Gatorade

Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Gatorade Summer Fruits beverage lands at the lowest tier of recommendations on our clean food guide. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, which immediately impacts its standing. The inclusion of added sugars, specifically sugar and citric acid, further detracts from its score. More concerning is the presence of dextrose, a form of added sugar that is considered more harmful.

The ingredient list reveals several potentially harmful additives, including natural flavor and sodium citrate, which contribute to the product’s low rating. Moreover, the presence of known harmful additives such as the artificial colors Yellow 5 and Blue 1 solidifies the beverage’s position at the bottom of our scale. These artificial colors have been linked to negative health impacts and are best avoided, especially in products marketed as replenishing sports drinks.

Gatorade Summer Fruits also contains modified food starch and a glycerol ester of rosin, which, although not individually highlighted in the scoring, are components that consumers seeking cleaner food options might prefer to avoid. The product’s reliance on additives and non-organic, GMO ingredients stands in stark contrast to the cleaner, more natural alternatives available in the market.

Our assessment aims to guide consumers towards healthier choices in a market saturated with products that may not align with a clean eating philosophy. Gatorade Summer Fruits, with its artificial additives and sugars, does not meet the criteria for a cleaner food option. It is clear that there are better choices available for those looking to hydrate and replenish with ingredients that promote well-being rather than detract from it. The 1/5 green leaf rating is an alert for health-conscious consumers to steer clear of this product and seek out higher-scoring alternatives that prioritize natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients.