Garden of Eatin’

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the ‘Garden of Eatin’ Red Hot Blues®’ chips offer a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner snack choices. The product does not boast an organic label, which is a key factor for many health-conscious consumers. However, it does use non-GMO ingredients, a significant positive aspect that aligns with the preferences of shoppers looking to avoid genetically modified foods.

The ingredients list for these chips contains organic blue corn, which is a plus. The use of expeller pressed oils such as canola, safflower, or sunflower is notable, though the inclusion of safflower and canola oils results in a deduction due to their controversial health profiles. While these oils are not hydrogenated and are often seen in better-for-you products, some argue that their high omega-6 fatty acid content could contribute to inflammation when consumed in large amounts.

Additional ingredients include tomato powder, rice flour, salt, paprika, spices, onion, and torula yeast. The presence of ‘Natural Flavor’ in the list, however, raises concerns. This ambiguous term can encompass a wide range of substances, some of which may not align with an all-natural diet. Due to the lack of transparency surrounding ‘Natural Flavor,’ it is treated with caution and results in a score reduction.

As a product in a competitive market of snack foods, ‘Garden of Eatin’ Red Hot Blues®’ chips stand out for not being the worst option available, but they also don’t rise to the top tier of healthful choices. The chips have commendable attributes like the use of non-GMO ingredients and the inclusion of organic blue corn. Nevertheless, the absence of an organic certification coupled with the presence of certain oils and ‘Natural Flavor’ mean the product does not fully meet the highest standards for those seeking the cleanest food options. The 3 out of 5 green leaves rating reflects this balance between commendable qualities and areas where the product falls short.