Trader Joes

The Trader Joe’s Fromage Pavé Red Chili Pepper earns a score of 2 out of 5 green leaves on our clean food rating scale. This cheese product is a non-organic option in the market, which detracts from its clean food credentials. Additionally, the lack of non-GMO certification further impacts its standing as a cleaner choice for consumers.

The inclusion of citric acid as an added sugar reduces the product’s score, as it does not align with our standards for clean eating. Furthermore, the presence of xanthan gum, a stabilizer often used in food processing, is a notable concern. This additive is considered potentially harmful and contributes to the product’s lower rating.

The ingredient list reveals the use of pasteurized milk and cream, along with a chili pepper blend that includes red bell peppers, water, jalapeño peppers, salt, cayenne pepper, and the aforementioned xanthan gum and citric acid. Cheese cultures, salt, and microbial enzyme complete the composition of this product.

Overall, the Trader Joe’s Fromage Pavé Red Chili Pepper does not meet the criteria for a clean and healthy food product as defined by our standards. The absence of organic ingredients and the presence of non-GMO elements and additives such as xanthan gum and citric acid are significant factors in its evaluation. While it may offer a spicy cheese option for those not strictly adhering to clean eating principles, it falls short for those seeking the cleanest food products. The 2 out of 5 green leaves rating reflects the need for improvements in the product’s ingredient profile to achieve a higher standing in the clean food market.