Trader Joes

Awarded a 3/5 green leaves rating, the Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Non-Dairy Hemp Beverage holds a middle-ground position on our list of cleaner food options. This hemp-based drink offers a simple ingredient list: a hemp base consisting of water and shelled hemp seeds, sea salt, and a minimal amount of guar and gellan gums. While the product does not boast an organic label, it does steer clear of a long list of additives commonly found in other processed foods.

The absence of an organic certification results in a deduction from its overall score, as does the lack of non-GMO verification. The presence of gellan gum, a thickening agent, further reduces its standing, as it falls under our category of potentially harmful additives. Despite these drawbacks, the Trader Joe’s Hemp Beverage maintains an average position due to its uncomplicated composition and the exclusion of numerous other undesirable ingredients.

The product’s straightforward nature may appeal to consumers seeking a non-dairy alternative with a minimalistic approach. The use of shelled hemp seeds provides a base rich in plant-based nutrition, and the addition of sea salt is a common practice to enhance taste. Guar and gellan gums serve as stabilizers to improve texture and consistency, yet their inclusion is the primary reason for the deductions in the product’s rating.

While the Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Non-Dairy Hemp Beverage does not rise to the top of our list, it holds its ground as an acceptable choice within the non-dairy market. It manages to avoid the pitfalls of excessive additives and complex ingredient lists, positioning itself as a potential option for those prioritizing cleaner eating. However, for it to achieve a higher rating, an organic certification and non-GMO verification would be necessary, along with the elimination of additives like gellan gum.