Trader Joes

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait reflects a low score on our clean food scale. This product is not organic, includes genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, and contains added sugars, which significantly impacts its rating. Additionally, the presence of potentially harmful additives further detracts from its clean food status.

The Pain Au Lait is made with conventional wheat flour and includes liquid pasteurized eggs in its ingredient list. It features sugar, which contributes to the added sugars concern. The use of concentrated butter and rapeseed oil is noted, alongside yeast and salt. Skim milk powder is incorporated into the recipe, which might appeal to those looking for a dairy component.

The presence of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids raises questions about the product’s healthfulness, as these are often used as emulsifiers in processed foods and can be of synthetic origin. Locust bean gum serves as a thickener or stabilizer, which is a less concerning additive. However, the generic listing of ‘flavor’ without specificity detracts from transparency and suggests artificial flavoring may be used.

Further down the list, carrot extract is utilized for color, steering clear of artificial colorants, which is a positive aspect. Enzymes are included, likely for dough conditioning, along with ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, which serves a similar purpose.

The Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait’s composition reveals a reliance on non-organic ingredients and the inclusion of GMOs, alongside added sugars and certain additives that are considered less desirable for a clean-eating regimen. The product’s score reflects these attributes, highlighting the need for a cleaner, more wholesome ingredient list to meet higher standards of healthfulness. The market for clean and healthy food options would benefit from a revised version of this product that addresses these concerns.