Gusto

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Gusto Italian Dry Sliced Salami falls short of the cleaner food options we advocate for on our website. This product is not organic, which immediately impacts its rating, reflecting a lower standard in terms of pesticide and fertilizer usage that organic certification would ensure. Furthermore, the inclusion of non-GMO ingredients is not confirmed, suggesting the potential presence of genetically modified organisms which some consumers aim to avoid for health and environmental reasons.

The presence of added sugars, in the form of turbinado sugar, detracts from the product’s healthfulness. Added sugars contribute to a higher caloric intake without nutritional benefits and are linked to various health issues when consumed excessively. The ‘natural flavoring’ listed among the ingredients raises concerns due to its ambiguity. This term often encompasses a range of additives that may not align with a clean eating philosophy, as it can include substances derived from innumerable sources, not all of which are beneficial to health.

Milk powder and wine are also present, which, while not inherently harmful, do add to the complexity of the product. Garlic and lactic acid starter culture are common in salami and contribute to its preservation and taste, yet they do not compensate for the other less desirable ingredients.

The product’s reliance on pork as its primary ingredient is standard for salami; however, without an organic certification, there are no guarantees regarding the quality of the meat or the animal welfare standards followed during production.

This salami does not meet the criteria for a clean and healthy food product as defined by our rating system. The inclusion of non-organic ingredients, potential GMOs, added sugars, and ambiguous additives such as natural flavoring contribute to its low score. Consumers seeking cleaner food options would do well to consider alternatives that prioritize organic ingredients, transparency, and simplicity in their formulation.