Rice Dream

This product earns a rating of 3 out of 5 green leaves. The ‘Rice Dream Coconutmilk Unsweetened Original with Calcium & Vitamin D’ is a dairy alternative that brings together coconut milk enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It provides an option for those seeking a plant-based milk substitute, enriched with calcium and vitamins A, D2, and B12. However, it falls short of the highest standards set by our evaluation criteria due to its lack of organic certification and inclusion of certain ingredients.

The product is not organic, which is a significant factor for consumers prioritizing organically sourced foods. Despite this, the use of non-GMO ingredients is a positive aspect, aligning with the preference for foods free from genetically modified organisms. The addition of tricalcium phosphate, xanthan gum, and gellan gum, which serve as stabilizers and thickeners, raises concerns due to their potential as harmful additives. These ingredients often face scrutiny for their necessity and potential health impacts.

Furthermore, the presence of ‘natural flavor’ in the ingredient list is a point of contention. The term ‘natural flavor’ is broad and can encompass a range of substances, some of which may not align with the goal of cleaner food options. Consumers looking for transparency in ingredient sourcing may find this problematic.

Another notable ingredient is vitamin A palmitate, which is a synthetically produced vitamin. While it serves to fortify the product, the synthetic origin may not resonate with those seeking entirely natural sources of nutrients.

The product does not contain harmful oils such as palm oil, which is a common concern for environmentally conscious consumers due to the ecological impact associated with palm oil production.

Overall, the ‘Rice Dream Coconutmilk Unsweetened Original with Calcium & Vitamin D’ offers a fortified, plant-based milk alternative that accommodates non-GMO preferences but does not meet the highest standards for clean eating due to its non-organic status and inclusion of certain additives. The product strikes a balance for those navigating the complex landscape of healthier food choices.