Progresso

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Progresso Vegetable Classics French Onion soup falls short of the clean food standards set forth on our website. This score reflects the product’s use of ingredients that are neither organic nor non-GMO, as well as the inclusion of added sugars and potentially harmful additives.

The soup’s primary ingredients consist of beef broth, water, and onions, which at first glance might seem wholesome. However, a closer inspection reveals the presence of non-organic components, which detracts from the product’s overall quality score by our standards. The absence of a non-GMO certification further lowers the product’s rating, as there is a growing preference for foods that are free from genetically modified organisms.

Added sugars, such as the plain sugar listed on the label, contribute unnecessary calories to the diet and are often linked to a variety of health issues. This ingredient alone prompts a deduction in the product’s score. Furthermore, the soup contains modified food starch and “natural flavor” – umbrella terms that can encompass a wide range of chemicals and substances, some of which may be undesirable from a health perspective.

The use of color additives like apple juice concentrate and hibiscus juice concentrate, though they may be derived from natural sources, indicates a preference for appearance over nutritional integrity. The inclusion of beef fat, though a common ingredient in such a soup, does not align with the goal of providing the cleanest options available.

The product’s recipe could benefit from a revision that emphasizes organic ingredients, eliminates GMOs, and removes unnecessary additives and sugars. By doing so, the soup would better meet the criteria for a higher green leaf rating and offer consumers a cleaner and more health-conscious food choice. The current formulation, however, leaves much to be desired for those seeking the healthiest options in today’s market.