Trader Joes

Awarded 4 out of 5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Organic Taralli and Friends Crackers offer a cleaner choice for health-conscious consumers seeking organic snack options. The product is not entirely organic, which prevents it from achieving the highest score on our scale. However, it boasts a composition free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), aligning with preferences for natural ingredients.

The crackers are made with a variety of organic components, including a multigrain flour blend that incorporates wholesome elements like sunflower seeds, flax seeds, oats, and whole Khorasan wheat. The presence of high-oleic sunflower oil and extra virgin olive oil contributes to the product’s profile of healthier fats, which are preferred over saturated and trans fats found in many processed foods. Additionally, the inclusion of puffed rice and sesame seeds adds texture and nutritional value.

Despite the product’s commendable features, the score reflects deductions for the presence of potentially harmful additives. Specifically, the product loses points for containing rum, which is flagged as an undesirable ingredient in the context of ‘cleaner’ food options. Nonetheless, the use of ascorbic acid, a common preservative that doubles as a vitamin, and enzymes, which are often used in baking to improve texture and shelf life, does not impact the score negatively.

Trader Joe’s Organic Taralli and Friends Crackers have secured a strong position among healthier snack alternatives, offering a product that is largely organic and non-GMO. The crackers’ composition reflects a commitment to quality ingredients, although the presence of certain additives prevents it from achieving the pinnacle of our rating system. Consumers seeking organic, non-GMO snacks will find these crackers a suitable option, with the assurance that the product aligns closely with standards for cleaner eating.