Pacific Foods

Rated at 3/5 green leaves, the Pacific Foods Hemp Original Beverage garners a middle-of-the-road assessment. This product is a plant-based drink derived from hulled hemp seeds, blended with water, and sweetened with brown rice syrup. It includes added vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D2 and tricalcium phosphate, to enhance its nutritional profile.

The beverage is not organic, which detracts from its clean food rating. However, it does use non-GMO ingredients, aligning with preferences for natural genetic profiles in food sources. The inclusion of brown rice syrup as a sweetener is a notable downside, as it contributes added sugars to the product, reducing its healthfulness. Additionally, the presence of xanthan gum, a common thickening agent, raises concerns due to its potential as a harmful additive.

The product’s composition reflects a balance between health-conscious choices, like the use of non-GMO ingredients, and less desirable elements such as added sugars and additives. The Pacific Foods Hemp Original Beverage positions itself as an alternative to dairy and other plant-based milks, offering consumers a different nutritional choice.

Despite its shortcomings, the beverage does provide certain benefits, including a source of plant-based nutrition and the absence of genetically modified organisms. It stands as an average option within the market, neither excelling in purity nor failing to meet basic health standards. Consumers seeking a middling option in the realm of cleaner food products may consider this beverage, keeping in mind the trade-offs between its non-GMO status and the presence of added sugars and additives.