Upton’s Naturals

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, Upton’s Naturals Chick & Noodle Soup offers a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner food choices. This product does not boast an organic label, which results in a reduction of its green leaf rating. However, it does have the advantage of using non-GMO ingredients, which aligns with the preferences of health-conscious consumers.

The ingredient list features water, chick seitan, macaroni, vegetables such as onion, carrots, and celery, as well as seasonings like garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. The chick seitan is made from vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, whole wheat flour, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, sea salt, garlic, and onion, providing a plant-based protein source. The soup’s macaroni is made from semolina flour, adding a carbohydrate component to the dish.

Detracting from its health score, the inclusion of sugar and corn oil leads to penalties, as these ingredients may not align with the clean eating criteria set by the website. Sugar, while a common ingredient in many processed foods, is often limited by those aiming for a cleaner diet. Corn oil is identified as a less desirable oil choice due to its potential health implications and the fact that it is often derived from genetically modified corn, although it is not specified as such in this product.

The overall rating reflects the balance of non-organic ingredients, added sugars, and the use of corn oil against the product’s use of non-GMO ingredients and its plant-based profile. Upton’s Naturals Chick & Noodle Soup is therefore positioned as a moderate choice for consumers who are navigating the complex food market in search of healthier options, offering some beneficial qualities without fully meeting the stringent standards for the highest health scores.