Love Grown

Green Leaf Rating: 2/5

The Love Grown Sweet Cranberry Pecan Oat Clusters receive a green leaf rating of 2 out of 5. This score reflects the product’s use of ingredients that do not align with the highest standards for clean eating. The lack of organic certification leads to an immediate deduction in its overall rating, as the product does not meet the criteria for those seeking organic options.

While the product does use non-GMO ingredients, its inclusion of added sugars, particularly cane sugar, diminishes its standing. Added sugars contribute to the product’s lower rating, as they are often linked to various health concerns when consumed in excess. The presence of natural vanilla flavor also raises questions, as the term ‘natural flavor’ encompasses a broad range of additives, some of which may not be considered clean by strict standards.

The use of sunflower oil is another area of concern. While not as detrimental as artificial trans fats, sunflower oil is still a processed fat and its health impacts are debated among nutrition experts. The addition of mixed tocopherols, a form of Vitamin E used as a preservative, is less contentious, though it does indicate processing that some may wish to avoid.

The product includes wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pecans, and cranberries sweetened with apple juice concentrate. However, the positive aspects of these ingredients are overshadowed by the aforementioned issues.

The Love Grown Sweet Cranberry Pecan Oat Clusters have room for improvement. By substituting the cane sugar with natural sweeteners and considering organic alternatives for the ingredients, the product could achieve a higher green leaf rating. Such changes would better cater to those seeking cleaner food options and align the product with the health-conscious values that consumers are increasingly prioritizing.