McDonalds Menu

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the McDonald’s Menu Baked Apple Pie fails to meet the criteria for cleaner food options. The product is not organic and includes genetically modified ingredients, resulting in a deduction of points from its overall health score. Additionally, the presence of added sugars, such as sugar and citric acid, further diminishes its standing. The use of enriched flour, which is considered a potentially harmful additive, and palm oil, categorized as a harmful oil, also contribute to its low rating.

The pie’s ingredients list begins with apples, treated with ascorbic acid, salt, and citric acid to maintain freshness and flavor. The crust is made from enriched flour, which, despite being fortified with vitamins, is processed and stripped of natural nutrients. The sugar content raises concerns due to its impact on overall health, and palm oil’s inclusion is problematic due to its association with environmental and health issues.

The pie also contains apple juice concentrate and modified food starch, which serve as sweeteners and thickeners, respectively. Invert syrup, another form of sugar, is added to the mix. Minor ingredients include yeast, salt, cinnamon, and sunflower lecithin, which are common in baked goods. L-cysteine, a dough conditioner, yeast extract, enzyme, and beta-carotene for color round out the list. These ingredients, while standard in the industry, do not align with the standards of cleaner, more wholesome food products.

The McDonald’s Menu Baked Apple Pie has room for improvement in terms of healthfulness and ingredient quality. By sourcing organic ingredients, eliminating GMOs, reducing added sugars, and avoiding harmful additives and oils, the product could achieve a higher green leaf rating. As it stands, the pie is not a recommended choice for those seeking cleaner, healthier food options.