Gardein
Flavor:
Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Wings, BBQ
Ingredients:
Water, Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Vital Wheat Gluten, Tomato Paste, Canola Oil, Soy Protein Isolate, Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Pea Protein Concentrate, 2% Or Less Of: Tapioca Starch/Flour, Salt, Degerminated Yellow Corn Flour, Textured Wheat Protein (Wheat Gluten, Wheat Starch), Methylcellulose, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Caramel Color, Yeast extract, Spices & Spice Extractives, Natural Flavors, Spices, Dried Onion, Fructose, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate), Paprika Extractives (Color), Pea Protein, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Sunflower Oil, Lactic Acid, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Our evaluation awards the Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Wings, BBQ a 1/5 green leaf rating. This product is a plant-based alternative to traditional chicken wings, aiming to cater to those seeking meatless options. Despite its plant-based nature, the product falls short in offering a healthier choice due to the presence of several ingredients that raise concerns.
The Gardein wings are not organic, which detracts from their potential health benefits. The inclusion of added sugars such as molasses, sugar, citric acid, and fructose further diminishes its nutritional standing. These added sugars contribute to the overall caloric content without providing any essential nutrients, which is not favorable for consumers aiming for a clean diet.
The product also contains a range of additives. Natural flavors and enriched wheat flour are among the ingredients that lead to point deductions. Although ‘natural flavors’ is a broad term, it often encompasses a variety of chemical components that may not align with a clean eating philosophy. Enriched wheat flour, while fortified with vitamins, is processed and lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains.
More concerning are the known harmful additives present in the wings, specifically caramel color and titanium dioxide. Caramel color is a common food coloring, but it has been linked to adverse health effects in some studies. Titanium dioxide is used to enhance the visual appeal of products but has been scrutinized for its potential impact on human health.
Lastly, the use of canola oil, which is often highly processed and may contain trans fats, is another reason for the low rating. Health-conscious consumers tend to avoid such oils in favor of less processed, more natural fat sources.
With these points taken into account, our assessment concludes that the Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Wings, BBQ does not meet the criteria for a clean and healthy food option. Our rating system, focused on providing cleaner food choices, finds this product lacking due to its non-organic status, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, known harmful additives, and use of canola oil. Therefore, we advise consumers to consider other products that better align with a clean eating diet.
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