Scandinavian Swimmers — ENGINEERED
Munch or Dump rates Scandinavian Swimmers by Trader Joe's ENGINEERED — score 35/90.
This is a sweetness system in a fish shape. Cane sugar, tapioca syrup, invert sugar, and dextrose stack four different sugars on top of each other, bound by modified cornstarch. The colors are genuinely natural, but the formula is engineered sugar with nothing to nourish you.
Why this verdict
- Four distinct sugar sources stacked: cane sugar, tapioca syrup, invert sugar, and dextrose
- Modified cornstarch plus natural flavors form the texture-and-flavor scaffolding of an engineered candy
- Essentially sugar and starch with no protein, fiber, or fat of any nutritional value
- Ultra-processed confection despite the natural coloring
Ingredients (9)
- Cane Sugar (moderate) — Added sugar in the chocolate coating; the only sweetener.
- tapioca syrup (moderate) — Second sweetener that keeps the rice dough pliable.
- Invert Sugar (caution) — Third sugar source keeping the cookies soft.
- Dextrose (caution) — Fourth sugar source in the chocolate drops; four sweeteners signal engineered sweetness.
- modified cornstarch (moderate) — Industrial thickener that builds the gummy texture.
- citric acid (safe) — Naturally occurring acid used to regulate acidity and preserve color; harmless in this context.
- Natural Flavors (moderate) — Undefined flavor system layered over the base dough.
- Color added (fruit juice, vegetable juice, annatto, turmeric, spirulina) (safe) — Plant-based colorants, a real advantage over synthetic dyes.
- carnauba wax (safe) — Plant wax that gives the glossy coating; also makes these gelatin-free.
Healthier alternatives