Trader Joes
Flavor:
Pinks & Whites Dark Chocolate Bar
Ingredients:
Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Chocolate Processed With Alkali, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [emulsifier], Natural Vanilla Flavor), Cookies (Yogurt Coating [Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Oil, Nonfat Dry Milk, Yogurt Powder {whey Protein, Cultured Skim Milk}, Soy Lecithin {emulsifier}, Salt], Unbleached Enriched Flour [wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Candy Sprinkles [Sugar, Cornstarch, Color Added {vegetable Juice, Turmeric Oleoresin, Beta Carotene, Carnauba Wax], Palm Oil, Sugar, Cornstarch, Whey Powder, Salt, Leavening [sodium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Ammonium bicarbonate], Vegetable Juice For Color, Natural Flavors, Soy Lecithin [emulsifier]), Sprinkles (Sugar, Cornstarch, Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Sunflower Lecithin [emulsifier], Color Added [turmeric Oleoresin, Annatto Extract, Vegetable Juice Concentrate, Beta Carotene], Maltodextrin, Baking Soda, Confectioner’s Shellac, Carnauba Wax).
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Pinks & Whites Dark Chocolate Bar falls significantly short of meeting the criteria for a cleaner food option on our scale. This product is not organic and does not use non-GMO ingredients, factors that heavily weigh against its score. The presence of added sugars, which contribute to the overall caloric intake without nutritional benefit, further impacts its rating.
The bar contains multiple ingredients that raise concerns. Among them are natural flavors and unspecified flavors, which lack transparency and could potentially be sources of hidden additives. Enriched flour, while fortified with certain B vitamins and iron, has been stripped of its natural nutrients during processing. Soy lecithin, commonly used as an emulsifier, and ammonium bicarbonate, a leavening agent, are also on the list of ingredients that detract from the product’s clean food status.
The inclusion of maltodextrin, a highly processed thickener or filler, is particularly troubling, as it is associated with the potential for adverse health effects and spikes in blood sugar. The product also contains palm kernel oil and palm oil, both of which are controversial due to their environmental impact and potential health implications. These oils are often sourced from areas where deforestation and habitat destruction are major concerns, and their production has been linked to significant carbon emissions.
The Trader Joe’s Pinks & Whites Dark Chocolate Bar, therefore, represents an option that does not align with the values of consumers seeking cleaner, more environmentally friendly, and health-conscious food choices. It is evident that this product does not adhere to the standards of those aiming to minimize their intake of processed additives, sugars, and environmentally detrimental ingredients. Customers are advised to consider alternative products that better align with the pursuit of a healthier and more sustainable diet.
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