North Country Smokehouse

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the North Country Smokehouse Uncured Cajun Style Andouille Sausage falls short in offering a clean food option for health-conscious consumers. This product is not organic, which immediately detracts from its potential to be considered a cleaner choice. Additionally, the lack of non-GMO ingredients further diminishes its standing among products that prioritize health and environmental sustainability.

The inclusion of added sugars, in the form of turbinado sugar, raises concerns for those aiming to reduce their sugar intake. Moreover, the presence of cultured celery powder, often used as a natural curing agent, has been flagged for its potential health implications, leading to a significant deduction in the product’s clean food score.

The ingredient list, which features natural pork, sea salt, fresh garlic, a blend of spices, vinegar, and fresh onion, does have elements that align with cleaner eating. However, the negative aspects overshadow these attributes. The use of sea salt and garlic aligns with cleaner food practices, but these are not enough to outweigh the downsides.

This product does not meet the standards set by those seeking out the healthiest food options. The absence of organic certification and non-GMO verification are critical factors in this assessment. The added sugars and questionable additives such as celery powder compromise the product’s integrity in the realm of clean eating.

For a product to score higher on the green leaf rating, significant changes are necessary. These would include obtaining organic certification, ensuring non-GMO ingredients, eliminating added sugars, and removing any additives that could pose health risks. The current score reflects a product that has substantial room for improvement in meeting the criteria for cleaner, healthier food choices.