Trader Joes

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Organic Spicy Taco Sauce falls at the lowest end of the spectrum on our clean food guide. This product boasts an organic certification and non-GMO ingredients, yet it’s heavily penalized for including components that raise health concerns.

The sauce contains organic distilled white vinegar, organic tomato paste, and a blend of organic spices, which are straightforward and acceptable in a clean eating diet. However, the product includes organic cultured dextrose, a form of added sugar, which is a detriment to its overall score. Added sugars, even if organic, are often unnecessary and can contribute to various health issues when consumed in excess.

Furthermore, the inclusion of xanthan gum, a common food additive used as a thickener or stabilizer, detracts from the sauce’s purity. While xanthan gum is generally recognized as safe, there are concerns about its potential for causing digestive issues in some individuals. This contributes to the lowering of the product’s rating.

The presence of maltodextrin, a highly processed thickener or filler, also impacts the sauce’s score negatively. Maltodextrin is known to spike blood sugar levels and may disrupt gut bacteria. Its role in this product is a substantial factor in the deduction of points.

Organic soybean oil is another contentious ingredient. While it is organic, soybean oil is often criticized for its high omega-6 fatty acid content, which can contribute to inflammation when not balanced with omega-3 fatty acids.

The Trader Joe’s Organic Spicy Taco Sauce, despite its organic label, has been rated poorly due to its inclusion of added sugars, potentially harmful additives, known harmful additives, and questionable oils. With a green leaf rating of 1/5, it is recommended that consumers seeking clean food options consider alternative products that better align with the principles of health and wellness.