Life

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the ‘Life Vanilla’ product ranks low on our scale for cleaner food options. This cereal is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, which immediately reduces its standing on our list. Additionally, the presence of added sugars contributes to its low score. The inclusion of both natural and artificial flavors, along with specific additives like pyridoxine hydrochloride, raises concerns about potential harm. Particularly, the artificial flavor present in the ingredients list is viewed as a known harmful additive, further diminishing the product’s rating.

The ‘Life Vanilla’ cereal is made with whole grain oat flour and corn flour, which could be seen as positive components due to their whole grain content. However, the benefits of these ingredients are overshadowed by the negative aspects of the product’s composition. Calcium carbonate and salt are also found in the mix, alongside a variety of B vitamins, such as niacinamide, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, which are typically added to fortify the food.

Despite these fortifying ingredients, the cereal’s overall score suffers due to its non-organic nature, the presence of GMOs, added sugars, and concerning additives. The product does not contain high fructose corn syrup, but the presence of artificial flavor alone is enough to incur a significant deduction in its score.

Given the criteria established for healthier food selections, ‘Life Vanilla’ does not meet the standards set forth for a clean and healthy option. The cereal’s composition, with its mix of both potentially beneficial and harmful ingredients, results in a product that does not align with the mission of promoting cleaner food choices. Consumers looking for healthier alternatives are advised to consider other products that achieve a higher green leaf rating.