Trader Joes

Awarded 3 out of 5 green leaves, Trader Joe’s Chocolate Hazelnut Ground Coffee lands squarely in the middle of the pack on our cleaner food scale. This product offers a straightforward ingredient list, featuring Arabica coffee and natural flavors. However, its lack of organic certification and non-GMO ingredients contributes to its average score.

The coffee itself is made from Arabica beans, a common and popular choice for coffee drinkers due to its smooth and desirable flavor profile. Yet, the inclusion of ‘natural flavors’ in the ingredient list raises concerns. The term ‘natural flavors’ encompasses a broad range of possible ingredients, some of which may not align with the clean eating principles that many consumers strive for. Because of this ambiguity, and the potential for these flavors to be sourced from less desirable inputs, the product takes a hit in our scoring system.

Additionally, this coffee has not been certified organic. Organic products are typically grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), factors that are often important to those seeking cleaner food options. The absence of an organic label suggests that the coffee may have been produced with conventional agricultural practices, which can involve chemicals and practices that some consumers prefer to avoid.

Furthermore, the product does not explicitly state that it uses non-GMO ingredients. GMOs are a subject of debate in the food industry, with some advocating for their safety and benefits, while others call for caution and labeling transparency. Our scoring reflects the preference for non-GMO products that many health-conscious consumers share.

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Hazelnut Ground Coffee is a product that finds itself in the middle ground. It avoids a lengthy list of artificial additives but falls short of the cleaner, more natural standards that many seek out. For those looking for an average option that doesn’t excel in organic or non-GMO credentials but also doesn’t contain a plethora of additives, this coffee may fit the bill. However, for the clean-eating purist, it’s clear that there are more suitable options available that would better meet their strict criteria for a healthier cup of joe.