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Van Leeuwen
Flavor:
Vegan Cookies & Cream Caramel Swirl
Ingredients:
Cashew Milk (Filtered Water, Raw Cashews), Cane Sugar, Coconut Cream, Virgin Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Wheat Flour, Cocoa Powder, Sunflower Oil, Vanilla Extract (Grain Alcohol, Vanilla Bean), Baking Soda, Sunflower Lecithin, Salt, Carob Bean Gum
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Van Leeuwen Vegan Cookies & Cream Caramel Swirl ice cream is a product that stands to improve significantly in terms of providing a cleaner eating option. The non-organic nature of this dessert deducts from its cleanliness score, as the absence of an organic certification often raises concerns about pesticide use and environmental impact. Additionally, while it does not contain GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect, the presence of added sugars detracts from its healthfulness.
The product’s ingredient list includes cashew milk, cane sugar, coconut cream, virgin coconut oil, cocoa butter, wheat flour, cocoa powder, sunflower oil, vanilla extract, baking soda, sunflower lecithin, salt, and carob bean gum. The use of cane sugar, specifically, is a significant factor in reducing the product’s score because it contributes to the overall sugar content. Although cane sugar is a natural sweetener, it is still a form of added sugar, which is less desirable in a clean diet.
The inclusion of virgin coconut oil and cocoa butter provides a source of plant-based fats, which aligns with the vegan nature of this ice cream. However, the use of sunflower oil, often processed and high in omega-6 fatty acids, may not be the healthiest option for fat content. The product could be improved by opting for healthier fat sources or by using oils with a more balanced fatty acid profile.
Moreover, the presence of wheat flour indicates that this product is not gluten-free, which could limit its suitability for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. The choice to include sunflower lecithin and carob bean gum is likely for emulsification and stabilization purposes, which is common in ice cream production.
The Van Leeuwen Vegan Cookies & Cream Caramel Swirl has room for improvement in its quest to offer a cleaner food product. By transitioning to organic ingredients and reducing added sugars, the product could enhance its nutritional profile and appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking cleaner, more wholesome dessert options.
Certifications:
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
How We Rate
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