Gatorade

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Gatorade Fit Cherry Lime positions itself as a middle-of-the-road choice for consumers seeking cleaner food options. This product is not organic, which detracts from its overall green leaf rating. It also includes ingredients that are not non-GMO, further diminishing its standing as a health-conscious selection.

The presence of added sweeteners, specifically purified stevia leaf extract, impacts the product’s score negatively, reflecting a concern for those avoiding all forms of added sugars. Additionally, citric acid, while commonly used for flavor and preservation, is also considered an added sugar in this scoring system.

The inclusion of ‘natural flavor’ in the ingredients list raises questions due to the ambiguity of this term, which can encompass a variety of substances not always aligned with the clean eating philosophy. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, another name for vitamin B6, is typically safe but has been penalized in this case for being a synthetic form of the vitamin.

On the positive side, Gatorade Fit Cherry Lime does provide a range of vitamins, including ascorbic acid (vitamin C), niacinamide (vitamin B3), beta carotene (vitamin A), calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), and pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6). These added nutrients may offer some health benefits to consumers.

This product finds itself in a neutral zone, not entirely free from additives and non-organic ingredients but also offering a selection of vitamins. For those prioritizing a balance between some nutrient content and a move towards cleaner labels, Gatorade Fit Cherry Lime may serve as an acceptable option, although it does not meet the highest standards set by the health-conscious community.