Scandinavian Swimmers — ENGINEERED
Munch or Dump rates Scandinavian Swimmers by Trader Joe's ENGINEERED — score 30/90.
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 breadcrumb — one of two distinct sweeteners in the list.
- tapioca syrup (caution) — Second refined syrup, used to keep 'added sugar' totals lower while sweetening.
- Invert Sugar (caution) — Yet another sweetener layered in to keep the bar sweet and soft.
- Dextrose (caution) — Second added sweetener.
- modified cornstarch (moderate) — Industrial thickener; NOVA 4 marker.
- citric acid (safe) — Acidity and tartness adjuster.
- Natural Flavors (safe) — Flavor compounds derived from natural sources.
- Color added (fruit juice, vegetable juice, annatto, turmeric, spirulina) (safe) — Plant-based colorants, a real advantage over synthetic dyes.
- carnauba wax (safe) — Plant wax used to keep the bears from sticking.
Healthier alternatives