Taco Bell

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Taco Bell Breakfast Salsa falls short of meeting the criteria for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, and it includes genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, factors that significantly reduce its score on our scale. Moreover, the presence of added sugars detracts from its healthfulness. The inclusion of potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors and potassium sorbate, along with known harmful additives like sodium benzoate, further diminishes its standing.

The Taco Bell Breakfast Salsa is comprised of water, tomato paste, distilled vinegar, jalapeño peppers, and modified food starch, among other ingredients. Despite being certified vegan and containing less than 2% of various spices and flavorings, the salsa’s composition raises concerns due to non-organic origins and the addition of GMOs. The product’s healthfulness is compromised by the addition of sugar, which is unnecessary and undesirable in a product aiming for a clean label.

Additionally, the use of certain additives poses potential health risks. Natural flavors, while seemingly innocuous, are often complex mixtures that are not transparent to the consumer. Potassium sorbate, a preservative, extends shelf life but may have adverse effects. Sodium benzoate, another preservative, is linked to more serious health concerns and is particularly problematic in the context of cleaner, healthier food options.

The product could be vastly improved by eliminating additives, opting for organic and non-GMO ingredients, and removing added sugars. Such changes would align the salsa more closely with the expectations of consumers seeking clean and healthy food products.

The Taco Bell Breakfast Salsa, as it stands, does not align with the principles of clean eating due to its non-organic status, GMO ingredients, added sugars, and the presence of questionable additives. The product’s 2/5 green leaf rating reflects its position far from the ideal of a clean, healthful food choice.