Love Grown

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, Love Grown Power O’s Chocolate is a cereal that falls short in providing a clean eating option. The product is not organic, which detracts from its potential for a higher rating. Its use of non-GMO ingredients is a positive aspect; however, the inclusion of added sugars, specifically cane sugar, significantly diminishes its score. Moreover, the presence of natural flavors raises concerns about possible harmful additives that could be lurking under that broad term.

The ingredient list begins with a bean blend, including navy beans, lentils, and garbanzo beans, coupled with brown rice flour, which forms the base of the cereal. However, the health benefits of these ingredients are overshadowed by the addition of cane sugar and cocoa processed with alkali, which suggests a level of unnecessary processing. High oleic sunflower oil is another ingredient that while not immediately harmful, suggests a processed fat that some clean eating advocates prefer to avoid. The product also contains natural flavors, a term that often encompasses a range of unspecified chemicals, which can be a red flag for those seeking transparency and simplicity in their food.

Furthermore, the cereal is preserved with Vitamin E and includes sunflower lecithin, an emulsifier. While these ingredients are not inherently negative, they contribute to the processed nature of the product.

Love Grown Power O’s Chocolate does not rise to the challenge of offering a truly clean and wholesome food option. The presence of added sugars, the use of general ‘natural flavors’, and the absence of organic certification are significant drawbacks. While it may include non-GMO ingredients, this is not enough to offset the other concerns that lead to its low green leaf rating. The product has room for improvement, particularly in reducing added sugars and improving ingredient transparency, to align better with the expectations of health-conscious consumers seeking cleaner food choices.