Taco Bell

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Taco Bell Chips and Nacho Cheese Sauce falls at the lower end of the cleaner food spectrum on our website. This product is not organic and does not use non-GMO ingredients. Among its constituents, citric acid contributes to its added sugars content. It also includes a range of additives such as natural flavors and maltodextrin, which have been deemed potentially harmful. Furthermore, the presence of canola oil, soybean oil, and unspecified vegetable oils raises concerns due to their harmful oil content.

The non-organic status of the Taco Bell Chips and Nacho Cheese Sauce immediately results in a deduction. Its lack of non-GMO ingredients further diminishes its standing. Citric acid, commonly used as a preservative or to add a sour taste, is considered an added sugar in this assessment, contributing to the product’s lower score. The term ‘natural flavors’ might seem innocuous, yet it encompasses a broad category of additives that are not transparently disclosed, leading to another reduction in points. Maltodextrin, a widely used food additive derived from starch, is flagged as a known harmful additive due to its potential impact on blood sugar levels and gut health.

The inclusion of various oils, specifically canola and soybean oils, is a significant factor in the product’s rating. These oils are often highly processed and may contain trans fats, which are linked to negative health outcomes. The presence of these oils solidifies the product’s position at the bottom of our green leaf rating scale.

The Taco Bell Chips and Nacho Cheese Sauce earns the lowest possible green leaf rating due to its combination of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and harmful additives and oils. These factors make it a product to avoid for those seeking cleaner, healthier food options. Our assessment aims to guide consumers toward choices that align with a diet focused on health and wellness, and this product does not meet those standards.