Tillamook

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Tillamook Chocolate product offers a middle-ground option for those seeking cleaner food choices. This ice cream is not organic, a factor that reduces its standing on our scale. Additionally, it does not boast non-GMO ingredients, further impacting its score. The presence of added sugar is another reason for the deduction of points.

The ingredients list for Tillamook Chocolate is relatively simple, featuring cream, skim milk, milk, sugar, cocoa processed with alkali, pasteurized egg yolks, tara gum, and guar gum. The use of natural thickeners like tara gum and guar gum is preferable to synthetic alternatives, but this aspect does not offset the other concerns. The cocoa, processed with alkali, refers to a common method known as Dutch processing, which neutralizes acidity in cocoa but also strips away some of its antioxidants.

The absence of organic certification means that the dairy ingredients have a higher likelihood of coming from cows that may have been raised on non-organic feed or given antibiotics and hormones, although this is not certain without additional information on Tillamook’s sourcing practices. Similarly, without non-GMO verification, there’s a possibility that some ingredients may have been genetically modified, which some consumers prefer to avoid.

This product finds itself in a balanced position where it doesn’t reach the heights of the cleanest food options available, nor does it fall into the category of the least healthy choices. It offers a choice for consumers who are looking for a treat that makes some strides toward a cleaner ingredients list, but still has room for improvement in terms of organic and non-GMO sourcing practices. Consumers weighing their options will find Tillamook Chocolate as an average contender in the quest for cleaner eating.