Van Leeuwen

Awarded a rating of 1/5 green leaves, the Van Leeuwen Honeycomb Caramel Ice Cream Sandwich falls at the bottom of the scale on our cleaner food options meter. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, factors that heavily impact its low score. It also includes multiple types of added sugars such as brown sugar, cane sugar, and corn syrup, which contribute to its negative assessment. Beyond sugars, the presence of potentially harmful additives like natural flavors, soy lecithin, and enriched flour further diminish its standing.

The ingredients list reveals a mix of cream, milk, and sugars combined with enriched flour and a variety of oils, including sunflower and coconut. Additives such as carob bean gum and guar gum are common in ice cream products to improve texture and consistency, yet they are part of the reasoning behind the product’s low rating. The use of coloring agents derived from natural sources like apple, carrot, and hibiscus, as well as annatto, does not mitigate the overall assessment.

The product’s reliance on non-organic ingredients and inclusion of GMOs are significant factors in its evaluation. The substantial presence of added sugars, which are known to be a health concern, further justifies its score. The incorporation of additives and enriched flour, which may pose potential health risks, aligns with the product’s placement at the lower end of the health-conscious spectrum.

The Van Leeuwen Honeycomb Caramel Ice Cream Sandwich, with its 1/5 green leaves rating, is a food item that does not meet the criteria for cleaner, healthier options as defined by our standards. Consumers seeking healthier alternatives are advised to consider other products that align more closely with the goals of minimal processing, organic ingredients, and the absence of GMOs and added sugars.