Trader Joes
Flavor:
Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists
Ingredients:
Peanut Butter Candy Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, Nonfat Dry Milk, Peanut Oil, Salt, Soy Lecithin [emulsifier])
Pretzels (Unbleached Enriched Flour [wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Canola Oil, Tapioca Malt Syrup [tapioca Syrup, Malted Barley Extract], Salt, Yeast, Baking Soda), Candy Coated Dark Chocolate Gems (Dark Chocolate [unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar , Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin {emulsifier}, Natural Vanilla Flavor], Sugar, Acacia Gum, Tapioca Syrup, Color Added [turmeric Oleoresin, Spirulina Extract, Vegetable Juice], Carnauba Wax), Joe Joe Cookie Bits (Unbleached Enriched Flour [wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Sugar, Soybean Oil, Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Contains Less Than 2% Of Baking Soda, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Invert Sugar, Sea Salt, Soy Lecithin [emulsifier], Natural Flavors, Cocoa Powder, Coffee Powder).
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rating: 1/5 Green Leaves
Trader Joe’s Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists carry our lowest green leaf rating, indicating that consumers seeking cleaner food options should avoid this product. This rating reflects the numerous concerns that arise from the ingredients list, which fails to meet the criteria for a cleaner, healthier snack.
The product is not organic, contributing to its low score, as the preference for many health-conscious consumers today leans towards organically sourced foods. Furthermore, the pretzel twists are not made with non-GMO ingredients, raising additional flags for those looking to steer clear of genetically modified foods.
Added sugars are prevalent in the form of malt syrup and sugar, which are ingredients commonly associated with negative health effects when consumed in excess. Tapioca syrup, another form of sugar present, is considered even more harmful due to its high fructose content and its impact on blood sugar levels.
The inclusion of potentially harmful additives is another concern. Natural flavors, while seemingly innocuous, are often criticized for their lack of transparency, as they can encompass a range of undisclosed chemical components. Enriched flour, while fortified with vitamins, often lacks the nutritional value found in whole grain counterparts. Soy lecithin and ammonium bicarbonate are used as emulsifiers and leavening agents, respectively, but their inclusion is generally unwanted by those seeking pure, unadulterated foods.
Harmful oils such as peanut oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and particularly palm kernel oil, which is associated with environmental concerns due to its role in deforestation, further detract from the product’s rating. These oils are often highly processed and may contain trans fats, which are linked to various health issues.
Trader Joe’s Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists are therefore not recommended for those seeking healthier, cleaner eating options. The product’s extensive use of non-organic, GMO, and potentially harmful ingredients, along with added sugars and oils, justify its lowest possible green leaf rating. Consumers are advised to consider alternative snacks that prioritize organic, non-GMO ingredients without the addition of sugars and unhealthy fats.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
How We Rate
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