Menu
Trader Joes
Flavor:
Strawberry Lemonade Joe-Joe's
Ingredients:
Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Powdered Sugar (Sugar, Cornstarch), Palm Oil, Sugar, Contains 2% Or Less Of Freeze Dried Strawberry Pieces, Invert Sugar, Leavening (Baking Soda, Ammonium Bicarbonate), Sea Salt, Soy Lecithin, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Freeze Dried Lemon Pieces, Color Added (Annatto Extract, Vegetable Juice).
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Strawberry Lemonade Joe-Joe’s fall short of cleaner food standards. The product is not organic, a factor that detracts from its overall score, reflecting a less eco-conscious production process. Additionally, the inclusion of genetically modified ingredients further diminishes its standing in the realm of health-conscious options.
The presence of added sugars, specifically sugar and citric acid, raises concerns about the nutritional value of these cookies. The sugar content contributes to the overall caloric intake without offering essential nutrients, while citric acid, although naturally occurring, is often included to enhance flavor and can contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time.
The product also contains several ingredients that raise flags for their potential health implications. Natural flavors, while ubiquitous in processed foods, are a blanket term that can hide a variety of chemical compounds. The enriched flour, although fortified with vitamins, has undergone processing that strips away certain nutritional benefits found in whole grains. Soy lecithin, used as an emulsifier, is often derived from soybeans that are genetically modified. Ammonium bicarbonate serves as a leavening agent but can cause irritation when consumed in large quantities.
Palm oil is another contentious ingredient due to its links to deforestation and habitat destruction, as well as its saturated fat content, which is associated with heart disease. The inclusion of palm oil not only affects the product’s environmental footprint but also its position as a healthful option.
The Trader Joe’s Strawberry Lemonade Joe-Joe’s have room for improvement. To align with cleaner, more healthful food options, the product would benefit from a revision of its ingredient list, opting for organic, non-GMO ingredients, and eliminating additives that offer minimal nutritional value or pose potential health risks. By addressing these concerns, it could become a more viable choice for consumers seeking foods that are both enjoyable and responsible.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem