Kashi

Awarded a 2/5 green leaf rating, the Kashi Waffles, 7 Grain, falls short of our criteria for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, resulting in an immediate reduction in its rating. It does, however, use non-GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect.

The presence of added sugars, specifically molasses and cane sugar, further detracts from the product’s healthfulness. The inclusion of cane sugar is particularly problematic as it is considered a more harmful type of added sugar. The product also contains natural flavors and soy lecithin, which are additives that could potentially be harmful, thereby impacting the product’s score negatively. Furthermore, the use of expeller pressed canola oil is another factor that reduces the product’s rating due to its classification as a harmful oil in the context of our evaluation criteria.

The Kashi Waffles, 7 Grain, comprises a mix of whole grains, including oats, hard red wheat, rye, brown rice, triticale, barley, and buckwheat, which are typically associated with health benefits. Additionally, ingredients like ground flax seeds contribute fiber and potentially beneficial nutrients. However, the positive aspects of these whole grains and seeds are overshadowed by the aforementioned concerns.

The product’s ingredient list reveals a need for improvement to elevate it to a cleaner and healthier status. While it does provide some nutritional benefits through whole grains and flax seeds, the negative impact of the non-organic ingredients, added sugars, and potentially harmful additives and oils overshadow these positives.

Overall, the Kashi Waffles, 7 Grain, has considerable room for improvement to meet the standards of consumers seeking cleaner food options. The product would benefit from the elimination of harmful added sugars, additives, and oils, as well as a transition to organic ingredients to achieve a higher green leaf rating.