Tillamook

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Tillamook Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream falls short of cleaner food standards as defined by our website’s criteria. This product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, leading to deductions in its overall score. The presence of added sugar, which is a concern for many health-conscious consumers, further reduces its rating.

The inclusion of potentially harmful additives and oils significantly impacts the product’s score. Specifically, the terms “Natural Flavor” and “Flavor” often encompass a range of undisclosed ingredients, and without transparency, their safety cannot be assured. Soy lecithin, commonly used as an emulsifier, is another ingredient that some individuals may wish to avoid, especially if it is not sourced from non-GMO soybeans. Peanut oil, listed among the ingredients, is considered a less healthy oil option due to its high saturated fat content and the potential for oxidation when exposed to high temperatures.

Furthermore, the use of tara gum and guar gum, both thickening agents, may raise questions for those seeking the simplest ingredient lists. While these gums are not necessarily harmful, they are often included in products to alter texture and may not align with a “clean” eating philosophy that favors minimal processing.

The Tillamook Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, therefore, is recommended to be avoided for consumers striving to choose cleaner, healthier food options. Its composition reflects a combination of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and questionable additives and oils that do not meet the rigorous standards set for products to be endorsed by our green leaf rating system. Those seeking cleaner and more natural alternatives would be better served by products that prioritize organic, non-GMO ingredients, and avoid added sugars and controversial additives.