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Flavor:

Avocado Ranch Crispy Chicken

Ingredients:

Crispy Tortilla Chicken: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Strips With Rib Meat, Water, Wheat Flour, Modified Food Starch, Contains 2% Or Less Of The Following: Acetic Acid, Extractives Of Paprika, Extractives Of Turmeric, Garlic Powder, Gum Arabic, Jalapeno Pepper, Lactic Acid, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate), Maltodextrin, Modified Wheat Starch, Natural Flavors, Onion Powder, Potassium Chloride, Rice Flour, Salt, Sodium Phosphates, Starter Distillate, Sugar, Tapioca Dextrin, Tortilla Chips [corn, Vegetable Oil (Contains One Or More Of The Following: Canola, Corn, Soy, Or Sunflower Oil), Calcum Hydroxide], Wheat Gluten, Yeast, Yeast Extract, Yellow Corn Flouwer. Prepared In Canola And/or Vegetable Oil. Contains: Wheat., Flour Tortilla: Bleached Enriched Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Water, Shortening (Interesterified Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil), Contains 2% Or Less Of Salt, Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Yeast [yeast, Sorbitan Monostearate, Ascorbic Acid]), Sugar, Dough Conditioners (Mono– And Diglycerides, Fumaric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Enzymes, Wheat Starch, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Cellulose, Corn Starch, Dicalcium Phosphate, With Tocopherols, Ascorbic Acid And Citric Acid [added As Antioxidants]), Calcium Propionate (P), Molasses. Contains: Wheat. [certified Vegan], Iceberg Lettuce: Fresh Iceberg Lettuce [certified Vegan], Tomatoes: Fresh Tomatoes. [certified Vegan], Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Vc)), Anti-caking Agent. Contains: Milk [certified Vegetarian], Avocado Ranch Sauce: Soybean Oil, Cultured Buttermilk, Water, Avocado, Cage-free Egg Yolk, Vinegar, White Wine Vinegar, 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Garlic Juice, Sugar, Natural Flavor, Lemon And Lime Juice Concentrate, Spice, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Onion, Garlic, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Turmeric Oleoresin (Vc), Fruit Juice (Vc), Fruit Juice Concentrate (Vc), Disodium Inosinate And Disodium Guanylate, Propylene Glycol Alginate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Alginate, Potassium Sorbate (P), Sodium Benzoate (P), Calcium Disodium Edta (P). Contains: Milk, Egg [certified Vegetarian]

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Taco Bell Avocado Ranch Crispy Chicken falls short of cleaner food standards. This product is not organic, contains GMOs, added sugars, and a range of additives that raise concerns about health impacts. The presence of non-organic elements means the chicken is produced without strict ecological farming practices. GMO ingredients suggest potential environmental and health implications that have yet to be fully understood.

The inclusion of added sugars, such as molasses and sugar, contributes to the product’s caloric content without nutritional benefit. Citric acid, while naturally occurring, is often used to preserve flavor and can be derived from GMO sources. The list of additives, including natural flavors and diglycerides, is extensive and includes substances that are often synthesized chemically, which may not align with cleaner eating principles.

Harmful additives such as propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, and sodium metabisulfite are used in food processing for their preservative qualities but have been associated with negative health effects. Enriched wheat flour, while fortified, has been stripped of natural nutrients during processing. Xanthan gum, potassium sorbate, and calcium disodium EDTA are commonly used to stabilize and extend shelf life but are not necessary in a clean diet.

The oils used in the product, namely canola, soybean, and unspecified vegetable oils, are often highly processed and may contribute to inflammation due to their high omega-6 fatty acid content.

This product does not meet the criteria for those seeking cleaner, more natural food options. The Taco Bell Avocado Ranch Crispy Chicken contains multiple ingredients that are either potentially harmful or diverge from the principles of clean eating. These aspects are critical for consumers who prioritize health and wellness in their dietary choices. Therefore, this menu item is not recommended for those looking to maintain a diet focused on natural, healthful ingredients.