Ocean Spray

Rated at 3/5 green leaves, the Ocean Spray Hydration Cranberry Strawberry Kiwi drink offers a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This beverage provides a mix of fruit juice concentrates from grapes, cranberries, strawberries, and kiwis, diluted with filtered water. Additionally, it contains magnesium gluconate, which serves as a source of magnesium, and vegetable concentrate for color.

The product is not organic, which detracts from its green leaf rating. It also does not specify the use of non-GMO ingredients, further reducing its score. The inclusion of ‘natural flavor’ as an ingredient raises concerns about potential harmful additives, leading to more points being deducted from its overall assessment.

Despite these deductions, the drink still retains a fair rating, suggesting that it has some attributes that align with the goal of cleaner eating. The use of fruit juice concentrates and filtered water indicates an effort to provide a fruit-based beverage. The addition of magnesium is a positive feature, as it is an essential nutrient.

However, the lack of organic certification and the potential presence of GMOs may be significant for consumers who prioritize these factors in their dietary choices. The term ‘natural flavor’ often lacks transparency, which could be problematic for those seeking to avoid undisclosed additives in their food products.

This product, therefore, occupies a space that may appeal to some consumers looking for a fruit juice blend with added nutrients but may not satisfy those with stricter criteria for natural and organic ingredients. Its 3/5 green leaves rating reflects this balance between its positive features and the areas where it falls short of the highest standards for clean eating.