Trader Joes

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Fig Cookies present a challenge for consumers seeking cleaner food options. This rating reflects the product’s composition, which includes several ingredients that do not align with the healthier standards set by our website’s criteria.

The cookies are not certified organic, which detracts from their score. Despite the inclusion of non-GMO ingredients, the product still falls short in this category. The presence of multiple types of added sugars—cane sugar, tapioca syrup, and organic agave syrup—further impacts the rating negatively. These sugars contribute to the overall caloric content without providing substantial nutritional benefits.

Moreover, the cookies contain ingredients like natural flavors and soy lecithin, which are considered potentially harmful additives. These components are often scrutinized for their ambiguous origins and potential health implications. The enriched flour, which has been fortified with vitamins and minerals, may seem beneficial at first glance. However, it is often processed more heavily than whole grain options, which can strip away natural nutrients.

The inclusion of palm oil is another significant factor in the low rating. Palm oil production has been associated with environmental concerns, such as deforestation and habitat destruction, which raises ethical questions about its use in food products.

Overall, the Trader Joe’s Fig Cookies earn the lowest possible score on our green leaf rating due to these concerns. The combination of non-organic status, GMO ingredients, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, and the use of palm oil positions the product as a less desirable choice for those seeking clean and healthy food options. Consumers are advised to consider these factors and opt for alternatives that better meet the criteria for clean eating.