Trader Joes
Flavor:
Spicy Chunky Tomato & Pepper Pasta Sauce
Ingredients:
Whole Peeled Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Juice), Diced Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Juice, Calcium Chloride, Citric Acid [acidifier]), Red Bell Peppers, Tomato Paste, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Paprika, Salt, San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Puree), Cumin Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Coriander Powder, Caraway Seeds.
Rating: Average
- 3 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Trader Joe’s Spicy Chunky Tomato & Pepper Pasta Sauce is a mid-tier choice for consumers seeking cleaner food options. The sauce is not organic, which detracts from its clean food credentials. Furthermore, it does not exclusively use non-GMO ingredients, marking another step away from the ideal of a completely natural product.
The ingredient list for this sauce is relatively straightforward, featuring whole peeled tomatoes, diced tomatoes, red bell peppers, tomato paste, and a selection of spices including garlic, paprika, cumin powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, coriander powder, and caraway seeds. These components contribute to the sauce’s character without resorting to artificial additives or preservatives. The inclusion of extra virgin olive oil is a positive, considering its reputation for being a healthier fat option.
However, the presence of citric acid, commonly used as a preservative and to add a sour taste, is noteworthy. Although citric acid is naturally occurring in citrus fruits, it is often produced commercially through fermentation processes. The scoring system penalizes the sauce for added sugars, which in this case includes citric acid. This reflects a stricter interpretation of what constitutes a ‘clean’ food product.
The sauce’s packaging does not indicate that it is made with organic ingredients, which is a significant factor for those who prioritize organic produce to avoid pesticides and support more sustainable farming practices. The absence of a non-GMO certification also implies that some ingredients may have been genetically modified, which can be a deciding factor for consumers who are cautious about genetically engineered food.
The Trader Joe’s Spicy Chunky Tomato & Pepper Pasta Sauce receives a moderate rating on the green leaf scale. While it avoids artificial additives and focuses on natural spices for flavor, its non-organic and potentially GMO-containing ingredients place it in the average category for those seeking the cleanest food options. Customers who prioritize organic and non-GMO products might consider looking for alternative sauces that meet these specific criteria.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
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