Ripple

Ripple Vanilla earns a rating of 2 out of 5 green leaves on our scale for cleaner food options. This plant-based beverage falls short in several categories that are critical to our assessment of healthy, clean foods.

The product is not organic, which deducts from its overall score due to the higher likelihood of pesticide exposure in non-organic ingredients. Additionally, it is not verified as non-GMO, further impacting its standing on our scale. The inclusion of cane sugar is a significant detractor, as added sugars are considered harmful and contribute to various health issues when consumed in excess.

The presence of several additives, such as natural flavor and gellan gum, raises concerns. While these ingredients are permitted for use in foods, their necessity is questionable, and they do not align with a “clean” label ethos. The use of oils such as safflower oil, vegetable oil, and palm, which may be linked to negative health impacts, also reduces the product’s rating.

Beyond these ingredients, the Ripple Vanilla product contains a blend of pea protein, vitamins, and minerals, attempting to fortify the beverage with additional nutritional benefits. However, the negative aspects of the other ingredients overshadow these potential positives.

The product’s formulation could be vastly improved by using organic ingredients, eliminating GMOs, reducing or removing added sugars, and opting for healthier oil alternatives. Moreover, avoiding ambiguous additives would bring the product closer to what is typically considered a clean and healthy food option.

Ripple Vanilla’s current composition does not align with the ideals of consumers seeking the cleanest food products. Its low rating reflects its distance from these standards, and substantial reformulation would be necessary to elevate its standing.