Trader Joes
Flavor:
Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Ingredients:
Yogurt Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Nonfat Dry Milk, Yogurt Powder [cultured Whey Protein, Cultured Skim Milk], Soy Lecithin [an Emulsifier], Salt), Pumpkin Pie Flavored Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil And Palm Oil], Nonfat Dry Milk, Whole Milk Powder, Soy Lecithin [an Emulsifier], Natural Flavor, Cocoa Powder, Salt, Paprika Extract [for Color], And Annatto Extract [for Color]), Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate [vitamin B1], Riboflavin [vitamin B2], Folic Acid), Sugar, Palm Oil, Orange Nonpareils (Sugar, Corn Starch, Riboflavin, Vegetable Juice [for Color], Carnauba Wax), White Nonpareils (Sugar, Corn Starch, Carnauba Wax), Corn Starch, Molasses, Natural Flavors, Cinnamon, Leavening (Baking Soda, Ammonium Bicarbonate), Salt, Organic Soy Lecithin (An Emulsifier), Allspice, Nutmeg, Ginger.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
This product receives a 1/5 green leaf rating, signaling a significant need for caution when considering it as a food choice. Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies are not organic, and they contain genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, contributing to their low rating. The presence of added sugars, such as molasses and sugar, raises concerns for those seeking healthier snack alternatives. The ingredient list reveals several potentially harmful additives, including natural flavors and soy lecithin, which may be off-putting for consumers aiming to avoid artificial and processed elements in their diet.
Furthermore, the cookies include enriched flour, a processed form of wheat that lacks the nutritional value of whole grains. The leavening agents, specifically ammonium bicarbonate, are another point of contention for health-conscious individuals. The use of palm kernel oil and palm oil is particularly troubling, not only for their saturated fat content but also due to the environmental impact associated with palm oil production. These oils are associated with deforestation and habitat destruction, making them an unsustainable choice.
The colorful nonpareils, which add visual appeal to the cookies, consist of sugar and corn starch, with added color derived from riboflavin and vegetable juice. While these may seem harmless, the inclusion of additional sugars and corn starch contributes to the overall low nutritional quality of the product. Carnauba wax, used as a coating for the nonpareils, is another additive that does not align with cleaner food principles.
The cookies’ ingredients reflect a product that is far removed from the clean eating ethos. With its array of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and environmentally questionable oils, the product falls short of providing a healthy snack option. It is evident that Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies are better left on the shelf for those seeking cleaner, more sustainable food choices.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem