Love Grown

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Love Grown Fruity Sea Stars cereal aims to offer a healthier alternative in the breakfast aisle but falls short of the mark on several counts. This product is not organic, contributing negatively to its overall score. It does, however, use non-GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect.

The cereal incorporates a bean blend of navy beans, lentils, and garbanzo beans, paired with brown rice flour, which provides a base rich in plant-based protein and fiber. However, the addition of cane sugar tarnishes its health credentials. The presence of added sugars, including cane sugar and citric acid, diminishes the product’s nutrition profile. These ingredients are often associated with negative health impacts when consumed in excess, such as contributing to obesity and heart disease.

Further detracting from its clean food status, the cereal contains “natural flavor,” a term that lacks transparency and often covers a range of undisclosed additives. This ambiguity raises concerns about the potential for unwanted chemicals in the product. The inclusion of sunflower lecithin, vegetable juice for color, turmeric, paprika, and vitamin E are less controversial, with the latter serving as a preservative to maintain freshness.

Despite its health-oriented branding, the Love Grown Fruity Sea Stars cereal does not meet the criteria for a clean and wholesome product as defined by the scoring system of the reviewing website. The non-organic nature of the cereal, combined with the presence of added sugars and ambiguous additives, suggests that there is ample room for improvement. Consumers seeking truly clean food options might consider looking elsewhere until the product is reformulated to better align with health-conscious standards.