Monin

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Monin Key Lime Pie syrup struggles to meet the criteria for a cleaner food option due to its use of non-organic and GMO ingredients, as well as its inclusion of added sugars and potentially harmful additives.

The product is not organic, which immediately detracts from its potential to be considered a cleaner alternative in the food market. This lack of organic certification raises concerns about the agricultural practices used to produce the ingredients, which may involve pesticides and other chemicals that are not aligned with a clean eating philosophy.

Moreover, the presence of GMOs in the Monin Key Lime Pie syrup is another significant factor that reduces its score. GMO ingredients often come with a host of uncertainties regarding their long-term impact on health and the environment, making them less desirable for consumers seeking natural and untampered food options.

Added sugars are a common health concern, and this product contains pure cane sugar, which contributes to the overall caloric content without providing any nutritional benefits. The inclusion of citric acid as an added sugar further compounds this issue, as excessive sugar intake is linked to various health problems.

The product also includes ingredients described as “natural flavors,” which is a term that encompasses a broad range of possible substances. The ambiguity of what these natural flavors actually are, coupled with the potential for them to be derived from questionable sources, warrants the deduction of points. The use of natural key lime extract is more straightforward but does not offset the concerns raised by the other ingredients.

Lastly, the addition of beta-carotene for color is less problematic but still indicates that the product relies on added components to achieve its appearance, rather than the natural coloration of the key lime ingredient itself.

The Monin Key Lime Pie syrup, therefore, falls short of being a clean food product. Its reliance on non-organic and GMO ingredients, combined with added sugars and ambiguous natural flavors, limits its appeal to those seeking healthier, more transparent food options. For a product to earn a higher rating, it would need to address these concerns directly by sourcing organic ingredients, eliminating GMOs, reducing added sugars, and providing more clarity on its flavor additives.