Monster Size Slim Jim Tabasco Seasoned — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Monster Size Slim Jim Tabasco Seasoned by Slim Jim DUMP — score 20/90.

Highly processed with flavor additives and preservatives

Why this verdict

• NOVA 4 ultra-processed
• Contains multiple preservatives
• Long ingredient list
• Flavor additives present

Ingredients (23)

• Beef (moderate) — Second meat source; adds saturated fat.
• Pork (moderate) — The meat base. A source of protein, but this cut is fatty and heavily salted once cured.
• Mechanically Separated Chicken (avoid) — Pressure-recovered meat paste — the lowest-grade meat input allowed in the product.
• Water (safe) — Used as a basic ingredient in bread.
• Textured Soy Flour (moderate) — A processed soy protein extender used to stretch the chicken filling and cut cost.
• Corn Syrup (caution) — Added sugar baked into the crust.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
• Natural Flavors (safe) — Flavor compounds derived from natural sources.
• Dextrose (caution) — Second added sweetener.
• Tabasco Brand Pepper Chaff (safe) — Flavor ingredient made from pepper and vinegar.
• Paprika (safe) — Natural color and flavor from ground peppers.
• Sodium Phosphate (caution) — Emulsifying salt; helps the cheese melt smooth, adds sodium and phosphate load.
• Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (moderate) — Free-glutamate flavor enhancer used to boost savory taste.
• Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce (safe) — Simple vinegar, red pepper and salt blend that adds heat.
• Lactic Acid Starter Culture (safe) — Fermentation culture for tang and preservation.
• caramel color (caution) — Artificial coloring for a browned look, no nutritional purpose.
• Extractives of Paprika (safe) — Natural color and flavor from paprika — how it gets golden without dyes.
• Malt Extract (moderate) — Barley-derived sweetener, also a source of gluten.
• wheat flour (moderate) — Thickening agent, not harmful but adds processing.
• sodium hydroxide (safe) — Natural enzyme from papaya, used for tenderizing and digestion aid.
• Sodium Nitrite (avoid) — The curing agent behind bacon's color and shelf life. Under high heat it forms nitrosamines; processed meat cured with it is a WHO Group 1 carcinogen.
• citric acid (safe) — Acidity and tartness adjuster.
• Soy Lecithin (safe) — Common emulsifier, generally benign in these amounts.

Healthier alternatives

• EPIC Beef Sea Salt & Pepper Bar
• Chomps Original Turkey Sticks
• EPIC Bison Bacon Cranberry Bar
• Falafel Burger by Whole Foods Market
• Tofu nature bio