Trader Joes
Flavor:
Blueberry & Lemon Hand Pies
Ingredients:
Blueberries, Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Butter (Cream [milk], Salt), Sugar, Lemon Juice From Concentrate (Water, Lemon Juice Concentrate), Contains 2% Or Less Of Modified Food Starch, Eggs, Glaze (Sugar, Agar-agar), Sugared Lemon (Lemon Peel, Sugar, Lemon Oil), Salt, Dextrose, Distilled Vinegar, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Cultured Wheat Starch (To Preserve), Wheat Flour, Natural Flavor, Calcium Citrate, Yeast, Microbial Enzyme, Caramel Color.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Blueberry & Lemon Hand Pies fall short of the cleaner food standards set by our website. These hand pies are not organic, and they are not made with non-GMO ingredients, which significantly impacts their rating. The inclusion of added sugars, specifically sugar and dextrose, further detracts from their score, as these ingredients are often associated with negative health effects when consumed in excess.
Moreover, the pies contain several additives that raise concerns. Natural flavors, while common in processed foods, are a broad category that can encompass a variety of chemical compounds, some of which may not align with clean eating principles. Enriched flour has been stripped of its natural nutrients and then fortified, a process that some health-conscious consumers avoid. Modified food starch is often used as a thickener or stabilizer but can be sourced from various crops that may be genetically modified. The presence of caramel color is particularly troubling, as it is a known additive with potential health risks and is often used solely for cosmetic purposes to alter the appearance of food products.
The use of cultured wheat starch as a preservative and microbial enzyme for dough conditioning are additional points of concern, suggesting that these pies are highly processed. While these ingredients are legal and approved for use in food products, they do not meet the criteria for those seeking whole, minimally processed options.
Overall, the Trader Joe’s Blueberry & Lemon Hand Pies are not recommended for consumers seeking clean, wholesome food choices. The product contains multiple ingredients that do not align with a diet focused on health and wellness. Consumers are advised to consider alternative products that prioritize organic ingredients, avoid GMOs, and limit additives and artificial components, to align more closely with a cleaner diet.
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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