Minute Maid

Green Leaf Rating: 1/5

The Minute Maid Kiwi Strawberry beverage garners the lowest possible score on our green leaf rating system, indicating that it is a product consumers should consider avoiding if they are seeking cleaner food options. This drink is not organic, incorporates GMO ingredients, and is laden with added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup, which is associated with adverse health effects. Additionally, the presence of artificial colors such as Yellow #5 and Blue #1, alongside a suite of chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate and calcium disodium EDTA, raises concerns about the potential harmful impact of these additives.

The product’s ingredient list reveals the use of pure filtered water, pear and kiwi juices from concentrate, and less than 0.5% of strawberry juice from concentrate. However, the health benefits of these natural juices are overshadowed by the inclusion of high fructose corn syrup, which is a significant contributor to the overall negative score. Moreover, the drink contains multiple additives such as modified corn starch and glycerol ester of rosin, along with the aforementioned artificial colors and preservatives, which are often scrutinized for their safety and health implications.

The scoring process for this product reflects a rigorous evaluation of its composition, where each non-organic ingredient, GMO presence, and harmful additive results in a deduction from the initial score. The substantial deductions for high fructose corn syrup and known harmful additives reflect the priority placed on cleaner, more natural food options. The final score emphasizes the product’s alignment with less desirable food choices within the market.

Consumers seeking healthier alternatives are advised to steer clear of this beverage. The Minute Maid Kiwi Strawberry’s low green leaf rating underscores its position as a product that does not meet the criteria for those aiming to choose cleaner, more beneficial food and drink options.