Gatorade

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, Gatorade Strawberry Kiwi is not recommended for those seeking cleaner food options. This rating reflects the product’s composition, which includes several ingredients that raise concerns regarding health and quality.

The beverage is not organic, which detracts from its potential to be a cleaner alternative in the market. Additionally, it is not verified as using non-GMO ingredients, further reducing its standing. The presence of added sugars, namely sugar and citric acid, contributes to the negative score, given the well-documented health issues associated with high sugar intake.

More concerning is the inclusion of dextrose, another form of added sugar that can have adverse effects on blood sugar levels and overall health. The product’s ingredient list also features a range of additives like natural flavor, sodium citrate, and red 40, which are often viewed with skepticism due to potential health implications. Red 40, in particular, stands out as a known harmful additive, linked to various health concerns and thus heavily impacting the product’s score.

Gatorade Strawberry Kiwi also contains modified food starch, mixed triglycerides, and glycerol ester of rosin. While these may serve functional purposes in the product, such as texture or stability, they do not align with the principles of clean eating that prioritize minimal processing and straightforward, whole-food ingredients.

With these considerations, Gatorade Strawberry Kiwi’s position at the bottom of the green leaf rating scale is justified. The product’s composition, dominated by non-organic, GMO, and additive-laden ingredients, does not support the mission of offering cleaner, healthier food choices. Therefore, it is not recommended for consumers who are looking to avoid such elements in their diet.