Kool Aid

Awarded a rating of 1/5 green leaves, the Kool Aid Strawberry Lemonade Drink Mix Unsweetened ranks low on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic and incorporates ingredients that are not non-GMO. The presence of citric acid is noted as an added sugar, contributing to its low score. The formulation includes a combination of natural and artificial flavors and colors, such as Red 40, which are viewed as potentially harmful additives. Furthermore, it contains maltodextrin and BHA, both identified as known harmful additives.

The product also lists artificial flavor among its contents, which is associated with high fructose corn syrup, another ingredient we penalize due to its negative health implications. The use of artificial color and the specific dye Red 40 raise additional concerns, as these are commonly avoided in cleaner food alternatives.

The inclusion of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is acknowledged, but it does not offset the negative impact of the other ingredients. The product’s reliance on such additives and non-organic components positions it at the lowest end of our green leaf rating system.

Our assessment aims to help consumers navigate toward healthier and more natural choices. Based on the ingredients of the Kool Aid Strawberry Lemonade Drink Mix Unsweetened and the values that guide our scoring system, we advise consumers to seek alternative options that prioritize organic, non-GMO ingredients without added sugars and harmful additives. The score of 1/5 green leaves reflects a product that falls short of these standards and is best avoided by those seeking cleaner food products.