Starbucks American Menu

The Starbucks American Menu Plain Bagel earns a rating of 3 out of 5 green leaves on our scale of cleaner food options. This evaluation reflects a middle ground in terms of health and ingredient quality.

The bagel is made with enriched flour, which includes wheat flour and malted barley flour, along with added vitamins and minerals like niacin, reduced iron, and folic acid. The presence of wheat gluten and yeast is typical for bagel dough, providing the expected texture and rise. The inclusion of sugar, while common in many bread products, contributes to the bagel’s reduced score due to our criteria against added sugars. The distilled vinegar and microbial enzymes are standard dough conditioners.

This product is not organic, which results in a lower rating on our scale. The absence of organic ingredients often means there is a higher likelihood of exposure to pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in the growing process of the grains. Additionally, there is no clear indication that the ingredients are non-GMO, which is another factor that affects the bagel’s rating negatively, as many consumers prefer foods that are free from genetically modified organisms.

The bagel contains additives such as guar gum and monoglycerides. Guar gum serves as a thickener and stabilizer, while monoglycerides are emulsifiers that help maintain texture. These ingredients are common in commercial baking but are scrutinized for their synthetic nature and potential health implications, which is why they contribute to the deduction in the product’s score.

Overall, the Starbucks American Menu Plain Bagel is an average choice within the market. While it does not stand out as an exemplary option for those seeking the cleanest food products, it also avoids falling into the category of the least healthy offerings. It provides a basic option for consumers who are looking for a balance between convenience and a moderate level of cleaner ingredients.