Progresso

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Progresso Rich & Hearty Chicken Corn Chowder Flavored with Bacon falls significantly short of cleaner food standards. This product is neither organic nor does it use non-GMO ingredients, two essential criteria for a higher rating. The presence of added sugars, such as common sugar, further detracts from its score.

The chowder contains several items of concern, including potentially and known harmful additives. Natural and artificial flavors, along with modified food starch, are ambiguous ingredients that warrant caution. More alarming is the inclusion of sodium nitrite and maltodextrin, which are decisively penalized for their negative health implications. Soybean oil is another ingredient that results in points being deducted due to its often processed nature and potential health risks.

The product’s ingredient list showcases a reliance on additives and processed components, which stands in contrast to the pursuit of cleaner eating. The use of soy protein isolate and concentrate, along with various flavor enhancers and color additives, such as beta carotene for color, indicates a departure from whole, natural foods. The chowder also contains dairy derivatives like cream and whey protein concentrate, which may not align with those seeking plant-based or dairy-free options.

This chowder, with its low green leaf rating, is not recommended for consumers seeking clean and wholesome food choices. The evaluation process highlights the product’s shortcomings in terms of ingredient quality and healthfulness. The inclusion of various non-preferred elements, from sugars to additives, underscores the reasons for the minimal rating. Consumers are advised to consider alternative options that prioritize organic, non-GMO, and additive-free ingredients to align with a cleaner diet.