their potential negative health impacts.

Most concerning is the presence of titanium dioxide, an additive we categorize as known harmful. It is used to enhance the color of food products, but it has been linked to adverse health effects. Canola oil, often derived from genetically modified crops and processed using methods that may leave traces of harmful chemicals, is another ingredient that contributed to the low score of this product.

While the Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Filets offer a plant-based protein source, the inclusion of ingredients that don’t meet our standards for cleaner eating options is the primary reason for its poor rating. Consumers seeking the healthiest plant-based foods might consider looking for products with organic certification, no GMOs, and without added sugars or harmful additives.