Trader Joes
Flavor:
Dairy Free Shredded Spicy Mexican Style Blend Cheese Alternative
Ingredients:
Water, Coconut Oil, Modified Tapioca Starch/Flour, Modified Potato Starch, Modified Cornstarch, Potato Starch, Sea Salt, Dextrose, Tricalcium Phosphate, Seasoning Blend (Spices, Salt, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Brown Sugar, Tomato Granules, Dehydrated Garlic, Dehydrated Onion, Glucose Syrup [corn], Spice Extract), Lentil Protein, Dried Red Jalapeno Peppers, Natural Flavor, Olive Extract, Ground Cayenne Chili Pepper, Cumin, Paprika Oleoresin (Color), Beta Carotene (Color).
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Dairy Free Shredded Spicy Mexican Style Blend Cheese Alternative positions itself as a vegan-friendly option for consumers seeking dairy-free cheese. However, the product’s ingredient list raises concerns regarding its commitment to clean eating.
The cheese alternative is not organic, which detracts from its clean food potential. The presence of GMOs further diminishes its standing as a healthier option. Added sugars, such as brown sugar and sugar, are included in the seasoning blend, which may not align with the dietary goals of those looking for cleaner food choices. The product also contains dextrose and glucose syrup, which are additional forms of sugar that contribute to the overall negative assessment.
Moreover, the ingredient list reveals the inclusion of potentially harmful additives. The term ‘natural flavor’ is often a catch-all for unspecified compounds that may not fit the clean food ethos. Similarly, ‘flavor’ as an ingredient lacks transparency, leaving consumers in the dark about the exact substances they are ingesting.
The use of modified starches, such as modified tapioca starch, modified potato starch, and modified cornstarch, along with potato starch, may be a point of contention for those who prefer foods without heavily processed ingredients. The product does incorporate plant-based elements, such as lentil protein and olive extract, which are positive attributes. However, these are overshadowed by the aforementioned concerns.
The colorful appearance of the product is achieved through the use of beta carotene and paprika oleoresin, which serve as natural coloring agents. While these may be preferable to artificial colors, they do not offset the overall score influenced by other ingredients.
This Trader Joe’s cheese alternative, with a green leaf rating of 2/5, highlights the challenges faced by consumers in navigating the market for cleaner, health-conscious food products. Despite its dairy-free label, the product’s composition reflects a need for improvement to meet the standards of those seeking truly clean and wholesome options.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
Alternatives
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