Northwest Potato Salad — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Northwest Potato Salad by Qfc DUMP — score 17/90.

A deli potato salad propped up with high fructose corn syrup (twice), modified corn starch, EDTA, two synthetic preservatives, and added color. The potatoes are real, but everything around them is industrial.

Why this verdict

• High fructose corn syrup appears twice — in the mayo and the sweet pickle
• Modified corn starch plus xanthan gum doing the texture work
• Two synthetic preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate) plus EDTA
• Refined soybean oil mayonnaise drives the fat and calories
• Added annatto color — it's tinted to look fresher than it is

Ingredients (13)

• potatoes (safe) — Whole potato base - a real food.
• Soybean Oil (moderate) — Refined vegetable oil for body and mouthfeel.
• Egg Yolks (safe) — Adds richness and emulsifying power.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup (caution) — The dominant sweetener and second ingredient; drives the sugar load.
• calcium disodium edta (moderate) — Preservative that binds metals to protect quality; a processed-food additive but used in tiny amounts.
• Sweet Pickle (moderate) — Cucumber sweetened with more HFCS and carrying its own preservatives and polysorbate 80.
• DISTILLED VINEGAR (safe) — Acid for tang and preservation.
• Xanthan Gum (moderate) — Industrial thickener.
• Modified Corn Starch (moderate) — Thickener/stabilizer that gives the sauce body.
• Potassium Sorbate (moderate) — Preservative for shelf life.
• sodium benzoate (caution) — Chemical preservative for shelf life.
• Annatto extract color (safe) — Plant-based orange coloring.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.