Wendy’s

Rated at 1 out of 5 green leaves, Wendy’s Seasoned Potatoes fall at the bottom of our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, factors that significantly reduce its score on our health-conscious scale. Additionally, the presence of added sugars, specifically sugar and dextrose, further detracts from its rating, indicating a less desirable choice for those seeking natural, wholesome foods.

The ingredient list reveals several components that contribute to the product’s low score. It includes potentially harmful additives such as xanthan gum, modified food starch, and corn starch, which are often used to alter texture and extend shelf life but are not aligned with the clean food philosophy. The oils used in the product, including canola and soybean oil, are considered harmful in our assessment due to their processing methods and potential health implications.

Wendy’s Seasoned Potatoes also contain a variety of other ingredients that raise concern. These include artificial leavening agents and colorants like annatto, which, although not uncommon in fast-food items, do not meet the criteria for clean, minimally processed foods.

The cooking process involves oils that may contain a mix of canola, corn, or cottonseed, along with hydrogenated soybean oil and an anti-foaming agent, dimethylpolysiloxane. These ingredients are viewed unfavorably on our scale because they often undergo heavy processing and may have adverse health effects.

Given the product’s composition and our stringent criteria for cleaner eating, Wendy’s Seasoned Potatoes receive the lowest possible score on our green leaf rating system. This assessment is based on the presence of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, and oils. Consumers seeking cleaner, healthier food options would be advised to consider alternative choices that align better with a diet focused on natural and unprocessed ingredients.