Monin

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Monin Cherry syrup does not meet the criteria for a clean food option according to our standards. The product is not organic, which immediately reduces its rating, as it raises concerns about potential exposure to pesticides and synthetic fertilizers used in conventional farming. Furthermore, the absence of non-GMO certification implies that genetically modified organisms may be present in the ingredients, which some consumers opt to avoid for health and environmental reasons.

The presence of added sugars, specifically pure cane sugar, is another factor that lowers the product’s rating. Excessive consumption of added sugars is linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Citric acid, while naturally occurring in citrus fruits, is often used as a preservative or to add acidity to products, and it is included in our criteria for deductions due to its processed nature and potential for being derived from GMO sources.

More concerning are the unspecified ‘Natural Flavor’ and ‘Natural Cherry Flavor’ listed among the ingredients. These terms are not transparent and can encompass a wide range of substances, some of which might not align with the clean eating philosophy. The term ‘natural’ is not regulated and can be misleading, as it does not necessarily mean the flavors are derived from cherries or are free from artificial processing.

The use of vegetable juice for color is one of the few positives, as it suggests a natural alternative to synthetic dyes. However, this does not compensate for the other ingredients that detract from the overall cleanliness of the product.

The Monin Cherry syrup’s current formulation leaves ample room for improvement to enhance its healthfulness and alignment with cleaner eating standards. By revising the ingredient list to include organic, non-GMO components, eliminating added sugars, and providing more transparency around flavor additives, the product could potentially achieve a higher green leaf rating.