Hillshire Farm

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Hillshire Farm Carved Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Lunch Meat falls short of the clean food standards set by our website. This product is not organic, and it lacks non-GMO certification, which are both significant factors in our evaluation process.

The ingredients list for this turkey breast lunch meat is brief, yet it includes elements that raise concerns. It is made with turkey breast and turkey broth, which are unproblematic on their own. However, the inclusion of vinegar is notable, as it is used here as a preservative. This choice is less contentious than artificial preservatives, but it still impacts the product’s green leaf rating. The product also contains salt and sea salt, which contribute to the sodium content.

A major deduction in the product’s score comes from the presence of natural flavorings, including celery juice powder. While ‘natural flavorings’ may seem benign, this term is often a placeholder for a variety of substances, and without clear disclosure, it is impossible to determine the exact components or their sources. The use of celery juice powder is commonly associated with the product’s attempt to replace synthetic nitrates or nitrites, as celery juice is naturally high in nitrates. However, this does not necessarily make it a cleaner or safer alternative. The term ‘natural’ does not equate to ‘harmless’ or ‘healthy,’ and the ambiguity surrounding these flavorings is a cause for point deduction.

The Hillshire Farm Carved Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Lunch Meat has room for improvement. By transitioning to organic turkey, ensuring non-GMO ingredients, and offering full transparency on the natural flavorings used, this product could significantly increase its green leaf rating. As it stands, it may be a suitable option for consumers who are not strictly following a clean eating regimen, but it does not meet the criteria for those seeking the cleanest food options available.