Kroger Thick & Chunky Salsa — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Kroger Thick & Chunky Salsa by Kroger OKAY — score 62/90.

This is essentially jarred pico de gallo: tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, vinegar and garlic doing almost all the work. A little added sugar and a vague natural flavor keep it from being pristine, but there are no gums, no colors and no additive stack. A solid, honest everyday condiment.

Why this verdict

• Real vegetables lead: tomatoes, jalapenos, onions and garlic
• No emulsifiers, gums, colors, or preservatives
• Minor knocks: a little added sugar and a nonspecific natural flavor
• Low calorie and fat, but watch sodium if you use it heavily

Ingredients (9)

• Crushed tomatoes (safe) — Whole-food base; source of lycopene and flavor.
• diced tomatoes (safe) — Real vegetable pieces that give the chunky texture.
• jalapeno peppers (safe) — Whole peppers providing the heat; a genuine ingredient, not a flavoring.
• Onions (safe) — Real vegetable.
• vinegar (safe) — Mild preservative and flavor enhancer.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
• dried garlic (safe) — Real garlic, dehydrated for shelf life.
• Natural flavor (moderate) — Undisclosed flavor blend; minor but not fully transparent.

Healthier alternatives

• H-E-B Fresh Guacamole - Mild
• Tabasco Premium Salsa
• Simply Nature Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa (Medium)
• Simple Truth Organic Medium Salsa
• Salsa