Oikos

Oikos Triple Zero Strawberry earns a 3/5 green leaf rating. This product is a non-fat Greek yogurt that targets consumers seeking healthier food options. While it does not contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners like Stevia are present, which some may prefer to avoid. The yogurt is not organic, nor does it claim to use non-GMO ingredients, factors that may be important to certain health-conscious shoppers.

The ingredient list is relatively simple, with cultured Grade A non-fat milk as the base. The product also includes water, natural flavors, tapioca starch, vegetable juice concentrate for color, Stevia leaf extract as a sweetener, lemon juice concentrate, sea salt, and vitamin D3. The use of natural flavors and Stevia leaf extract contributes to the deductions in the overall rating, as these ingredients are viewed less favorably by those aiming for the cleanest food choices.

The presence of natural flavors raises questions about the source and composition of these ingredients, since they can be complex mixtures created to mimic a specific taste. Stevia, a non-nutritive sweetener, is a popular sugar alternative but remains controversial among purists who prefer their foods to be free of any sweeteners, natural or artificial.

Despite these concerns, Oikos Triple Zero Strawberry does offer some positive attributes, such as the absence of artificial colors, with the pink hue derived from vegetable juice. Additionally, the inclusion of vitamin D3 is a beneficial supplement, especially for a non-fat dairy product.

This product positions itself as a middle-of-the-road option for those navigating the landscape of healthier food choices. It makes an effort to appeal to health-conscious consumers by avoiding traditional sugars and artificial colors. However, its non-organic and non-GMO stance, along with the inclusion of natural flavors and Stevia, may deter the most stringent of clean-eating advocates.