Reese’s

Awarded a 1/5 green leaves rating, the Reese’s Holiday Peanut Butter Candy emerges as a product that warrants caution for those seeking cleaner food options. The absence of organic ingredients and the use of GMOs are immediate red flags, detracting significantly from its overall health score. The presence of added sugars, such as sugar, dextrose, and corn syrup, further diminishes its standing as these contribute to the excessive intake of sweeteners prevalent in many processed foods.

The ingredient list reveals a deeper concern with the inclusion of harmful additives. Artificial colors—Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Red 40—not only serve no nutritional purpose but also pose potential health risks. Confectioner’s glaze, another additive, is a problematic ingredient that adds to the negative assessment.

Moreover, the product contains several oils that are considered harmful. Soybean oil, palm kernel oil, and palm oil are included in the formulation, all of which are deemed detrimental in the context of cleaner, healthier food choices. These oils are often hydrogenated, a process that creates trans fats known to be harmful to heart health.

This product, therefore, falls at the lowest end of our rating scale due to its composition of non-organic, GMO, and potentially harmful ingredients. It represents a choice that does not align with the pursuit of a clean diet, emphasizing the need for more vigilant selection in a market saturated with unhealthy options. Consumers are advised to seek alternatives that better adhere to the principles of health and nutrition.