Little Debbie

The Little Debbie Swiss Rolls receive a green leaf rating of 1/5 on our scale, signaling that it is a product consumers should consider avoiding if they are seeking cleaner food options. This snack contains a multitude of ingredients that do not align with the criteria for healthier food choices.

The product is not organic, and it also includes genetically modified organisms (GMOs), both of which lead to deductions in its overall score. The presence of added sugars, such as sugar and dextrose, alongside corn syrup, further diminishes its standing, as these ingredients contribute to the excessive intake of sweeteners that many health-conscious consumers strive to limit.

Moreover, the Swiss Rolls contain a range of potentially harmful additives, including artificial flavors and colors, which are subtracted from its score due to their controversial nature and the preference for natural alternatives. Specific color additives like Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Red 40 are pinpointed as known harmful additives, alongside TBHQ which is used to preserve flavor but raises health concerns.

The product’s use of various oils, including soybean, palm, and palm kernel oil, is another factor that contributes to its low rating. These oils are often scrutinized for their health implications and environmental impact associated with palm oil production.

Lastly, the presence of artificial flavors, which includes the broad and opaque category of “natural and artificial flavors,” further impacts the product’s score negatively. These flavors are often criticized for their lack of transparency and potential health effects.

The Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, with a score reflecting the lowest possible rating on our scale, is a product that falls short in providing a cleaner, healthier food option. Its extensive list of non-organic, GMO, and additive-laden ingredients solidifies its position as a snack that does not meet the standards for those seeking nourishing and straightforward food choices.