Perdue
Flavor:
Simply Smart® Organics Lightly Breaded Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients:
Organic Boneless Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Organic Wheat Flour. Contains Less Than 2% Of Sea Salt, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Garlic Powder, Salt, Organic Wheat Gluten, Organic Onion Powder, Organic Palm Oil, Yeast, Organic Yeast extract, Yeast extract, Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Spices, Paprika Extract, Organic White Pepper.
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Perdue Simply Smart® Organics Lightly Breaded Chicken Nuggets present a mixed bag for consumers seeking cleaner food options. While the product earns recognition for being certified organic and non-GMO, its use of additional ingredients raises concerns about its overall healthiness and alignment with clean eating principles.
The product is crafted from organic chicken and primarily uses organic ingredients, which is a positive aspect for those avoiding synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms in their diet. However, the inclusion of added sugars, specifically organic cane sugar, detracts from the product’s healthfulness. The presence of added sugars is a drawback for consumers aiming to minimize sugar intake, and the use of cane sugar, in particular, is penalized more severely due to its processed nature and potential health implications.
More concerning is the incorporation of organic maltodextrin, a processed additive often used as a thickener or filler, which is associated with the negative scoring. Maltodextrin is derived from starch and can impact blood sugar levels, making it a less desirable ingredient for those seeking whole, unprocessed foods.
Additionally, the use of organic palm oil is another point of contention. Although the palm oil is organic, concerns about its environmental impact and the ethical considerations of palm oil production persist. Moreover, palm oil is high in saturated fat, which is less favorable for heart health compared to unsaturated fats found in other oils such as olive or avocado oil.
The product’s reliance on these less desirable ingredients suggests that while it may be a step in the right direction with its organic certification and non-GMO status, there is substantial room for improvement. Cleaner alternatives could be achieved by eliminating added sugars, replacing maltodextrin with less processed alternatives, and opting for healthier oil choices. Thus, while the product makes strides with its organic ingredients, it falls short of being a top contender for those seeking the cleanest food options available.
Certifications:
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
Alternatives
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