Crunchy Curls — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Crunchy Curls by Trader Joe's OKAY — score 58/90.

Despite the cheese-puff shape, these corkscrews contain no cheese — they are an extruded vegan snack of lentil flour, potato starch, and seed oils. The ingredient list is short and readable, but it is still refined starch fried in soybean oil, not a whole-food snack. Fine now and then, not a health food.

Why this verdict

• Short, recognizable ingredient list with no artificial additives
• Lentil flour adds a little plant protein and fiber
• Built on refined potato starch and soybean/safflower oil — an extruded, oil-fried puff
• No cheese, MSG, or flavor-enhancer stack despite the puff format

Ingredients (5)

• LENTIL FLOUR (safe) — Ground lentils — the redeeming ingredient, offering some protein and fiber.
• potato starch (safe) — Anti-caking agent to keep shreds separate.
• Soybean Oil (moderate) — Refined vegetable oil for body and mouthfeel.
• Safflower and/or Sunflower Oil (moderate) — Additional refined frying oil.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.

Healthier alternatives

• HIMALAYAN PINK ORGANIC POPCORN, HIMALAYAN PINK
• Vegan Cheese Popped Water Lily Seeds
• SkinnyPop Organic Original Popcorn
• Triscuit Crackers Original
• SkinnyPop Original Popcorn