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) — Real peppers for heat, no additives.
• Onions (safe) — Whole vegetable aromatic.
• vinegar (safe) — Natural acidity and preservation.
• Sugar (moderate) — Small added sweetener to balance acidity; minor at salsa portions.
• Salt (moderate) — Main sodium source; keep an eye on it if you use large amounts.
• dried garlic (safe) — Real garlic, dehydrated for shelf life.
• Natural flavor (moderate) — Nonspecific flavoring; the only vague, non-whole ingredient in the jar.

Healthier alternatives

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