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Gardein
Flavor:
Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Nuggets
Ingredients:
Water, Enriched Wheat Flour (wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vital Wheat Gluten, Canola Oil, Soy Protein Isolate, Pea Protein Concentrate, Tapioca Starch/Flour, 2% Or Less Of: Degerminated Yellow Corn Flour, Textured Wheat Protein (wheat Gluten, Wheat Starch), Methylcellulose, Salt, Yeast extract, Natural Flavors, Garlic Powder, Spices, Onion Powder, Dried Onion, Fructose, Leavening (sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate), Paprika Extractives (color), Pea Protein, Citric Acid, Titanium Dioxide (color), Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Sunflower Oil.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Nuggets present themselves as a meat alternative but fall short in meeting the criteria for cleaner food options. The product, though plant-based, has several components that raise concerns regarding its healthfulness and environmental impact.
The nuggets are not organic, which may disappoint consumers seeking pesticide-free ingredients. Additionally, they contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), distancing the product further from those who prioritize natural genetic structures in their food sources. The presence of added sugars is evident with ingredients like citric acid and fructose, detracting from the product’s nutritional value.
Concerns are amplified with the inclusion of potentially harmful additives such as natural flavor and xanthan gum, both of which are commonly used in processed foods but have questionable health impacts. The enriched wheat flour, while fortified with vitamins, is a refined grain lacking the full nutritional profile of whole grains. More alarming is the presence of titanium dioxide, a color additive that has drawn significant scrutiny for its potential health risks.
The use of canola oil as a fat source is also problematic. Despite its widespread use, canola oil is often heavily processed and may contain trans fats, which are linked to various health issues.
Despite the rise in demand for plant-based options, the Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Nuggets do not align with the higher standards some consumers are looking for in their food. The product’s low green leaf rating reflects its position as a less desirable choice for those seeking cleaner, more wholesome food products. Consumers are advised to consider alternative options that better align with their health and environmental values.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
Alternatives
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How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem