Sweet Chili Sauce — TREAT

Munch or Dump rates Sweet Chili Sauce by Trader Joe's TREAT — score 50/90.

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) — The base of the drink. Neutral.
• Sugar (caution) — One of two added sugars; the product is high in total sugar.
• Red chili (safe) — Real chili for flavor and heat.
• modified tapioca starch (moderate) — Processed thickener that gives the glossy body.
• GARLIC (safe) — Whole aromatic.
• ACETIC ACID (safe) — Vinegar acidulant for tang and shelf stability.
• Salt (moderate) — Adds sodium; the only reason to watch portions if you are sodium-sensitive.