Menu
Starbucks American Menu
Flavor:
Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich
Ingredients:
Croissant [enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, Niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, Riboflavin, folic acid), water, butter (pasteurized cream, natural flavor (lactic acid)), sugar, yeast, salt, malted barley, dough conditioner (wheat gluten, xanthan gum, ascorbic acid, enzymes)], fried egg patty [egg whites, egg yolks, milk, food starch-modified, salt, citric acid], bacon [cured with water, salt, sugar, smoke flavoring, sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite], sharp cheddar cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, annatto (for color)]
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Starbucks American Menu Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich has room for improvement in terms of cleanliness and healthiness. The sandwich is not organic, and it contains GMO ingredients, which detracts from its potential to be a cleaner food option. It also includes added sugars, such as sugar and citric acid, which are often unnecessary in savory food items and contribute to the overall health impact of the product.
Furthermore, the ingredient list reveals the presence of additives that raise concerns. Natural flavors and smoke flavoring are ambiguous terms that do not specify the exact substances used, leaving consumers in the dark about what they are ingesting. The dough conditioner components, such as xanthan gum and enzymes, while common in commercial baking, could be replaced with simpler, less processed alternatives.
Particularly troubling is the inclusion of sodium nitrite in the bacon. Sodium nitrite is a preservative known for its potential health risks, including the formation of nitrosamines, compounds linked to cancer when consumed in high amounts or exposed to high heat. The use of enriched wheat flour also suggests a level of processing that strips away the natural nutrients found in whole grain wheat, only to have vitamins and minerals artificially added back in.
The sandwich’s composition reflects a common trend in fast-food offerings where convenience and shelf stability are prioritized over nutritional value and ingredient purity. To align more closely with the values of cleaner eating, this product would benefit from a reformulation that favors organic ingredients, eliminates GMOs, reduces added sugars, and removes harmful additives, especially sodium nitrite. By doing so, it could not only improve its green leaf rating but also provide consumers with a healthier option in a market saturated with processed and artificial choices.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
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