Yum Earth Candy

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Yum Earth Candy Ultimate Anti-oxidant Lollipops fall at the lowest end of the scale on our clean food meter. This product is not organic and its ingredient list raises several concerns regarding health and wellness. These lollipops contain both organic cane sugar and organic brown rice syrup, which contribute to the product’s high added sugars content. The presence of citric acid furthers the count of added sugars.

Moreover, the item includes organic natural flavors, a term which lacks transparency and could hide a range of unspecified ingredients. The use of maltodextrin, a highly processed thickener or filler, is also problematic due to its potential impact on blood sugar levels and gut health. Additionally, vitamin A in the form of palmitate is derived from palm oil, which carries its own set of environmental and health concerns due to the way palm oil is often produced and processed.

Despite the presence of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, the negative aspects of the other ingredients overshadow these potential benefits. The coloring agents, while organic and derived from natural sources like carrot, radish, and apple, along with organic turmeric extract, do not compensate for the other less desirable ingredients.

The product does avoid the use of GMO ingredients, but this single positive factor is not enough to elevate its standing on our scale. The cumulative presence of added sugars, potentially harmful additives, known harmful additives, and harmful oils leads to the recommendation to avoid this product. Consumers seeking cleaner food options would be well-advised to look for products with a higher green leaf rating that prioritize healthful ingredients and transparent practices.