Gusto

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Gusto Pepperoni Sliced Salami falls short of the cleaner food options many health-conscious consumers are seeking. This product is not organic, and it also fails to use non-GMO ingredients, which are two significant factors in its lower rating. Additionally, the inclusion of added sugars and potentially harmful additives such as natural flavor detracts from its overall score.

The Gusto Pepperoni Sliced Salami is made primarily from pork, and while sea salt is a natural preservative, the product’s reliance on non-organic meat is a concern for those looking for organic options. The presence of turbinado sugar, while perhaps less processed than refined white sugar, still represents an added sugar that many individuals aim to minimize in their diets. The use of wine and sweet paprika could contribute to the product’s flavor profile, but the addition of natural flavor raises questions about what exactly this term covers, as it is often a placeholder for a variety of undisclosed ingredients.

Garlic and an acid starter culture are common in cured meats and can be part of traditional salami recipes. However, without more transparency on the source and quality of these ingredients, it’s challenging to assess their impact on the product’s healthfulness.

The Gusto Pepperoni Sliced Salami does not meet the criteria for those who prioritize organic, non-GMO, and additive-free foods. While it may contain fewer ingredients than some other processed meats on the market, the lack of organic certification, presence of GMOs, added sugars, and ambiguous natural flavoring are significant drawbacks. For a product to be considered cleaner and healthier, it would need to address these issues, moving towards organic ingredients, eliminating GMOs, and providing greater ingredient transparency. The product’s current composition does not align with the ideals of consumers seeking the cleanest food options available.