Corn & Chile Tomato-Less Salsa — TREAT

Munch or Dump rates Corn & Chile Tomato-Less Salsa by Trader Joe's TREAT — score 50/90.

Calling it salsa undersells how sweet this is: sugar is the second ingredient and it lands around 13 grams per serving. The vegetables are real (corn, onions, peppers) and the only additive is guar gum, so it is simple, just closer to a sweet corn relish than a savory salsa. Fine as an occasional condiment, not a free-pour health food.

Why this verdict

• Sugar is the second ingredient and drives a high 20g sugar per 100g
• Ingredient base is otherwise real vegetables: corn, onions, bell and jalapeno peppers
• Only one additive, guar gum, used as a thickener
• No flavor enhancers, refined oils or artificial colors
• Sweet-forward profile makes it an indulgent condiment rather than a clean one

Ingredients (9)

• Corn (safe) — Whole vegetable base.
• Sugar (caution) — One of two added sugars; the product is high in total sugar.
• Onions (safe) — Whole vegetable.
• RED BELL PEPPERS (safe) — Whole vegetable.
• jalapeno peppers (safe) — Whole pepper for heat.
• DISTILLED VINEGAR (safe) — Acidulant and preservative.
• Guar Gum (moderate) — Texture stabilizer in the tortilla — a processing marker.
• Salt (moderate) — Adds sodium; the only reason to watch portions if you are sodium-sensitive.
• Mustard Seed (safe) — Whole spice.

Healthier alternatives

• Salsa
• Simple Truth Organic Thick & Chunky Mild Salsa
• Tabasco Premium Salsa
• Old El Paso Thick & Chunky Salsa Mild
• Tostitos Chunky Salsa, Medium, 15.5 oz