Ocean Spray

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Ocean Spray 100% Juice Blend – Cranberry Concord Grape is a middle-of-the-road choice for consumers seeking cleaner food options. This product does not boast an organic label and is not verified as using non-GMO ingredients, which detracts from its clean eating credentials.

The juice blend comprises grape and concord grape juices from concentrates, along with cranberry and apple juice concentrates. It also includes natural flavor, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and fumaric acid. The presence of natural flavor raises concerns about potential health implications, as the term can encompass a wide range of ingredients that are not always disclosed.

The product’s lack of organic certification means that the fruits used in the juice concentrates may have been grown with conventional farming methods, which often involve the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, without non-GMO verification, there is a possibility that genetically modified organisms are present in the juice blend.

The inclusion of Vitamin C is a positive, contributing to the nutritional value of the juice by supporting immune system function and skin health. However, the benefits of Vitamin C are offset by the deduction of points for the other ingredients that do not align with the highest standards of a clean diet.

The Ocean Spray juice blend sits in a gray area. While it provides the basic nutritional benefits of fruit juice and Vitamin C, it falls short of the ideal due to its non-organic and potentially GMO ingredients, along with the inclusion of natural flavor. Consumers who prioritize a cleaner diet might opt for this product when alternatives are limited, but those with stricter criteria for their food choices may pass it over in favor of options that are organic, non-GMO, and free from ambiguous additives.