Trader Joes
Flavor:
Just The Lobsters
Ingredients:
Cane Sugar, Invert Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Modified Cornstarch, Dextrose, Citric Acid (Acidifier), Natural Flavors, Fruit And Vegetable Juice For Color, Sodium Citrate, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Carnauba Wax.
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, Trader Joe’s Just The Lobsters gummies fall short of clean eating standards. This product, although organic, harbors a range of ingredients that raise concerns for those seeking healthier food options.
Trader Joe’s Just The Lobsters is an organic candy, but its organic status does not mitigate the presence of multiple ingredients that detract from its overall healthfulness. The use of added sugars, including cane sugar, invert sugar, and tapioca syrup, contributes to a significant reduction in its green leaf rating. Added sugars are known to have detrimental health effects when consumed in excess, and their presence in this product is substantial.
Moreover, the inclusion of dextrose, another form of added sugar, further impacts the product’s standing. Dextrose is a simple sugar that can contribute to the overall sugar content and is often used to enhance sweetness. The product’s score also suffers due to the absence of non-GMO verification. While some consumers may not prioritize non-GMO ingredients, this attribute is increasingly sought after in the clean eating community.
The presence of potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors and sodium citrate is another area of concern. Natural flavors are a vague term that does not disclose the exact substances used, creating uncertainty about their origins and effects. Sodium citrate, while generally recognized as safe, is nonetheless an additive that some consumers prefer to avoid.
Trader Joe’s Just The Lobsters also features citric acid, an acidifier that contributes to the tangy taste but can also act as a preservative. The use of organic sunflower oil and organic carnauba wax, both of which serve as processing aids, does little to enhance the product’s health profile.
The product’s score reflects a need for improvement. To align with cleaner food standards, a reformulation to reduce added sugars and eliminate questionable additives would be necessary. For those seeking the healthiest food options, Trader Joe’s Just The Lobsters may not be the ideal choice, as evidenced by its low green leaf rating.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
Alternatives
No Items found.
How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem