Van Leeuwen

Rated at 1 out of 5 green leaves, the Van Leeuwen Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake offers a traditional treat but falls short on the clean eating scale due to its ingredients. This dessert is not organic, and it’s not made with non-GMO ingredients, which is a significant factor in its low rating.

The product contains a variety of sugars, including cane sugar, brown sugar, and tapioca syrup. These added sugars contribute to its score deduction. Furthermore, the presence of natural flavor raises concerns, as this term can mask a range of undisclosed additives. The enriched wheat flour, while providing some nutrients like Niacin and Iron, has also contributed to the deduction due to its processed nature.

The ingredient list reveals the inclusion of cream, milk, cream cheese, egg yolks, and butter, which are common in cheesecake recipes. However, the health-conscious consumer might be wary of these ingredients when they are not organic or sourced from non-GMO verified produce. The product also features coconut cream and coconut oil, which add to its rich texture but do not compensate for the other non-preferred ingredients.

The presence of annatto for color is noted, as well as the use of baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, which are standard in baking. However, these do not significantly impact the overall health rating.

The Van Leeuwen Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake’s low score reflects its alignment with the website’s criteria for cleaner food options. The product does not meet the standards set for organic or non-GMO ingredients and contains multiple types of added sugars and potentially harmful additives. These factors are crucial for consumers seeking healthier dessert alternatives. Therefore, the recommendation is to opt for other products that better fit the criteria of clean eating and carry a higher green leaf rating.