Ocean Spray

Our assessment the Ocean Spray® HERSHEY’S Dark Chocolate Cherry Dipped Cranberry Bites reveals significant concerns regarding their ingredients and production methods, which have led to the lowest possible green leaf rating on our website, a 1/5.

This product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients. These two factors alone account for a substantial deduction in its overall health score. The presence of added sugars is a red flag for health-conscious consumers, and this product contains sugar in multiple forms, including in the dried cranberries and the dark chocolate. This contributes to the high deduction in its score, as excessive sugar intake is linked to various health issues.

Moreover, the ingredient list includes several potentially harmful additives. Natural flavors, which are often a blend of undisclosed chemical components, raise questions about their overall safety and health impacts. Soy lecithin, an emulsifier, and confectioner’s glaze, a coating agent, are also present. These ingredients are often scrutinized for their potential health effects and their inclusion contributes to the product’s low rating.

Additionally, the use of refined sunflower oil, even as a processing aid, is a cause for concern. Refined oils are typically processed using methods that strip away beneficial nutrients and may contain harmful compounds resulting from the refining process.

The product fails to meet the standards for cleaner food options due to its non-organic status, inclusion of GMOs, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, and the use of refined oils. For those seeking healthier snack alternatives, this product does not align with the criteria for a clean and wholesome choice. Our rigorous evaluation underscores the importance of transparency and the selection of ingredients that support a healthier lifestyle. Consumers are encouraged to consider these factors when making food choices.