Nuun

This product earns a rating of 2 out of 5 green leaves. The Nuun Endurance – Citrus Mango is a non-organic sports drink mix with a formula that includes both natural and added ingredients. Despite being non-GMO, the presence of added sugars and potentially harmful additives detracts from its clean food status.

The product is not organic, which means it does not meet the standards that some consumers look for in terms of agricultural practices. It contains cane sugar and dextrose, which are added sugars that contribute to the overall caloric content and could have negative health implications when consumed in excess. The use of citric acid, while common in many food products for flavor and preservation, is also counted against the product due to its classification as an added sugar.

Additionally, the label lists ‘natural flavors,’ which is a term that lacks transparency and may include a range of substances not specified on the packaging. The inclusion of sodium citrate, used to control acidity levels, is another reason for score deductions, as it is considered a potentially harmful additive.

The product’s formulation also features a mix of electrolytes and minerals, such as potassium citrate, potassium chloride, magnesium citrate, and calcium citrate. These are typical in endurance-focused supplements, aiming to replenish what is lost during prolonged physical activity. However, the health benefits of these ingredients are overshadowed by the negative aspects of the other non-clean components.

The Nuun Endurance – Citrus Mango could benefit from reformulation to improve its green leaf rating. By eliminating added sugars and replacing ambiguous ingredients like ‘natural flavors’ with specific, wholesome alternatives, the product could better align with the criteria for cleaner, healthier food options. As it stands, the current composition of the Nuun Endurance – Citrus Mango falls short of achieving a high standard for health-conscious consumers seeking clean and transparent food products.