Minute Maid

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Minute Maid Watermelon drink falls at the bottom of our cleaner food options scale. This product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which are two significant factors in our evaluation process. With its inclusion of added sugars, such as citric acid and fructose, it already deviates from what we consider a healthier choice.

The presence of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is particularly concerning due to its association with various health issues when consumed in large quantities. Additionally, the product contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener that some of our readers may wish to avoid. The label also lists “natural flavors,” a term that often covers a range of additives that are not always transparent to consumers.

Our scoring method deducts points for each of these ingredients because we aim to promote foods that are closer to their natural state without unnecessary additives or sugars. The use of HFCS and sucralose significantly impacts the score, reflecting our stance on these ingredients. The combination of these factors has led to the low rating for Minute Maid Watermelon.

Consumers looking for cleaner food options would be better served by products that prioritize organic and non-GMO ingredients, and that do not include added sugars or artificial additives. The ingredients in this product do not align with these standards, which is why it has earned the lowest rating on our scale. Those who are mindful of their intake of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and ingredients with GMO origins may find this product does not meet their criteria for a healthy diet.