Kool Aid

The Kool Aid Berry Cherry Drink Mix Unsweetened receives a rating of 1/5 green leaves, signaling that consumers should exercise caution and consider healthier alternatives. This product is not organic and contains GMO ingredients, factors that contribute negatively to its overall score. The inclusion of citric acid is misleadingly penalized as an added sugar when it is actually a natural preservative and flavor enhancer, not a sweetening agent. However, the presence of potentially harmful additives such as artificial flavors and Red 40, alongside the known harmful additive maltodextrin, further diminishes the product’s standing.

This product also does not meet our non-GMO criteria, resulting in additional deductions from its score. The artificial flavors and Red 40 are particularly concerning due to their synthetic nature and the health concerns associated with artificial dyes. Furthermore, the score was drastically reduced for the purported presence of high fructose corn syrup, which is not listed in the ingredients but associated with the term “artificial flavor.” This is a point of confusion as high fructose corn syrup is a specific ingredient and not synonymous with artificial flavorings.

Our scoring system is designed to highlight cleaner food options and this product falls short of those standards. The presence of unnatural ingredients and lack of organic certification are key factors that lead to its low rating. Consumers seeking healthier beverage alternatives are advised to avoid this product based on its composition and the values our rating system upholds.

The Kool Aid Berry Cherry Drink Mix Unsweetened, with its 1/5 green leaves rating, serves as a reminder to be vigilant about the ingredients in food products. The use of additives and non-organic ingredients may not align with a diet focused on health and wellness. This product stands as an example of what our website aims to steer consumers away from in the pursuit of cleaner, more wholesome food choices.