Chopped Hazelnuts — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Chopped Hazelnuts by Diamond Foods Inc. OKAY — score 60/90.

Basically just hazelnuts, but Diamond uses synthetic BHT to keep them fresh instead of a natural antioxidant. Whole nut, one lab-made additive.

Why this verdict

• Core ingredient is whole hazelnuts: good fats, fiber, vitamin E
• BHT is a synthetic preservative, not a natural one (rosemary extract exists)
• BHT has animal-study safety concerns and is restricted in some countries
• No added sugar, salt, or oils, naturally cholesterol free

Ingredients (2)

• HAZELNUTS (safe) — Whole tree nut, rich in monounsaturated fat, fiber, vitamin E and ALA omega-3. Genuinely good for you.
• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) (moderate) — Synthetic antioxidant added to stop the nut oils going rancid. Animal studies raise questions and it is restricted in parts of the EU and Japan; a natural alternative exists.