Guayaki Yerba Mate

Awarded a 3/5 green leaf rating, the Guayaki Yerba Mate Grapefruit Ginger is a mid-range product on the health-conscious scale. The beverage is a blend of sparkling purified water, organic grapefruit juice, and yerba mate extract, among other ingredients. While it does not claim to be entirely organic, it boasts non-GMO components, which is a positive aspect for consumers looking to avoid genetically modified organisms in their diet.

The product contains organic agave syrup and organic Reb A (stevia leaf extract), which are both sweeteners. While the use of agave syrup led to a significant deduction in its score due to its high fructose content, which can be detrimental to health, the inclusion of stevia, while also penalized, is often seen as a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners and sugar. Citric acid, another ingredient, is a common additive that may raise concerns for some, leading to a deduction in the overall score.

Furthermore, the product includes “organic grapefruit natural flavor,” which, despite the organic label, resulted in a score reduction. The term ‘natural flavor’ can encompass a wide range of substances, and without transparency, it is often treated with caution by those seeking clean eating options.

This product positions itself as a better choice compared to many conventional beverages in the market, especially with its fair trade certified ingredients, which support more ethical sourcing practices. However, the presence of added sugars and the ambiguous nature of ‘natural flavors’ do detract from its health appeal.

The Guayaki Yerba Mate Grapefruit Ginger offers a compromise for consumers caught between the desire for healthier beverages and the practicality of pre-packaged options. While it manages to avoid some of the pitfalls of conventional drinks, its ingredient list reveals that there is still room for improvement. Those who prioritize clean and transparent food products might find this beverage to be a satisfactory, but not exemplary, choice.