Oscar Mayer

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Oscar Mayer Chipotle Chicken Breast falls short of the healthier food standards promoted by our website. This product is neither organic nor does it use non-GMO ingredients, which are foundational criteria for a higher rating. Furthermore, the addition of sugars and dextrose, both recognized as harmful added sugars, contribute to its low score. The presence of additives such as natural flavors and carrageenan, which are often scrutinized for their potential health impacts, further diminishes its standing.

The product begins with chicken breast as its primary ingredient, followed by water and a series of additional components that raise concerns. Modifiers like vinegar and modified cornstarch are less contentious but still noteworthy. The inclusion of sodium phosphates and carrageenan, particularly, is worrisome due to their controversial nature in food products. Carrageenan has been linked to digestive issues and inflammation, warranting caution among health-conscious consumers.

The spice blend used for coating, which includes black pepper, red chili pepper, dehydrated onion and garlic, oregano, tomato powder, and chipotle from smoked jalapeño, may seem appealing for those seeking a flavorful chicken option. Yet, the benefits of these spices are overshadowed by the product’s overall composition, which prioritizes additives and non-organic ingredients over cleaner, more wholesome alternatives.

Cultured dextrose and sugar are also present, contributing to the product’s sugar content. While these components are often used to enhance shelf life and taste, they are not aligned with the pursuit of clean eating. The product’s use of natural flavors raises additional red flags due to the ambiguous nature of this term, which can mask a multitude of chemical processes and ingredients.

Given these considerations, the Oscar Mayer Chipotle Chicken Breast is not recommended for those seeking cleaner, healthier food options. The product’s composition, underscored by the use of non-organic and GMO ingredients, added sugars, and controversial additives, does not meet the criteria for a higher green leaf rating on our site. The emphasis on cleaner, more natural food choices leads us to advise consumers to consider alternative products that align more closely with these values.