Monin

**Rating: 2/5 Green Leaves**

The Monin Sugar Free Amaretto garners a modest 2 out of 5 green leaves on our clean food scale. Marketed as a sugar-free alternative for flavoring beverages, this product falls short of our standards for cleaner, healthier food options.

This syrup is not certified organic, contributing to its lower rating. Organic foods are generally preferred for their absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and this product’s lack of an organic label means that it may contain traces of these unwanted chemicals.

Furthermore, the absence of non-GMO certification is a point of concern. Genetically modified organisms have been a topic of debate, with preferences leaning towards natural, unaltered ingredients for a cleaner diet.

The inclusion of added sugars, particularly citric acid and erythritol, detracts from its health appeal. While erythritol is a sugar alcohol with fewer calories than sugar, it is still an additive that many health-conscious consumers aim to reduce in their diet.

More pressing is the presence of sucralose, a synthetic sweetener that carries more health concerns than natural alternatives. Sucralose has been associated with altering glucose and insulin levels and may have other long-term health effects.

Potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors and potassium sorbate also contribute to the product’s lower score. Natural flavors are a vague term that can encompass a range of substances, some of which may not align with a clean eating philosophy. Potassium sorbate, while recognized as safe in small quantities, is a preservative that many seek to avoid in pursuit of a more natural diet.

The product’s formulation highlights the challenges consumers face when seeking out truly healthy and clean food options. Despite being sugar-free, the Monin Sugar Free Amaretto syrup’s ingredient list reveals several areas where improvements are necessary to meet the standards of those aiming for a cleaner lifestyle.