Snapple

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Snapple 100% Juiced Fruit Punch falls short in the realm of cleaner food options. This product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, two factors that significantly impact its rating on our scale. Additionally, the presence of citric acid is considered an added sugar, further detracting from its score.

The inclusion of natural flavors and palm-derived ingredients raises concerns due to their potential health implications and environmental impact. Natural flavors, while seemingly innocuous, are often a blanket term for undisclosed chemical mixtures that can have unknown health effects. The sourcing of palm ingredients is also problematic, as palm oil production is a well-known driver of deforestation and habitat destruction.

While the product does boast a selection of fruit juice concentrates and added vitamins such as vitamin C and E, these positive aspects are overshadowed by the negative elements within the ingredient list. The use of calcium lactate, ascorbic acid, and vitamin additives does contribute to the nutritional profile; however, it is not enough to mitigate the overall score.

The product’s reliance on concentrates rather than whole fruit juices is another factor to consider. Concentrates are often less nutritious than their whole fruit counterparts due to the processing they undergo, which can strip away fiber and other beneficial compounds.

The Snapple 100% Juiced Fruit Punch has room for improvement. To align with cleaner food standards, the product would benefit from a shift to organic ingredients, the exclusion of GMOs, and the removal of added sugars and potentially harmful additives. Such changes would enhance the healthfulness of the product and likely improve its rating on our scale. For consumers seeking cleaner, healthier beverage options, it is advisable to look for products with higher green leaf ratings that reflect a commitment to natural, straightforward ingredients.