Trader Joes
Flavor:
Mushroom & Truffle Flavored Pesto
Ingredients:
Oil Blend (Canola Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil), Grated Romano Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme), Portabella Mushrooms, Cremini Mushrooms, White Truffle Oil (Canola Oil, White Truffle Extract, Natural Truffle Flavor), Shiitake Mushrooms, Salt, Cultured Dextrose, Pine Nuts, Parsley, Citric Acid (Acidifier), Ground Black Pepper, Rosemary Extract (To Preserve), Ascorbic Acid (Acidifier).
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Mushroom & Truffle Flavored Pesto is a product that falls significantly short of our cleaner food criteria. This pesto, which is not organic, includes an oil blend with canola oil, a non-GMO ingredient. The presence of canola oil contributes to its low rating due to the potential health concerns associated with its consumption.
The ingredient list reveals the inclusion of citric acid and cultured dextrose, both of which contribute to a reduced score because they are considered added sugars, with dextrose being particularly detrimental. Furthermore, the pesto contains natural truffle flavor, which falls under potentially harmful additives, resulting in additional points being deducted.
Trader Joe’s choice to use a combination of Romano cheese, a variety of mushrooms, and pine nuts could have been the foundation for a healthier option. However, the product’s reliance on non-organic ingredients and the incorporation of those that raise health concerns overshadow any potential benefits.
The use of rosemary extract and ascorbic acid as preservatives is notable, but they do not compensate for the presence of other less desirable ingredients. The assessment of this product is clear: it is not aligned with the mission to offer cleaner food options. The pesto’s composition, with particular emphasis on its use of canola oil, added sugars, and flavor additives, makes it a product to avoid for those seeking healthier alternatives in their diet.
For consumers prioritizing cleaner and healthier ingredients, this Trader Joe’s pesto does not meet the standards. The product’s low green leaf rating reflects its position at the bottom of the spectrum in terms of healthfulness and ingredient quality within the market.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
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How We Rate
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for society, and for our ecosystem