Monin

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Monin Mandarin syrup falls short in meeting the criteria for cleaner food options. The product is not organic, which immediately reduces its standing on our scale. Furthermore, it fails to use non-GMO ingredients, further detracting from its potential score.

The presence of added sugars is a significant drawback for the Monin Mandarin syrup. Both pure cane sugar and citric acid contribute to the sugar content, with cane sugar being particularly problematic due to its processed nature. These ingredients are a health concern and detract from the cleanliness of the product.

Additionally, the syrup contains natural flavors. While ‘natural’ may sound reassuring, these are often complex mixtures which can contain synthetic chemicals. The ambiguity surrounding these additives is a cause for concern, and thus, they negatively impact the product’s score.

The use of concentrated lemon juice is the only component that does not incur a penalty. However, this alone is not enough to redeem the overall quality of the Monin Mandarin syrup. The product’s composition indicates a need for significant improvement to align with the standards of cleaner, healthier food options.

The Monin Mandarin syrup is given a low rating due to its non-organic status, use of GMOs, added sugars, and ambiguous natural flavors. These ingredients contribute to a product that does not meet our criteria for a clean and healthy option in the food market. To improve its standing, the syrup would need to eliminate harmful additives, embrace organic ingredients, and avoid GMOs. Until such changes are made, the Monin Mandarin syrup remains a less favorable choice for consumers seeking cleaner food products.