Trader Joes

Rated at 1 out of 5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Soft Strawberry Licorice Twists fall at the bottom of the scale on our clean food meter. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, two factors that significantly impact its rating. Additionally, the presence of added sugars, including molasses, cane sugar, and citric acid, further detracts from its score. The licorice twists also feature a higher amount of harmful added sugars like glucose syrup, which raises concerns.

Concerns extend to the inclusion of potentially harmful additives. Ingredients such as natural flavors, glycerin, and malic acid, though common in processed foods, carry potential health risks. More alarming is the presence of maltodextrin, a known harmful additive that has been linked to negative health effects.

The product’s composition is clear: it contains a combination of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and harmful additives. These factors contribute to its low rating, suggesting that consumers seeking cleaner food options should avoid this product. The ingredients listed, particularly the non-organic wheat flour, further suggest that the product does not align with a diet focused on whole and unprocessed foods.

The Trader Joe’s Soft Strawberry Licorice Twists earn their 1 out of 5 green leaves rating due to these ingredients and their departure from what is considered a clean and healthy food option. For those prioritizing a diet based on natural, organic, and minimally processed foods, this product does not meet the criteria. Consumers are advised to consider alternative snacks that align more closely with these values.