Rice Dream

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Rice Dream Horchata Traditional is a product that falls short in providing a clean food option for health-conscious consumers. This rating reflects significant deductions for the inclusion of non-organic ingredients, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, and oils that are not aligned with the highest standards of health.

The product is not organic, which immediately reduces its standing among purer food choices. While it does use non-GMO ingredients, a positive aspect, the presence of cane sugar as an added sweetener detracts from its nutritional value. The addition of cane sugar not only increases the product’s calorie content but also contributes to the excessive intake of sugar that is a common issue in modern diets.

Furthermore, the inclusion of natural flavor and gellan gum raises concerns. These additives often serve as red flags for those seeking whole and unprocessed foods. Natural flavor, a term that encompasses a range of possible ingredients, obscures transparency and leaves questions about its source and effects. Gellan gum, used as a thickening or stabilizing agent, may not align with a clean eating philosophy that favors minimal processing.

The presence of canola oil, whether derived from canola or sunflower sources, is another point of contention. Canola oil, especially when not explicitly non-GMO or organic, is frequently processed using methods that health-focused individuals may find objectionable. This includes the use of chemical solvents or high-temperature mechanical pressing, which can lead to the formation of trans fats and the degradation of oil quality.

Overall, the Rice Dream Horchata Traditional product has room for improvement to meet the standards of those seeking cleaner food options. By addressing these issues and focusing on organic, whole-food ingredients, the product could significantly improve its standing and offer consumers a healthier alternative to the current formulation.