Trader Joes
Flavor:
Everything but the Bagel Seasoned Crackers
Ingredients:
Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), High-oleic Sunflower Oil, Whole Wheat Flour, Cane Sugar, Roasted Soy Grits, Wheat Bran, Leavening (Ammonium bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Baking Soda), Contains 2% Of Less Of Invert Sugar, Rolled Oats, Salt, Caraway Seeds, Dried Garlic, Dried Onions, Poppy Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Oat Fiber, Vital Wheat Gluten, Enzymes.
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Seasoned Crackers fall short in providing a cleaner food option. The product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which are significant considerations for health-conscious consumers. The presence of added sugars, specifically cane sugar, further detracts from its healthfulness. Additionally, the use of enriched flour and ammonium bicarbonate raises concerns about potential harm from additives.
The ingredient list reveals several areas for improvement. The crackers are made with unbleached enriched flour, a common ingredient that undergoes processing which strips away natural nutrients. Although manufacturers add vitamins like niacin and folic acid back into the flour, the process does not fully restore the nutritional profile of the whole grain.
High-oleic sunflower oil is used, which is a source of monounsaturated fats. While this type of oil is considered to be a healthier fat, the overall benefit is overshadowed by the presence of less desirable ingredients. The inclusion of whole wheat flour and wheat bran offers some redeeming fiber content, but these positives are offset by the addition of cane sugar and invert sugar, contributing to the overall sugar content.
The leavening agents, specifically ammonium bicarbonate, are another cause for concern. While commonly used in crackers to provide lightness and texture, ammonium bicarbonate can be a controversial additive for those seeking clean eating options.
The product also contains a mix of seeds and spices, such as caraway seeds, dried garlic, dried onions, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds, which align with the seasoning profile expected from an “Everything but the Bagel” flavor. However, these do not compensate for the other non-preferred ingredients.
The Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Seasoned Crackers have room for improvement to meet the criteria of a cleaner, healthier snack. The use of organic ingredients, the elimination of GMOs, and the reduction of added sugars and controversial additives would be necessary steps to enhance the product’s green leaf rating.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
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