Trader Joes
Flavor:
Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies
Ingredients:
Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Apples, Butter (Cream [milk], Salt), Brown Sugar, Eggs, Water, Pumpkin Puree, Sugar, Whipping Cream (Cream [milk], Carrageenan), Contains 2% Or Less Of Glaze (Sugar, Agar-agar), Salt, Dextrose, Distilled White Vinegar, Cornstarch, Cultured Wheat Starch (To Preserve), Cinnamon, Yeast, Ginger, Nutmeg, Caramel Color, Enzymes, Allspice, Cloves.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies fall short in the clean eating category. This product is not organic and also contains GMO ingredients, which detracts from its overall healthfulness. The presence of added sugars, including brown sugar and sugar, further diminishes its standing. More concerning is the inclusion of dextrose, a form of sugar that is considered more harmful.
The pies also contain enriched flour, which, though common in baked goods, is often viewed as less healthy than its whole grain counterparts. The addition of caramel color is particularly troubling, as it is not only unnecessary but also associated with potential health risks. Carrageenan, another ingredient found in the whipping cream, has been the subject of debate due to concerns over its safety and potential inflammatory effects.
The product’s ingredient list reveals a reliance on additives and processed components, which goes against the principles of clean eating. The use of cultured wheat starch, while serving as a preservative, also points to a departure from whole, unprocessed foods. The inclusion of enzymes, although they are naturally occurring proteins that act as catalysts in foods, may raise questions for those seeking unadulterated products.
The Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies from Trader Joe’s, with their low green leaf rating, are not recommended for those seeking cleaner food options. The assortment of additives, GMO ingredients, and added sugars positions this product at the bottom tier of health-conscious choices. For consumers prioritizing natural, organic, and minimally processed foods, this product does not align with those values. Shoppers are advised to seek alternatives that better fit the criteria of clean eating and simplicity in ingredients.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
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