Tillamook

Awarded a 2/5 green leaves rating, the Tillamook Oregon Dark Cherry ice cream falls short of the cleaner food options that health-conscious consumers seek. This product is not organic, detracting from its potential for a higher rating on our scale. The use of non-organic ingredients often raises concerns about the presence of pesticides and other chemicals that many prefer to avoid in their diet.

Additionally, the ice cream is not verified as using non-GMO ingredients, which leads to further deductions in its score. Genetically modified organisms are a point of contention for many individuals who prioritize natural genetic structures in their food sources. The presence of added sugars, specifically sugar and citric acid, contributes to the product’s lower score. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to various health issues, including obesity and heart disease, making it an undesirable component for those seeking cleaner eating options.

The inclusion of potentially harmful additives, namely natural flavors and unspecified flavors, is also a matter of concern. These ambiguous ingredients can encompass a wide range of substances, some of which may not align with the principles of clean eating. Consumers often seek transparency and simplicity in food labeling, and these terms do not provide the clarity desired.

Despite these drawbacks, the product does incorporate real dark cherries and uses fruit juice for coloring—a positive aspect, as it avoids synthetic dyes. However, the benefits of these natural elements are overshadowed by the aforementioned issues.

The Tillamook Oregon Dark Cherry ice cream, with its 2/5 green leaves rating, clearly has room for improvement. By addressing the use of organic ingredients, avoiding GMOs, reducing added sugars, and eliminating ambiguous additives, the product could significantly increase its appeal to those in search of cleaner, healthier food options.