Minute Maid

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, Minute Maid Cranberry Grape juice is positioned at the lowest tier of our cleaner food options. This product is not organic, and its ingredients include genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The presence of added sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup and sucralose, significantly detracts from its healthfulness.

The juice blend starts with pure filtered water and includes apple, cranberry, and grape juices from concentrate. However, the inclusion of high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener is a major concern due to its association with various health issues. Furthermore, the product contains citric acid, which, while naturally occurring in citrus fruits, is often used in processed foods to add tartness and can be derived from GMO sources. The added vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a positive aspect, contributing to the nutritional value of the beverage.

Moreover, the juice features grape skin extract to enhance color, which is a less controversial ingredient. However, the term ‘natural flavors’ is vague and can encompass a wide range of substances, some of which may not align with cleaner, more natural food principles. The use of sucralose, an artificial sweetener, further decreases the product’s standing, as it is a synthetic additive that some consumers aim to avoid.

Minute Maid Cranberry Grape’s composition reflects a reliance on ingredients that are not in line with a clean eating philosophy. The product is penalized for its non-organic nature, inclusion of GMOs, and multiple types of added sugars, both natural and artificial. Additional points are deducted for the potential harm associated with its additives and the significant use of high fructose corn syrup.

This beverage, with its 1/5 green leaf rating, is advised against for those seeking cleaner, healthier food options. The ingredient profile does not support a recommendation within a market that increasingly values organic, non-GMO, and minimally processed foods.