Kashi

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Kashi Maple Waffle Bites fall short on our criteria for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, which immediately costs it points in our evaluation. The presence of added sugars, including cane sugar, weighs heavily against the product, as we prioritize items without these sweeteners. Furthermore, the inclusion of natural flavors raises concerns due to their ambiguous nature and potential health implications.

The Kashi Maple Waffle Bites contain several ingredients that are less than ideal for those seeking clean eating choices. The use of canola oil, a highly processed oil, further detracts from the product’s overall score. While it is positive that the product uses non-GMO ingredients, this factor is overshadowed by the negative attributes.

The product’s ingredient list includes whole wheat flour and whole oat flour, which are healthier grain options. However, these are overshadowed by the presence of degerminated yellow corn meal, a refined grain. Chickpea flour is a nutritious addition, yet this positive aspect is minimized by the product’s other less desirable ingredients.

The inclusion of carrot and blueberry juice for color and annatto extract for color are less concerning, as these are natural colorants, but they do not compensate for the other additives.

The product does not live up to the standards of those seeking clean and healthy food options. Its reliance on added sugars, processed oils, and ambiguous flavorings detracts from its potential health benefits. Despite some wholesome ingredients, the Kashi Maple Waffle Bites have room for significant improvement to meet the expectations for a cleaner, more health-conscious product.