Little Debbie

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Little Debbie Apple Pies fall significantly short of meeting the criteria for cleaner food options on our website. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, which immediately impacts its rating negatively. The presence of multiple forms of added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and dextrose, further detracts from its score, as these ingredients are linked to various health concerns and are not in alignment with the pursuit of cleaner eating.

Furthermore, the Little Debbie Apple Pies contain a range of additives, some of which are considered potentially harmful. These include natural and artificial flavors, modified corn starch, and malic acid. The use of artificial flavors is particularly concerning, as these are known to be harmful and are heavily penalized in our scoring system. Additionally, the product contains palm oil, which raises both health and environmental concerns due to its saturated fat content and the ecological impact of palm oil production.

The ingredient list also features preservatives such as sodium propionate and various acids like citric acid, which are often added to processed foods to extend their shelf life but may not align with cleaner food principles. The product’s use of enriched flour and non-organic egg whites also contributes to its low score, as these ingredients are not consistent with the values of whole and minimally processed foods.

Given the combination of non-organic, GMO, and additive-laden ingredients, the Little Debbie Apple Pies receive the lowest possible rating on our scale. Our assessment indicates that this product is far from a clean food option and its place in a diet focused on health and wellness is highly questionable. Consumers seeking healthier, cleaner food alternatives are advised to steer clear of this product in favor of options that prioritize organic, non-GMO, and additive-free ingredients.