Progresso

Awarded a rating of 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Progresso Minestrone Soup Mix presents a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner food choices. This product does not boast organic ingredients, nor does it avoid GMOs, which detracts from its overall health score. Additionally, the inclusion of added sugars and potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors and corn starch further diminishes its standing on our scale.

The Progresso Minestrone Soup Mix is a composite of dehydrated vegetables, including red beans, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, garbanzo beans, onions, carrots, spinach, garlic, and green beans. These vegetables are accompanied by penne rigate pasta made from semolina wheat and egg whites. The soup mix’s flavor profile is built with the help of corn starch, hydrolyzed corn protein, salt, yeast extract, paprika, olive oil, dehydrated parsley, and a variety of spices. Citric acid is present as well, contributing to the added sugars category.

While the product features a variety of vegetables and does not contain any overtly harmful chemicals or preservatives, it falls short in embracing a fully natural and health-conscious approach. The lack of organic certification and the presence of GMO ingredients are significant factors that affect its green leaf rating. Moreover, the soup mix’s reliance on added sugars, even in the form of citric acid, and the ambiguous ‘natural flavors’ ingredient, are notable considerations for consumers prioritizing clean eating.

The Progresso Minestrone Soup Mix sits at a crossroads for health-conscious consumers. It provides a variety of vegetables and is free from the most aggressive preservatives and chemicals found in many processed foods. However, the product’s shortcomings in organic and non-GMO sourcing, as well as its inclusion of added sugars and vague additives, place it squarely in the realm of an average choice within the market for healthier food options.