Trader Joes
Flavor:
Stepping It Up Spicy Snack Bar Mix
Ingredients:
Sweet Jalapeno Pretzel Pieces (Pretzels [unbleached Wheat Flour, Yeast, Baking Soda, Sodium Hydroxide {processing Aid}], Vegetable Oil [peanut, Safflower, And/or Sunflower Oil], Seasoning [sugar, Salt, Jalapeno Powder, Yeast extract, Citric Acid {acidulant}, Parsley, Natural Flavors]), Pasilla Chile And Sesame Chips (Unbleached Enriched Flour [wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Soybean Oil, Sesame Seeds, Bulgur Wheat, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Pasilla Chile Pepper, Spices, Sugar, Sea Salt, Brown Sugar, Molasses Powder [molasses, Maltodextrin], Garlic Powder, Yeast extract, Onion Powder, Citric Acid [acidulant], Salt, Turmeric [color], Beet Powder [color]), Spicy Cheese Corn Sticks (Yellow Corn Flour, Soybean Oil, Sea Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Monterey Jack Cheese [milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Microbial Enzyme], Jalapeno Pepper Powder, Cheddar Cheese [milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Microbial Enzyme], Whey, Black Pepper, Natural Flavor, Buttermilk, Salt, Citric Acid [acidulant], Disodium Phosphate, Paprika Oleoresin [color], Trace Of Lime), Spicy Chile Almonds (Almonds, Seasoning [chile Powder Blend {chile Pepper, Cayenne Pepper}, Maltodextrin, Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Lime Juice Powder {Maltodextrin, Lime Juice Concentrate}, Contains 2% Of Less Of Natural Flavors, Citric Acid {acidulant}, Paprika Oleoresin {color}, Safflower Oil], Vegetable Oil [peanut, Safflower, And/or Sunflower Oil]), Chile Lemon Corn Nuggets (Roasted Corn Kernels [corn, Canola Oil], Seasoning [sea Salt, Red Bell Pepper Powder, Chile Pepper, Citric Acid {acidulant}, Maltodextrin, Paprika {color}, Lemon Juice Solids, Natural Flavor], Vegetable Oil [peanut, Safflower, And/or Sunflower Oil]).
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Stepping It Up Spicy Snack Bar Mix falls short of the cleaner food options we advocate for on our website. This snack mix is not organic and includes genetically modified ingredients, which detracts significantly from its overall healthfulness.
The product’s ingredient list reveals the presence of added sugars, including molasses, brown sugar, and sugar, contributing to its low score. These sugars, while common in many snack foods, are discouraged for those seeking healthier alternatives. Furthermore, citric acid, which is often used as a preservative, is also considered an added sugar in this context.
The mix contains several potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors and enriched flour. These ingredients are often criticized for their ambiguous nature and potential health implications. Enriched flour, while common in processed foods, lacks the nutritional value found in whole grain counterparts.
Most concerning are the known harmful additives, with maltodextrin singled out for its negative health impact. This ingredient is frequently used as a thickener or filler but has been associated with spikes in blood sugar levels and could disrupt gut health.
Additionally, the mix includes oils that are less than ideal for health-conscious consumers. Safflower oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and unspecified vegetable oils are used in the product. These oils are often highly processed and may contain unhealthy fats.
Trader Joe’s Stepping It Up Spicy Snack Bar Mix does not align with our mission to promote cleaner, healthier food choices. Due to its non-organic nature, inclusion of GMOs, added sugars, and harmful additives, as well as the utilization of less desirable oils, we advise consumers to seek alternative snack options that better meet the criteria for a wholesome diet.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
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