Trader Joes
Flavor:
Fruity Chewy Candy
Ingredients:
Corn Syrup, Cane Sugar, Coconut Oil, Gum Arabic, Mono- And Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids, Citric Acid (Acidulant), Contains 2% Or Less Of Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Glycerin, Color Added (Fruit Juice, Vegetable Juice), Invert Sugar Syrup, Sunflower Lecithin, Sunflower Oil.
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Fruity Chewy Candy falls short on the scale of cleaner food options. The product’s inclusion of ingredients such as corn syrup, cane sugar, coconut oil, and various additives reflects a composition that strays from the ideal of wholesome simplicity. It is not organic, a characteristic that deducts from its overall score. Furthermore, the absence of a non-GMO certification raises concerns about the potential use of genetically modified ingredients.
The presence of added sugars is a significant factor in the product’s low rating. Both cane sugar and corn syrup contribute to the high sugar content, which is a common issue in processed foods. Additionally, citric acid, while commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer, is also counted among the added sugars, contributing to the deduction in score.
The product’s ingredient list includes several items that raise red flags for those seeking cleaner food options. Natural flavors, while seemingly innocuous, are a vague category that does not disclose the exact substances used, leaving consumers in the dark about what they are ingesting. Similarly, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, glycerin, and other additives are often synthesized in laboratories and do not align with a clean eating philosophy.
The presence of color added from fruit juice and vegetable juice, as well as sea salt, shows some consideration for natural sourcing. However, this is overshadowed by the inclusion of other less desirable ingredients. Sunflower lecithin and sunflower oil, while not inherently harmful, do not contribute positively to the product’s clean food status due to the overall composition of the candy.
The Trader Joe’s Fruity Chewy Candy, with its 2/5 green leaves rating, clearly has room for improvement. To better align with the goal of offering cleaner food options, a reformulation that emphasizes organic, non-GMO, and minimally processed ingredients would be necessary. As it stands, this product does not meet the criteria for those seeking a healthier and more transparent alternative in their confectionery choices.
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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