La Costena

Awarded a 3/5 green leaf rating, La Costena Mexican Hot Sauce lands squarely in the middle of the pack when it comes to cleaner food options. This product is neither the pinnacle of health-conscious choices nor a representation of the unhealthiest offerings on the market.

La Costena Mexican Hot Sauce is not an organic product, which detracts from its potential green leaf score. Additionally, the lack of a non-GMO certification further reduces its standing on our scale. The presence of artificial coloring is a notable concern, as this additive is one of the ingredients our scoring system penalizes for its potential health implications.

The sauce features a blend of jalapeno peppers, water, vinegar, carrots, onions, iodized salt, spices, and karaya gum. Karaya gum is a natural vegetable gum, but it is the artificial coloring that raises the most significant red flag. Many consumers seeking cleaner, more natural food products prefer items free from synthetic dyes due to the controversies surrounding their use.

The sauce’s composition reflects a mix of natural ingredients with a few elements that fall short of the purist’s ideal for clean eating. This balance is what positions the product at a mid-range score, making it a suitable option for those who are looking for a moderately healthy choice but are not strictly against all forms of additives.

La Costena Mexican Hot Sauce, with its 3/5 green leaf rating, offers a middle-ground option. It’s a product that straddles the line between health-conscious and conventional food choices, making it a potential consideration for consumers who are looking to improve their diet but are not yet fully committed to the most stringent clean eating standards.