Land O Lakes

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Land O Lakes Pumpkin Pie Spice Butter Spread earns the lowest possible score in our assessment for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, nor does it use non-GMO ingredients, marking a significant deduction in its overall rating. The addition of sugars, including brown sugar and sugar, further detracts from its score, as we prioritize products without added sweeteners.

Delving into its composition, the spread contains canola oil, which we categorize under harmful oils due to its processing methods and potential health implications. The presence of additives such as natural flavor and potassium sorbate, which serves as a preservative, also raises concerns. These ingredients, often linked to adverse health effects, contribute to the product’s low rating.

Moreover, the butter spread includes citric acid, which, despite its natural occurrence in citrus fruits, is commonly used in processed foods and can be produced from mold or corn syrup, potentially deriving from GMO sources. Annatto extract, used for coloring, is another additive that, while natural, is unnecessary and often excluded in cleaner food options.

The product’s composition reflects a reliance on ingredients that are not aligned with the pursuit of cleaner, healthier food choices. The inclusion of added sugars, potentially harmful oils, and questionable additives underscores the rationale behind its minimal green leaf rating.

Consumers seeking alternatives to the mainstream offerings laden with such ingredients will likely find this product falls short of their standards for health and wellness. Our advice is to avoid this pumpkin pie spice butter spread in favor of options that adhere more closely to the principles of clean eating, with an emphasis on organic, non-GMO, and additive-free ingredients.