Hersheys

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Hershey’s Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection Almond & Sea Salt Candy Bar is an average choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This product does not qualify as organic and contains added sugars, which affects its overall green leaf rating. However, it is made with non-GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect for consumers looking to avoid genetically modified organisms in their food.

The ingredients list for this candy bar includes sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, almonds, oat flour, rice flour, lecithin (soy), sunflower oil, sea salt, and natural flavor. The presence of sugar leads to a deduction in the product’s score, as it contributes to the added sugars content. While sugar is a common ingredient in many confectionery items, its inclusion is less desirable for those prioritizing cleaner eating.

The product also loses points for the inclusion of natural flavor, which is often considered a potentially harmful additive due to its vague definition and the possibility of it containing undisclosed compounds. Lecithin (soy), another ingredient in the mix, is a common emulsifier in food products, but it raises concerns for some due to its processing and potential allergenic properties.

The Hershey’s Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection Almond & Sea Salt Candy Bar does not stand out as an exemplar in the realm of health-focused foods, but it also does not fall to the bottom of the list. It finds itself in a middle ground, offering a plant-based alternative to traditional chocolate bars with the inclusion of almonds, oat flour, and rice flour, which can be seen as beneficial components.

While this product has its drawbacks, such as not being organic and containing added sugars and certain additives, it also has redeeming qualities like its non-GMO status. Consumers who are moderately concerned with cleaner eating might consider this candy bar as an option, bearing in mind both its limitations and its merits.