Trader Joes
Flavor:
Five Seed Almond Bars
Ingredients:
Unbleached Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Folic Acid), Raisin Paste (Raisins), 5 Seed Blend (Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Kernels, Flax Seeds, Poppy Seeds), Butter (Cream, Salt), Brown Sugar, Sugar, Whole Eggs, Honey, Oats, Almonds, Fish Oil (Fish Oil, Rapeseed Lecithin, Mixed Tocopherol, Natural Essences, Ascorbyl Palmitate), Baking Soda, Cinnamon, Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (Leavening Agent), Sodium Bicarbonate, Cornstarch, Monocalcium Phosphate), Natural Vanilla Flavor (Water, Propylene Glycol, Sugar, Ethyl Alcohol, Natural Vanilla Type Flavor, Caramel Color), Cloves, Soy Lecithin.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, Trader Joe’s Five Seed Almond Bars fall significantly short in providing a cleaner, healthier food option. This product is not organic, and it is not verified as non-GMO, which are two key factors in our assessment. The inclusion of added sugars, such as brown sugar and sugar, further diminishes the product’s health value.
The bars contain a number of ingredients that raise concerns. Unbleached enriched wheat flour, while common, is considered less desirable than whole grain alternatives. The presence of soy lecithin, a common emulsifier, may not align with consumers seeking whole food ingredients. Additionally, the product includes caramel color and propylene glycol, which are flagged as potentially harmful additives. These components are often scrutinized for their safety and potential health implications.
Moreover, the bars are formulated with fish oil, which is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, the inclusion of rapeseed lecithin and mixed tocopherols in the fish oil blend may not sit well with those looking for pure and simple ingredients. Also, the product description mentions palm, but it is unclear if this refers to palm oil, which is often criticized for environmental and health concerns.
The variety of seeds and almonds in the bars do offer some nutritional benefits, such as fiber, protein, and healthy fats, but these positive aspects are overshadowed by the negatives highlighted. The product’s overall score reflects a combination of non-organic status, GMO presence, added sugars, and the use of certain additives and oils that are less than ideal for a health-conscious consumer.
Consumers are advised to consider other options that align more closely with the criteria for cleaner, healthier food choices. Trader Joe’s Five Seed Almond Bars, with their current ingredient profile and lack of organic and non-GMO certification, are not recommended for those seeking the healthiest options in the market.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
How We Rate
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for society, and for our ecosystem