Trader Joes

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Chocolate Covered Almonds are not recommended for those seeking cleaner food options. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which contributes to its low score. Additionally, it includes added sugars, specifically cane sugar, which is flagged as a harmful added sugar. The presence of potentially harmful additives, such as natural flavors and soy lecithin, further detracts from its rating. The use of titanium dioxide, a known harmful additive, is a significant concern and solidifies the product’s place at the bottom of the green leaf scale.

The ingredients list reveals a combination of white chocolate, almonds, dark chocolate, candy cane bits, and several additives. The white chocolate contains cane sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, soy lecithin as an emulsifier, and natural vanilla flavor. Almonds provide a nutty component to the product, while dark chocolate adds a richer taste, also containing cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, and soy lecithin. The candy cane bits are made from cane sugar, rice syrup, peppermint oil, and vegetable juice for color. Tapioca dextrin is used as a coating agent, and titanium dioxide is included for color.

This product does not align with the website’s goal of providing cleaner food options. Its composition of non-organic, GMO ingredients, added sugars, and harmful additives place it at odds with health-conscious consumers. The presence of titanium dioxide is particularly concerning due to its classification as a known harmful additive.

The Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Chocolate Covered Almonds receive the lowest possible green leaf rating due to these factors. Consumers seeking healthier, cleaner alternatives would be well-advised to consider other options that better meet the criteria for a higher green leaf rating.