Hood

The Hood Peanut Butter Cup earns a green leaf rating of 1/5, placing it at the lower end of the scale on our website dedicated to cleaner food options. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which detracts from its overall score. The inclusion of added sugars such as sugar and fructose, along with high fructose corn syrup, significantly impacts the healthfulness of this food item. Furthermore, the product comprises several potentially harmful additives like natural and artificial flavors, mono and diglycerides, soy lecithin, and the more concerning carrageenan.

The ingredient list also reveals the presence of peanut oil, which is considered a harmful oil in the context of our rating system. These factors collectively contribute to the low score, as each one is at odds with our criteria for cleaner, healthier food choices.

The detailed breakdown of the product’s composition exposes a reliance on ingredients that are not aligned with a clean eating philosophy. It is not made with organic milk or cream, and the peanut butter swirl, along with the mini peanut butter cups, introduce additional sugar and non-organic peanuts into the mix. The use of corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup as sweeteners is particularly disconcerting, given the negative health implications associated with their consumption.

Moreover, the presence of whey, guar gum, locust bean gum, and polysorbate 80, although common in many processed foods, further distances this product from the ideals of natural and wholesome nourishment. These ingredients are often included to enhance texture and shelf-life but do not contribute positively to the nutritional value of the food.

Based on the ingredients and the lack of organic certification or non-GMO verification, this Hood Peanut Butter Cup product is not recommended for those seeking cleaner food options. Its low green leaf rating reflects its standing in a market that increasingly demands transparency and wholesomeness in food production. Consumers are advised to consider alternative products that better meet the criteria for healthful eating.