Werther’s Original

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels receive the lowest score on our scale, reflecting the product’s alignment with ingredients and practices that our website deems unsuitable for those seeking cleaner food options. This product does not qualify as organic, incorporates GMOs, and features multiple types of added sugars including glucose syrup and cane syrup. It also contains artificial flavoring and palm oil, which are regarded as detrimental ingredients in our assessment criteria.

The product is made with glucose syrup derived from wheat or corn, which is a concern for those avoiding high sugar intake. It includes sugar and condensed skim milk, contributing to its sweet profile but also to its negative score due to the presence of added sugars. Sorbitol syrup, also sourced from wheat or corn, is another sweetening agent present in the caramels, leading to further deductions in its overall score.

The addition of artificial flavors raises significant red flags, as these are considered known harmful additives in our rating system. Soy lecithin, while a common emulsifier in many processed foods, is also flagged for its potential harm. The use of palm oil, a controversial ingredient due to its environmental impact and health implications, contributes to the low rating.

Furthermore, the product contains cream, whey, and butter, which are dairy-derived ingredients, and it lists reduced minerals whey and salt. While these might not directly impact the score as harshly as other ingredients, they are still noteworthy for those with dietary restrictions or who are mindful of their intake of dairy products.

Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels are not recommended based on our stringent criteria for cleaner food options. Our assessment highlights the presence of non-organic, GMO, and various harmful additives, making it clear that this product does not meet the standards for those seeking healthier and more environmentally conscious choices.