Van Leeuwen

Green Leaf Rating: 2/5

The Van Leeuwen Cookies & Cream ice cream has been awarded a green leaf rating of 2 out of 5. This score reflects a product that has significant room for improvement in terms of health and environmental concerns. The product is not certified organic, which is a major factor in its rating, as the absence of organic certification often means the potential presence of pesticides and other chemicals in the ingredients. Furthermore, the product does not use non-GMO ingredients, raising concerns about genetically modified organisms’ effects on health and biodiversity.

The inclusion of added sugars, specifically cane sugar, further decreases the product’s rating. Added sugars are associated with various health issues, including obesity and heart disease, and are considered unnecessary in a clean diet. The choice to use cane sugar, a refined sweetener, instead of a natural or less processed alternative, detracts from the product’s overall health profile.

The ingredients list also shows the use of egg yolks, wheat flour, coconut oil, cocoa powder, sunflower oil, vanilla extract, baking soda, sunflower lecithin, and salt. The presence of egg yolks and milk indicates that the product is not suitable for vegans, and the use of wheat flour suggests it is not gluten-free, potentially limiting its accessibility to individuals with dietary restrictions. While the use of vanilla extract and cocoa powder may add to the product’s appeal, these ingredients do not significantly enhance its health profile.

The Van Leeuwen Cookies & Cream ice cream has potential, but its current formulation does not align with the highest standards of clean eating. The product would benefit from a shift towards organic ingredients, the elimination of GMOs, and a reduction in added sugars. The goal of providing cleaner food options underscores the need for such improvements, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking products with minimal processing and natural ingredients.