Monin

Awarded a 3/5 green leaf rating, the Monin Habanero Concentrated falls into the mid-range category on our scale of cleaner food options. The product is not organic and includes non-GMO ingredients, which affects its standing on our list. Additionally, the presence of ingredients such as natural flavors and vegetable glycerine, which we consider potentially harmful additives, further impacts its score.

The Monin Habanero Concentrated is a non-organic food additive that brings a spicy kick to various dishes and beverages. The ingredients list is relatively short, which is often a good sign when seeking cleaner food options. It includes vegetable glycerine, water, natural flavors, habanero pepper powder, sea salt, and lactic acid. The use of sea salt and habanero pepper powder is straightforward and aligns with cleaner eating preferences. However, the product is not free from criticism.

The term “natural flavors” is broad and can encompass a variety of substances, which raises concerns about transparency and potential health effects. Vegetable glycerine is often used as a sweetener or preservative, and while it is generally recognized as safe, its inclusion is not ideal for those seeking the simplest ingredient profiles. The product also does not specify whether it is free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which is an important consideration for many consumers aiming for cleaner diets.

The Monin Habanero Concentrated garners a moderate rating, reflecting a balance between its use of some straightforward ingredients and the inclusion of others that are less favored by health-conscious consumers. It stands as an option for those who are not strictly organic but are still looking to avoid the most egregious offenders in the food market. While it does not reach the top of our list, it maintains a position above products with more severe concerns regarding ingredient quality and healthfulness.