Hidden Valley

This product receives a 1/5 green leaf rating, indicating it is among the least recommended options for those seeking cleaner food products. The Hidden Valley Smokehouse Secret Sauce is not organic, and it uses genetically modified ingredients. It includes added sugars such as molasses and sugar, with an additional inclusion of corn syrup, which is considered a more harmful added sugar.

The sauce also contains a range of additives. These include natural and artificial flavors, xanthan gum, modified food starch, and calcium disodium EDTA. Of particular concern are the artificial flavors, caramel color, and monosodium glutamate, which are known for their potential adverse health effects. Furthermore, the sauce is made with canola and soybean oils, which are often sourced from genetically modified crops and are viewed as less healthy oil options.

Additionally, the presence of artificial flavors is a significant detractor for this product’s score. The use of high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors is generally discouraged in cleaner food products, and this sauce includes artificial flavoring within its ingredients list.

The product is preserved with sorbic acid, calcium disodium EDTA, and nisin preparation, alongside flavor enhancers disodium inosinate and guanylate. The use of these preservatives and flavor enhancers adds to the list of concerns for health-conscious consumers.

Given these factors, the Hidden Valley Smokehouse Secret Sauce aligns poorly with the criteria for clean eating. The ingredients list features multiple elements that are flagged for their potential health implications and disalignment with a clean food philosophy. The sauce is rated low on the green leaf scale due to the presence of GMOs, harmful additives, and unhealthy oils, which overshadow its potential as a cleaner food option. Therefore, it stands as a product to avoid for those prioritizing health and nutritional integrity in their food choices.