Naked Juice

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Naked Juice Orange Vanilla Créme falls short of meeting the criteria for a cleaner food option. This almond milk and coconut milk-based beverage blends orange juice, banana puree, and apple puree, supplementing these with added cane sugar and natural flavors, which detracts from its healthfulness.

The product is not organic, which results in a deduction, as organic status is a significant factor in evaluating the cleanliness of food products. The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is another concern, further lowering the score due to the potential health and environmental implications associated with GMOs.

Added sugars, particularly cane sugar, are present in this juice, contributing to the negative scoring. While sugars are common in many beverages, added sugars are linked to various health issues, including obesity and heart disease, and are best minimized in a health-conscious diet.

Natural flavors, listed among the ingredients, are another point of contention. Although they are widespread in processed foods, the term “natural flavors” is broad and can encompass a range of substances that are not always transparent to the consumer. The inclusion of these flavors is often a red flag for those seeking clean and unprocessed options.

Lastly, the presence of beneficial nutrients such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and beta carotene (Vitamin A) does not compensate for the product’s shortcomings. Despite these nutrients, the overall composition of the Naked Juice Orange Vanilla Créme is not aligned with the high standards of cleanliness and healthfulness set by the rating system.

This beverage’s score reflects the need for substantial improvements to align with the goal of offering cleaner food options. The removal of added sugars, the transition to organic ingredients, and the elimination of GMOs and ambiguous natural flavors would be necessary steps to elevate the product’s standing within a health-conscious market.