Trader Joes

Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Trader Joe’s Trio of Soft Licorice Twists ranks at the bottom tier on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, factors that heavily impact its standing on our website. The presence of added sugars, including molasses and sugar, further detracts from its score, as we prioritize products without these sweeteners.

The licorice twists also contain glucose syrup, a form of sugar that contributes to the product’s low rating. In our assessment, glucose syrup is a more harmful type of added sugar due to its processing and potential health impact. Additionally, the inclusion of ingredients such as natural flavors, glycerin, malic acid, and confectioner’s glaze, which may be sourced synthetically, leads us to deduct points for potentially harmful additives.

Maltodextrin stands out as a known harmful additive within this product. Often used as a thickener or filler, maltodextrin is a highly processed ingredient with a high glycemic index, which can spike blood sugar levels. Its presence in the licorice twists is a significant factor in the final rating.

The Trader Joe’s Trio of Soft Licorice Twists contains other ingredients such as wheat flour, rice bran oil, and a mix of vegetable juice, fruit juice, and turmeric for color. However, these do not offset the negative impact of the non-preferred ingredients that dominate the product’s composition.

Given the product’s ingredient list and our stringent criteria for cleaner food options, we advise consumers to avoid this item. Our rating system is designed to steer individuals toward healthier, more natural food choices, and this product does not meet the standards we advocate for. The 1/5 green leaf rating reflects our commitment to transparency and the promotion of better alternatives in a market saturated with unhealthy options.