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Little Debbie
Flavor:
Fancy Cakes®
Ingredients:
Sugar, Corn Syrup, Enriched Bleached Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Riboflavin [Vitamin B2], Folic Acid), Water, Palm and Palm Kernel Oil, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil with TBHQ (Tert-butylhydroquinone) to Preserve Flavor, Dextrose, Soybean Oil, Egg Whites, Whey (Milk), Emulsifiers (Mono- and Diglycerides, Sorbitan Monostearate, Soy Lecithin, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80), Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate), Salt, Corn Starch, Sorbic Acid (to Retain Freshness), Titanium Dioxide (Color), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Potato Starch.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, Little Debbie Fancy Cakes® fall short in providing a cleaner food option. This product is neither organic nor free from genetically modified ingredients. It is laden with added sugars, including sugar, dextrose, and corn syrup, which detract from its nutritional value. The presence of potentially harmful additives such as natural and artificial flavors, diglycerides, polysorbates, soy lecithin, and corn starch raises concerns. More alarming is the inclusion of known harmful additives like artificial flavors, titanium dioxide, and TBHQ. Additionally, the use of soybean oil and palm oils, which are often criticized for their environmental impact and health implications, further diminishes the product’s standing.
The comprehensive review process accounts for various factors that are crucial for those seeking healthier food alternatives. Little Debbie Fancy Cakes® do not meet the criteria of being organic, which is a fundamental expectation for cleaner food products. The use of GMO ingredients is another critical factor where this product does not align with the standards set for healthier alternatives. The substantial amount of added sugars, which are known to have adverse health effects, is a significant drawback.
Moreover, the product’s ingredient list includes several additives that have been flagged for their potential harm. These include both natural and artificial flavors, which are often scrutinized for their vague composition and possible health effects. Emulsifiers and stabilizers like polysorbates and soy lecithin are commonly used in processed foods but are not ideal for those seeking pure and simple ingredient lists. The presence of TBHQ, a preservative, along with titanium dioxide, which is used for color, further degrades the product’s score.
The use of various oils, particularly soybean and palm oils, is also problematic. Soybean oil is often criticized for its high omega-6 fatty acid content, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess. Palm oil production is associated with significant environmental concerns, including deforestation and habitat destruction.
Therefore, Little Debbie Fancy Cakes® receive the lowest possible rating on our scale due to these factors. For individuals prioritizing clean eating and environmentally conscious choices, this product does not align with those values and is best avoided.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
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How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem