Ocean Spray

This product earns a 3 out of 5 green leaves rating. The ‘Ocean Spray 100% Juice Blend – Cranberry Watermelon’ positions itself as a choice for those seeking cleaner food options. However, its score reflects a balance between its pure juice content and the presence of certain non-ideal ingredients.

The drink is not organic, which detracts from its clean food status. In addition, the absence of a non-GMO certification further impacts its standing in the health-conscious marketplace. The inclusion of Citric Acid, commonly found in citrus fruits, is regarded as an added sugar in this scoring system, reducing its overall health appeal.

Furthermore, the product loses points for containing ‘Natural Flavor,’ a term that often covers a range of unspecified substances and thus raises transparency concerns. The presence of other additives such as Fumaric Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Elderberry Concentrate (Color), Gum Arabic, and Ester Gum also contributes to the deductions. These ingredients, while common in processed foods, can be a cause for concern among consumers seeking the cleanest options available.

Despite these issues, the juice blend does provide a source of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient. The product’s ingredient list shows a mix of fruit juice concentrates from apple, grape, cranberry, and watermelon, which form the base of the beverage. This indicates that the product does offer some nutritional value, although it is not without its drawbacks.

The final score reflects a middle-ground option in the market. For consumers seeking a product free from additives, artificial flavors, GMOs, and non-organic ingredients, this juice blend may not meet the highest standards. However, for those who are looking for a juice product that avoids the worst offenders in processed foods while still offering convenience and fruit content, it might serve as an acceptable compromise.