Hidden Valley

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Hidden Valley Bugles™ Crispy Corn Snacks, Hidden Valley® Ranch Flavor, is a product that warrants caution for those seeking cleaner food options. This snack does not meet the criteria for organic certification and includes genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which leads to its low rating on our scale.

The ingredient list reveals the presence of added sugars, such as sugar and dextrose, which contribute to the overall negative score. Furthermore, the snack contains citric acid, which, although commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer, is also counted here as an added sugar due to its processing.

Harmful additives are a significant concern in this product. Artificial flavors are present, which have been penalized for their potential negative health impacts. Maltodextrin and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are also on the list, both of which are flagged for their possible adverse effects on health. The inclusion of these ingredients is a primary factor in the product’s low score.

The oils used in the snack—vegetable oil, palm, and/or palm kernel—are considered harmful in this evaluation. The environmental impact of palm oil production and the health implications of these oils contribute to the negative assessment.

The presence of artificial flavors, particularly highlighted because of their association with health risks, further reduces the product’s standing. It is clear that the snack contains several ingredients that are at odds with the goal of providing cleaner food options.

The Hidden Valley Bugles™ Crispy Corn Snacks, Hidden Valley® Ranch Flavor, is rated as a product to avoid for individuals seeking healthier and more environmentally responsible snack options. The collection of non-organic, GMO, and potentially harmful ingredients justifies its low rating and positions it at the bottom of the scale for health-conscious consumers.