Sweet Chili Sauce — TREAT

Munch or Dump rates Sweet Chili Sauce by Trader Joe's TREAT — score 43/90.

This is essentially sweetened chili syrup thickened with starch: sugar is the second ingredient and it runs about a third sugar by weight. The list is short and honest, no MSG, HFCS or artificial color, just very sweet. Great as an occasional dip or glaze, not something to treat as clean.

Why this verdict

• Sugar is the second ingredient at roughly 33g per 100g
• Short seven-item list with no artificial colors, MSG or HFCS
• Modified tapioca starch is the single processing additive, used as a thickener
• Real chili and garlic provide the flavor
• Indulgent sweet profile puts it in treat territory rather than clean

Ingredients (7)

• Water (safe) — Used as a basic ingredient in bread.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
• Red chili (safe) — Real chili for flavor and heat.
• modified tapioca starch (moderate) — Processed thickener that gives the glossy body.
• GARLIC (safe) — Real aromatic. Whole food.
• ACETIC ACID (safe) — Vinegar acidulant for tang and shelf stability.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.