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This McDonald’s Iced French Vanilla Latte earns a 1/5 green leaf rating, signaling a product with multiple concerns for consumers seeking cleaner food options. The beverage is not organic, and it is not made with non-GMO ingredients. It contains added sugars, including sugar and citric acid, and goes further with high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener linked to various health issues. The syrup also introduces potentially harmful additives such as natural flavor, potassium sorbate, and glycerin. Most concerning is the presence of caramel color, a known harmful additive associated with health risks.

The latte starts with whole milk, which, while a common ingredient, loses points for not being organic. The ice and water are standard and do not affect the rating. However, the French Vanilla Syrup is the primary source of the product’s low score. It contains a significant amount of sugar, further compounded by the inclusion of corn syrup. These ingredients are commonly criticized for their impact on health, including contributing to obesity and diabetes.

The syrup’s additional components, such as glycerin and potassium sorbate, serve various functions in food products but are flagged for their potential adverse effects. Natural flavor is a vague term that doesn’t disclose the actual substances used to achieve the flavor, leaving consumers in the dark about what they’re ingesting. The caramel color, a cosmetic additive, has been scrutinized for its potential health risks, including its classification in California as a chemical known to cause cancer.

This product’s low rating reflects concerns about its ingredient list, which features several elements that are at odds with a clean eating philosophy. The presence of non-organic milk, GMOs, multiple forms of added sugars, and various additives make it a less desirable choice for those seeking healthier, more natural food products. Given the potential health implications of its ingredients, this McDonald’s Iced French Vanilla Latte is best avoided by consumers prioritizing clean and healthy food options.