Trader Joes

The Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps have been awarded a rating of 2 out of 5 green leaves. This score reflects the product’s use of ingredients that do not align with the highest standards of clean eating. The crisps are not organic, and there is no clear indication that the ingredients are non-GMO. The presence of added sugars, including molasses and cane sugar, further detracts from the product’s healthfulness.

The ingredients list reveals several areas for concern. The crisps contain buttermilk, wheat flour, and golden sugar, which includes cane sugar and molasses. These sugars contribute to the total added sugars in the product, which are considered detrimental to a clean diet. The inclusion of dried cranberries, which are coated with additional sugar and sunflower oil, adds to the overall sugar content.

Other components, such as golden flax seeds, rolled oats, and sunflower seeds, are nutritious but are overshadowed by the negative aspects of the other ingredients. Pumpkin powder, baking powder, sea salt, and a mix of spices including orange extract, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, dried rosemary, ground nutmeg, black pepper, and dried thyme round out the flavor profile but do not significantly impact the health rating.

The product’s failure to use organic ingredients results in a score deduction, as does the lack of transparency regarding GMOs. The added sugars, particularly cane sugar, are a major concern, prompting a significant reduction in the overall score.

The Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps, with a 2 out of 5 green leaves rating, fall short of being considered a clean and healthy food option. The product would benefit from a reformulation that prioritizes organic, non-GMO ingredients and significantly reduces or eliminates added sugars. This would improve its standing as a cleaner choice for consumers seeking healthier snack alternatives.