Green & Black’s

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Green & Black’s Valentine’s Day Milk Bar falls significantly short on our scale for cleaner food options. This rating reflects the product’s composition, which fails to meet the criteria for health-conscious consumers seeking organic and non-GMO treats.

The ingredients list reveals the presence of both organic and non-organic components. While the organic elements, such as cane sugar and cocoa, are present, the product does not qualify as entirely organic. This lack of full organic certification detracts from its overall health score. Additionally, the bar’s ingredients do not guarantee the exclusion of GMOs, further reducing its standing among cleaner food choices.

A key concern with the Green & Black’s bar is the inclusion of added sugars, specifically cane sugar. Added sugars are often criticized for their potential impact on health, and the bar’s reliance on cane sugar as a sweetener contributes to its low score. Furthermore, soya lecithin, an emulsifier found in the ingredients list, is flagged as a potentially harmful additive. Although commonly used in chocolate products to maintain texture and consistency, soya lecithin is scrutinized here for its possible adverse effects.

The product’s composition, with 37% cocoa solids and 24% milk solids, aligns with standard milk chocolate offerings. The Fairtrade component of the sugar, cocoa, and vanilla is a positive aspect, as it ensures ethical sourcing practices. However, this does not offset the product’s shortcomings in the context of cleaner eating.

The Green & Black’s Valentine’s Day Milk Bar, with a 1/5 green leaves rating, is not recommended for those seeking healthier and more organic food options. The presence of added sugars, non-organic ingredients, and potential additives overshadow the Fairtrade certification, making it a less desirable choice for clean eating advocates.