Hormel Natural Choice

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Hormel Natural Choice Canadian Bacon falls short in our assessment for cleaner food options. The product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which are significant factors in its lower rating. Additionally, the inclusion of added sugars and potentially harmful additives like cultured celery powder further detract from its overall score.

The product’s ingredients list begins with pork, followed by water and salt, which are standard for meat products. However, the presence of turbinado sugar raises concerns due to our stance against added sugars in cleaner food options. While sugar may be used in the curing process, its inclusion is not in line with our criteria for healthfulness.

Moreover, cultured celery powder, often used as a natural nitrate source, is another ingredient that negatively impacts the product’s rating. Despite its natural origins, celery powder has been under scrutiny for its potential health effects, similar to synthetic nitrates, which is why it is penalized in our scoring system.

The use of cherry powder and baking soda appears to be less concerning, as they do not fall under our specified harmful additives. However, they do not contribute positively to the product’s score either.

The Hormel Natural Choice Canadian Bacon, with its non-organic status and presence of non-GMO ingredients, added sugars, and questionable additives, does not meet our standards for cleaner, healthier food products. Consumers seeking products that align with a clean eating philosophy may find this option lacking. Our assessment aims to guide customers towards food choices that prioritize health and simplicity in their ingredient lists, and unfortunately, this product does not rise to the occasion.