Trader Joes

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, Trader Joe’s Premium Milk & Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds fall short in the clean food category on our website. The product is not organic, and it doesn’t use non-GMO ingredients, which are significant factors in our assessment. The inclusion of added sugars also detracts from its overall healthiness, while the presence of potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors and soy lecithin further diminishes its score.

The almonds start with a base of both milk and dark chocolate, which includes sugar, cocoa butter, and chocolate liquor. Whole milk powder is used in the milk chocolate, and milkfat appears in the dark chocolate variant. Soy lecithin, a common emulsifier, is present in both types of chocolate, and its inclusion is a point of concern for those seeking cleaner food options. The natural flavors found in the chocolate coatings are another contentious ingredient, as they are not clearly defined and could encompass a range of substances.

Dry roasted almonds are the core ingredient, encased in the chocolate. However, the presence of dextrin, derived from corn, adds another layer of complexity to the ingredient list. Confectioner’s shellac is used for the finishing touch, giving the almonds their shine, but it also contributes to the list of additives that may not align with a clean eating philosophy.

The use of these ingredients suggests that while the product may appeal to those looking for a chocolate-covered treat, it does not meet the strict criteria for clean and healthy eating set by our website. The almonds are penalized for not being organic, containing GMOs, added sugars, and questionable additives. The product’s score reflects these shortcomings, and it is clear that there are cleaner, more wholesome alternatives available in the market. Those seeking food products that adhere to the highest standards of health and transparency may need to look beyond these chocolate-covered almonds.