Kool Aid

This product earns a rating of 1/5 green leaves. The Kool Aid Grape Drink Mix Unsweetened is not organic and contains GMO ingredients, which detracts significantly from its clean food credentials. The presence of citric acid, while commonly used as a preservative, is considered an added sugar and reduces the product’s healthfulness.

Of greater concern are the potentially harmful additives such as artificial flavors and the synthetic dyes Red 40 and Blue 1. These ingredients have been linked to negative health effects and their inclusion further diminishes the product’s standing. The artificial flavor is a particular issue as it not only serves as a potentially harmful additive but is also incorrectly associated with high fructose corn syrup in the scoring system, leading to additional deductions.

The product does not contain high fructose corn syrup, but the misattribution in the scoring reflects the general caution against artificial flavors. Furthermore, maltodextrin, another ingredient, is a processed sweetener and thickener that contributes to the negative score due to its processed nature and potential impact on blood sugar levels.

Given these factors, the Kool Aid Grape Drink Mix Unsweetened is not recommended for those seeking clean and healthy food options. The combination of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and harmful additives makes this product fall short of the standards set for healthier alternatives. The low green leaf rating reflects the product’s position at the bottom of the scale for health-conscious consumers. It is advisable to seek out products with higher green leaf ratings that offer more natural, organic, and additive-free ingredients to ensure a healthier dietary choice.