Why Clean Label Equals Happy Gut

What is a Clean Label Product?

The rise of the clean label movement signals a pivotal shift in consumer demand: people want more transparency about what they put into their bodies. A clean label product features ingredients that are simple, recognizable, and minimally processed.

When you pick up a clean label item, you should find ingredients you'd recognize in your own kitchen, like cinnamon, salt, or pumpkin puree. Try picking up a bottle of condiments in a supermarket, let’s say a ketchup, and you might be surprised by the complex chemicals, artificial preservatives, synthetic colors, or artificial flavors it contains.

While there isn't yet a single, universal regulatory definition, the movement gives consumers a peace of mind. By focusing on simple, natural components, manufacturers align with what consumers want: real food. Our best tip for consumers is to always check the ingredient list as the truest test.

Why is Gut Health Important?

You may not realize this, but your gut health affects nearly every aspect of your overall health. Your digestive system is not just a place to break down food, it’s also a central hub for absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste from the body.

Aside from supporting your immune system and physical health, gut health has also shown benefits for emotional and cognitive health through the gut-brain axis. This refers to the bidirectional communication between the brain and peripheral intestinal functions.

Failure to maintain our gut health could lead to a range of health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, and even mental health disorders.

The Problem with Ultraprocessed Foods

Ultraprocessed foods or UPF are the opposite of clean labels. These products contain highly processed foods with artificial ingredients, colors, and flavors, which is where the problem lies.

If you want to avoid these products, here’s a clue: a tell-tale sign of a UPF food is a long list of unfamiliar ingredients. Furthermore, some labelling practices may mislead consumers from differentiating between UPFs and truly clean-label foods.

For example, the use of “natural aroma of” to make UPFs seem “cleaner”, when in fact it’s biotechnologically derived and lab-made - something far from natural. Instead, go for products with 100% natural labels which guarantees that every single component is from nature and minimally processed.

Impact of UPF on Gut Health

Research suggests that consuming ultra processed food with additives and artificial ingredients could negatively impact your gut health. It disrupts the gut microbiome, a community of microbes that regulates the intestinal functions by producing or modifying chemicals needed during metabolism.

These substances often fail to provide the essential nutrients that beneficial bacteria need to thrive. When the "good guys" starve, the population of less-beneficial bacteria can increase, disrupting the delicate balance required for optimal intestinal function.

The Clean Label Solution for Your Gut

The solution is simple: embrace the clean label movement. By choosing foods rich in whole, recognizable, and natural ingredients, you are choosing a diet that is naturally high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals – everything your gut microbiome craves.

This approach means:

• Nourishing your microbiome: Natural ingredients provide abundant prebiotics, which are the specialized plant fibers that act as food for beneficial gut bacteria and promote diversity.
• Fighting inflammation: By actively removing the most common inflammatory triggers (artificial additives and excess simple sugars), you allow your gut to calm down, heal the intestinal lining, and maintain a strong barrier against pathogens and toxins.

Tripper's All Natural Spice Products for Gut Health

Spices are often called one of the "super six foods" that can improve gut health because they contain nutritional compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants. At Tripper, we understand that quality and purity matter most, especially when it comes to supporting your well-being.

Here are just a few of Tripper's clean-label spices that actively support a healthier gut:

• Ginger: Known for its role for soothing the stomach, aiding digestion, and reducing nausea. It has been used for generations to help with aiding digestion.
• Cinnamon: Cinnammon shows potential to protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is rich in polyphenols, a beneficial group of antioxidants which could prevent inflammation.
• Cloves: It promotes the balance of gut microbiome and aids digestion. It contains antimicrobial properties which could eliminate “bad bacteria” and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation.
• Nutmeg: Similar to cloves, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which are beneficial for gut health.
• Turmeric: Turmeric may diversify your gut microbiome, fortify intestinal barrier, and soothe the digestive system. Traditionally, the spice is used to alleviate stomach bloating.

Our Commitment to Clean Label and Your Peace of Mind

With Tripper, you get more than just spices; you get a genuine clean label guarantee and peace of mind.

We commit to crafting minimally processed products that are 100% all-natural and completely free from artificial additives. Our unique supply chain ensures this commitment from farm to finished product: we maintain continual partnerships with our farmers, manage in-house production of our spices, and stay in direct touch with our customers. This control ensures the highest level of purity and traceability.

Moreover, our dedication extends to the planet. We constantly work with our partner farmers to implement sustainable practices and hold various certifications, including Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Regenerative Agriculture certifications. To learn more about our standards, please visit our certifications page.

Final Take: Go with Your Gut Instinct

When it comes to gut health, the old saying is right: you are what you eat. It’s time to ditch the products that are laden with artificial ingredients and make a move toward clean labels.

By partnering with Tripper, you’re guaranteed brand protection with our single origin, all-natural, clean label products that today’s consumers are actively seeking. Not only are you supporting their gut health, but you’re also gaining the confidence that comes with complete ingredient transparency.

Don’t wait a second longer to elevate your products or your diet. Contact our team and start your clean label product innovation journey now!

FAQs

Is "clean label" the same as "organic"?

No, a clean label is not the same as organic, although a product can be both. Clean label refers to a product using familiar, recognizable, and natural ingredients, free from additives. On the other hand, organic refers to a product that’s grown and processed without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs.

Why is gut health important?

Gut health is important because it’s your body’s center for digestion, which means it relates to nutrient absorption and eliminating waste. This means a healthy gut could mean better overall health – mentally, physically, and cognitively.

How can a clean-label diet improve my gut health?

A clean label diet may improve your gut health by reducing your intake of artificial additives which are shown to negatively impact your gut microbiome, increase intestinal permeability, and trigger inflammation.

Can I still eat out while following a clean-label approach diet?

Yes you can! Try selecting dishes with whole unprocessed ingredients or asking the staff for information if needed. For example, choosing grilled or steamed options and asking for sauces on the side to avoid additives.

What are the super six foods for gut health?

The super six foods that are good for gut health are: herbs and spices, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes (beans and pulses), and nuts and seeds.