Upton’s Naturals

Awarded 3 out of 5 green leaves, Upton’s Naturals Ch’eesy Bacon Mac presents itself as a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This product does not rank among the top due to its non-organic status and inclusion of added sugars, which detract from its overall healthfulness.

Upton’s Naturals Ch’eesy Bacon Mac is not made with organic ingredients, a factor that weighs heavily in its evaluation. The presence of sugar in the ingredient list further reduces its standing, as added sugars are often discouraged in a clean-eating diet. Despite these drawbacks, the product does have a positive aspect to its credit: it uses non-GMO ingredients, which is a significant consideration for many health-conscious consumers.

The ingredients list reveals a mix of durum wheat semolina, nutritional yeast, and a variety of flavorings and spices such as paprika, liquid smoke, mustard, onion, and garlic. The inclusion of vital wheat gluten and wheat flour confirms that this product is not gluten-free, and it also contains soy, which is an allergen for some individuals. The scoring system penalizes the product for containing potentially harmful additives, with a specific call-out to an ingredient listed as ‘rum’. However, it is important to note that ‘rum’ does not appear in the ingredient list provided, indicating a possible error in the assessment.

This product finds itself in a challenging position, where it offers certain benefits like non-GMO ingredients but fails to meet other criteria for a cleaner food product, such as being organic and free from added sugars. Consumers valuing non-GMO foods may find this product acceptable, but those prioritizing organic ingredients and avoiding added sugars will likely pass on it. Upton’s Naturals Ch’eesy Bacon Mac holds a place in the market, but it does not distinguish itself as a leader in the clean food category.