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Little Debbie
Flavor:
Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Ingredients:
Sugar, Peanut Butter, Enriched Bleached Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Riboflavin [Vitamin B2], Folic Acid), Palm and Soybean Oils with TBHQ (Tert-butylhydroquinone) and Citric Acid to Protect Flavor, Palm and Palm Kernel Oil, Water, Dextrose, Corn Syrup. Contains 2% or Less of Each of the Following: Cocoa, Corn Starch, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Soybean Oil, Baking Soda, Whey (Milk), Dried Eggs, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sorbic Acid (to Preserve Freshness), Soy Flour, Dried Egg Whites.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
This product receives a rating of 1/5 green leaves, indicating that it falls short of the cleaner food options that consumers may seek. The Little Debbie Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are not organic and contain genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which leads to an initial reduction in their overall score.
The ingredient list reveals the presence of multiple forms of added sugars, including sugar, dextrose, and corn syrup. These contribute to the product’s high sugar content. Additionally, the bars contain citric acid, which, while naturally occurring, is often used in processed foods to add tartness or as a preservative.
Further scrutiny of the ingredients uncovers the inclusion of potentially harmful additives such as natural and artificial flavors and soy lecithin. Soy lecithin is a common emulsifier in processed foods, and while it is generally recognized as safe, it can raise concerns for those seeking entirely natural ingredients. The presence of corn starch is also noted, although it is a less alarming additive.
Of particular concern is the use of tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a synthetic antioxidant that extends the shelf life of food products. TBHQ is the ingredient that raises the most health concerns due to its artificial nature and potential side effects when consumed in large quantities.
The oils used in the production of these bars include soybean oil and palm oils, which are often criticized for their environmental impact and potential health implications when consumed in excess.
The product also contains artificial flavor, a blanket term that can encompass various chemical compounds designed to mimic natural flavors. The use of artificial flavors is a significant detractor for those seeking natural and unprocessed food options.
Given these factors, the Little Debbie Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are deemed to be a less desirable choice for those prioritizing clean eating. The product’s composition, with its non-organic status, GMO ingredients, and assortment of added sugars and artificial additives, solidifies its low green leaf rating.
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
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for society, and for our ecosystem