Publix Sandwich Cookies, Chocolate Creme — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Publix Sandwich Cookies, Chocolate Creme by Publix DUMP — score 17/90.

This Oreo dupe is built on hydrogenated soybean oil, a source of industrial trans fat that is unacceptable regardless of how good it tastes. Layer on refined flour, two sugars, artificial flavor, propylene glycol, and caramel color and you have an ultra-processed cookie start to finish. The lower price does not change what is in the package.

Why this verdict

• Contains hydrogenated soybean oil, a source of trans fat
• Refined flour plus sugar plus molasses hyper-palatable formulation
• Natural and artificial flavors plus caramel color with sulfites
• Industrial humectants: propylene glycol and ethyl alcohol

Ingredients (9)

• HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL (avoid) — A source of trans fat; an automatic red flag regardless of anything else.
• wheat flour (moderate) — Thickening agent, not harmful but adds processing.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
• cocoa processed with alkali (safe) — Dutched cocoa for chocolate flavor and color.
• molasses (moderate) — A second sweetener for color and flavor. Minor, but it stacks on top of the sugar.
• Natural and Artificial Flavors (caution) — Undisclosed lab flavoring - the artificial half signals engineering.
• propylene glycol (caution) — Industrial humectant to keep the creme soft. Approved but not a kitchen ingredient.
• Caramel Color with Sulfites (caution) — Artificial coloring; some caramel colors carry a processing-contaminant concern.
• Soy Lecithin (safe) — Common emulsifier, generally benign in these amounts.