Ocean Spray

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Ocean Spray® HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Bites receive the lowest possible recommendation on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, which immediately reduces its standing on our health-conscious scale.

The ingredients list reveals the presence of multiple types of added sugars, which contributes to the negative assessment. High sugar content is a primary concern for those seeking healthier food choices, and this product’s use of sugar both in the milk chocolate and with the dried cranberries heightens this issue.

Furthermore, the inclusion of additives such as natural flavor, soy lecithin, and confectioner’s glaze raises red flags. These substances often signal the presence of artificial components and potential chemical processing which detract from the product’s natural quality. Soy lecithin, used as an emulsifier, is commonly derived from soybeans, a crop frequently genetically modified, and therefore, it is another factor in the product’s low score.

The use of refined sunflower oil, even as a processing aid, is another reason for the deduction of points. Refined oils are typically processed using methods that strip away beneficial nutrients and may involve chemicals that health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid.

The Ocean Spray® HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Bites fail to meet the criteria for a clean food product on multiple fronts: lack of organic certification, presence of GMOs, high added sugar content, potentially harmful additives, and the use of refined oils. These factors combine to earn the product a 1/5 green leaves rating. Consumers looking for cleaner, healthier food options would be advised to seek alternatives that better align with the principles of organic ingredients, non-GMO sourcing, lower added sugars, and the absence of harmful additives and oils.