Citrus
Dole Mandarin Oranges
113 g
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
Why it scores 76
Dole Mandarin Oranges scores 76 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 2.5 points Natural flavors: "Natural flavor" is a legal category (21 CFR 101.22(a)(3)): flavor substances from spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy or fermentation. Info
- minus 2.5 points Monk fruit extract: WHO (2023) recommends against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight (conditional recommendation); US dietary guidelines advise limiting them. Emerging
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better canned fruit and fruit cups
-
Lite mandarin orange peeled segments Kroger · 10.5 oz/297 g Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 24 points higher -
Mandarin Orange Segments Sprouts Farmers Market · 11 oz Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 24 points higher -
Navel oranges Ahold · 8 lb/3.62 kg Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 98 out of 100 , 22 points higher -
Sweet harvest mandarin oranges whole segments in light syrup Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 24 points higher -
Mandarin oranges Freshona · 452 g Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 92 out of 100 , 16 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Mandarin Oranges
Ingredients
- Natural flavors minus 2.5 points
- Monk fruit extract minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 2 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 1.5 points
100 − 24.5 = 75.5 → 76
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 31 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.8 g |
| Sugars | 3.9 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Protein | 0.8 g |
| Salt | 0 g |
Serving: 112.99999999999999g
Ingredients
- MANDARIN ORANGES
- WATER
- NATURAL FLAVORS
- MONK FRUIT CONCENTRATE
- ASCORBIC ACID (TO PROMOTE COLOR RETENTION)
- CITRIC ACID
Label text, as published
MANDARIN ORANGES, WATER, NATURAL FLAVORS, MONK FRUIT CONCENTRATE, ASCORBIC ACID (TO PROMOTE COLOR RETENTION), AND CITRIC ACID.
Allergens and diets
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Packaging
Paper
Context only: no points in v1.
More citrus on GoodSwap
-
Mandarin Oranges Dole · 4 lb (1.81 kg) Contains added sugars Score 79 out of 100 Good -
Seedless Clementine Mandarins Cuties · 5 lb No additives Score 100 out of 100 Excellent - Mandarin Oranges In Pear Juice From Concentrate 365 Everyday Value · 10.5 oz/298 g Contains added sugars Score 75 out of 100 Good
More from Dole
Sources
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org