Monin

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Monin Hawaiian Island syrup falls short of cleaner food product standards. The syrup is not organic, and it uses ingredients that are not verified as non-GMO, which detracts significantly from its clean food credentials. The presence of pure cane sugar, a form of added sugar, further reduces its score. The product also includes citric acid, another additive linked to sugar, which compounds the issue.

The inclusion of cane sugar is particularly concerning. This ingredient is a type of added sugar that is often criticized for its potential health impacts when consumed in excess. The product’s reliance on ‘natural flavors’ raises additional red flags. While ‘natural flavors’ may sound harmless, they are a category of additives that are not transparent to consumers, and their safety and sourcing are often questioned.

The syrup’s color derives from beta-carotene and vegetable juice, which, while natural, does not compensate for the other less desirable ingredients. The use of natural passion fruit, guava, and blood orange flavors does add a dimension of real fruit flavor, but it is overshadowed by the product’s overall composition.

The Monin Hawaiian Island syrup, with its current formulation, does not align with the health-conscious, clean eating principles many consumers are seeking. Its ingredient list reveals a reliance on added sugars and ambiguous ‘natural flavors,’ which detract from the potential benefits of using actual fruit flavors and colors. To enhance its rating, the product would need to eliminate harmful additives, include organic ingredients, and provide transparency about its flavorings. Only then could it potentially be considered a healthier and cleaner option in the market.