Trader Joes

Trader Joe’s Chocolate earns a 1/5 green leaf rating on our health-conscious scale, indicating it falls short of our standards for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which significantly impacts its score. Additionally, the inclusion of added sugars, specifically cane sugar, detracts from its healthfulness. The presence of potentially harmful additives, labeled as natural flavors, and the use of canola oil, which we classify as a harmful oil, further diminish its standing.

The ingredient list reveals cooked chickpeas, water, cane sugar, cocoa processed with baking soda, expeller pressed canola oil, sea salt, tahini, natural flavor, and nisin. While chickpeas and tahini are nutritious components, the product’s overall health benefits are overshadowed by less desirable ingredients. The cane sugar and cocoa processed with baking soda contribute to the added sugars content. Canola oil is a contentious ingredient due to its processing methods and potential health implications. The term ‘natural flavor’ is broad and unspecific, raising concerns about the true nature of the additives used.

Our rigorous review process aims to identify and recommend food products that contribute to a healthier diet amidst a market saturated with unhealthy alternatives. Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s Chocolate does not meet the criteria to be considered a cleaner food option. The use of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and potentially harmful additives and oils leads to its low rating. Consumers seeking healthier choices are advised to look for products with higher green leaf ratings that align with a clean eating philosophy.

The final assessment of Trader Joe’s Chocolate is clear: it is a product that does not align with our standards for clean eating. With a 1/5 green leaf rating, it sits at the lower end of our scale, and we recommend consumers opt for healthier alternatives that are organic, non-GMO, and free from added sugars and harmful additives.