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Sweet Earth Foods

Flavor:

Cauliflower Mac

Ingredients:

Cooked Gemelli Pasta (Water, Wheat Flour), Cauliflower, Cauliflower Puree, Water, Plant Based Cheddar Cheese Shreds (Water, Coconut Oil, Potato Starch 1, Tapioca Starch/Flour, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors [vegan Sources], Chickpea Protein, Calcium Citrate, Sea Salt, Konjac Gum, Xanthan Gum, Paprika Extract [color], Beta Carotene [color]), Sweet Potato Puree, Canola Oil 2, Onion Puree, Bread Crumb (Enriched Flour [wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Cane Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Yeast, Baking Soda), Salt, Garlic, Wine Vinegar, Cornstarch 1, Natural Flavors, Inactive Yeast, Mushroom Broth Base (Water, Mushrooms, Salt, Cane Sugar, Maltodextrin 1, Onion Powder, Soybean Oil 1, Yeast Extract, Garlic Powder, Cornstarch 1, Natural Flavor), Yeast Extract, Maltodextrin 1, Paprika, Spices, Mushroom Juice Concentrate, Dried Garlic, Dried Chives, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Carob Bean Gum. 1 – Non-gmo, 2 – Non-gmo Expeller Pressed

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Sweet Earth Foods Cauliflower Mac raises concerns for consumers seeking cleaner food options. The product is not organic, which detracts from its score, as the presence of non-organic ingredients often correlates with higher pesticide use and other agricultural chemicals. Despite using non-GMO ingredients, the product falls short in other areas.

The inclusion of added sugars, specifically cane sugar, negatively impacts the product’s rating. Excessive sugar consumption is a health concern, and added sugars contribute to various health issues. The product also contains several potentially harmful additives like natural flavors and xanthan gum. These ingredients are often criticized for their vague sourcing and potential health effects, though they are generally recognized as safe by regulatory agencies.

Furthermore, the product contains maltodextrin, which is deducted heavily in the scoring process. Maltodextrin is a widely used additive that can spike blood sugar levels and may not align with the goals of those seeking cleaner diets. The presence of various oils such as canola, soybean, and unspecified vegetable oils also detracts from the product’s score. These oils, especially when not expeller-pressed or non-GMO, are often processed using methods that can introduce contaminants and trans fats.

The product’s score reflects a prioritization of cleaner, more wholesome ingredients and a push for transparency in food labeling. Consumers looking for cleaner food options may find that the Sweet Earth Foods Cauliflower Mac does not meet their criteria for a healthy, minimally processed product. The rating system employed here emphasizes the importance of ingredient quality and the potential impact on health, guiding consumers toward products that support a cleaner diet amidst a market saturated with processed foods.