Smart Balance

The Smart Balance Original earns a green leaf rating of 2/5, showing it falls short of being a clean, healthy choice. This product is not organic, it uses genetically modified ingredients, and it contains potentially harmful additives and oils.

Smart Balance Original is not an organic product, which means it may contain traces of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Furthermore, it doesn’t use non-GMO ingredients, indicating the presence of genetically modified organisms that have been engineered in a laboratory.

The product also includes harmful additives, specifically Monoglycerides, Potassium Sorbate, and Calcium Disodium EDTA. These additives are often used to enhance the texture or preserve the shelf-life of food but can have negative effects on human health. Monoglycerides can lead to weight gain and high cholesterol, while Potassium Sorbate can cause skin allergies and Calcium Disodium EDTA may lead to kidney damage.

The list of oils used in this product is equally concerning. Canola oil, vegetable oil, and palm oil are all present, each with their own health risks. Canola oil is often highly processed and may contain harmful trans fats. Vegetable oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which when consumed in excess can lead to inflammation and other health problems. Palm oil is not only high in saturated fats but also poses severe environmental concerns due to the destruction of rainforests for its production.

Smart Balance Original, with a green leaf rating of 2/5, has room for significant improvement. The presence of harmful additives, unhealthy oils, and genetically modified ingredients, coupled with the absence of organic certification, makes it far from a clean, healthy choice. This product serves as a reminder to consumers to read food labels carefully and make informed choices about what they put into their bodies.