Wendy’s

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Wendy’s Classic Chocolate Frosty® ranks low on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients. The presence of added sugars, including sugar, dextrose, and corn syrup, significantly detracts from its score. Moreover, the Frosty includes potentially harmful additives such as natural vanilla flavor, mono and diglycerides, and sodium citrate, which further reduce its standing. Most concerning is the inclusion of carrageenan, an additive known for its controversial health effects.

The Frosty is composed of several base ingredients like milk, cream, and cocoa, but these are overshadowed by the assortment of less desirable components. The use of nonfat dry milk and whey are common in frozen desserts, yet they do not mitigate the negative impact of the other ingredients. Guar gum, cellulose gum, and calcium sulfate serve as thickeners and stabilizers, but their presence does not improve the product’s rating.

The Frosty also falls short due to the absence of any mention of palm oil in the ingredient list, suggesting an oversight in the scoring process. Nonetheless, the product’s overall composition leads to its low rating. It is clear that the Wendy’s Classic Chocolate Frosty® does not align with the goals of those seeking cleaner, healthier food options. As such, we recommend consumers steer clear of this product in favor of alternatives that prioritize organic, non-GMO ingredients without added sugars and harmful additives.