Snapple

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Snapple 100% juiced Orange Mango falls short in the clean food category. The product is not organic and includes non-GMO ingredients, which detracts significantly from its overall score. Citric acid, an added sugar, raises concerns for those seeking natural sweetness. The inclusion of “natural flavors” and “flavor” as ingredients, which are often code for a variety of unspecified additives, further diminishes the product’s standing. Additionally, the presence of palm in the form of vitamin A palmitate casts a shadow on its health credentials due to the controversial nature of palm oil sourcing and its environmental impact.

This beverage starts with a base of filtered water and a mix of concentrated juices from pear, orange, and mango, which provides the fruit component. Calcium lactate is present, likely as a stabilizer, while ascorbic acid serves a dual role as an antioxidant and vitamin C supplement. Vitamins E and A are included as dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate and vitamin A palmitate, respectively, to fortify the juice.

However, the absence of an organic label means that the fruit concentrates may have been produced with pesticides or other chemicals. The non-GMO status is unclear, raising potential concerns for those avoiding genetically modified organisms. The citric acid, while commonly used as a preservative, is also considered an added sugar here, contributing to the product’s lower score.

The use of “natural flavors” and “flavor” is problematic for transparency, as these terms do not reveal the actual substances used to achieve the desired taste. The inclusion of palm oil, even in the form of a vitamin derivative, is another point of contention, considering the environmental implications of palm oil cultivation.

The Snapple 100% juiced Orange Mango might offer a blend of fruit juices with added vitamins, but its lack of organic certification, presence of added sugars, ambiguous additives, and association with palm oil detract from its clean food status. It is evident that for a product to rank higher on the green leaf scale, a commitment to organic ingredients, transparency, and environmental responsibility is essential.