Progresso

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Progresso Light Zesty Santa Fe Style Chicken is a product that falls short of the cleaner food options we advocate for on our website. This soup is not organic and contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which resulted in an initial deduction in its rating. Further deductions were made for the inclusion of added sugars, such as sugar and citric acid, which are often unnecessary in savory dishes and contribute to the overall unhealthiness of the product.

The product’s ingredient list also features a range of additives that raise concerns. Natural flavors and flavorings are ambiguous terms that do not disclose the actual components, leading to a lack of transparency about what consumers are ingesting. Xanthan gum and modified food starch are used as thickeners and stabilizers, but they are processed ingredients that some individuals prefer to avoid. Maltodextrin, a widely used food additive, has been identified as a known harmful additive and is a significant reason for the product’s low score.

The product consists of a base of chicken broth, with added ingredients such as cooked white chicken meat, brown rice, black beans, and a variety of vegetables including green sweet pepper, red bell pepper, and corn. Additional components that contribute to the soup’s profile include hydrolyzed corn protein, tomato paste, onion, and a selection of spices and flavorings.

Despite the presence of some wholesome ingredients like chicken meat, brown rice, and beans, the product is heavily penalized for its non-organic status, use of GMOs, and the inclusion of additives that may be harmful or are unnecessary. As a result, the Progresso Light Zesty Santa Fe Style Chicken receives the lowest possible score on our scale. This score reflects our commitment to guiding consumers towards cleaner, healthier food choices, and based on our criteria, we recommend avoiding this product.