Trader Joe's Salsa

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Common questions

Is Trader Joe's Salsa healthy?

Trader Joe's Salsa scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This salsa contains a variety of beneficial ingredients such as whole peeled tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, which are minimally processed and rich in nutrients.

How processed is Trader Joe's Salsa?

Trader Joe's Salsa is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Trader Joe's Salsa's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Whole peeled tomatoes, Onion, Cilantro count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Trader Joe's Salsa

Trader Joe's
68 Fair

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

$13.90 · $0.58 / ounce
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Near you

Trader Joe's is carried at Trader Joe stores. Find one within 25 miles.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 13
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Trader Joe's
Category Salsa
Summary

This salsa contains a variety of beneficial ingredients such as whole peeled tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, which are minimally processed and rich in nutrients. However, the presence of calcium chloride as a firming agent introduces a processed additive that slightly detracts from its overall healthiness. The product is processed, which limits its maximum potential score, but it maintains a relatively clean ingredient list with no artificial colors or flavors.

Key ingredients 18

Whole peeled tomatoes
Very Good

Whole peeled tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly lycopene. They are minimally processed, retaining most of their natural nutrients. Organic options further reduce pesticide exposure.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins A and C, and lycopene, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Diced tomatoes
Very Good

Diced tomatoes are a minimally processed source of vitamins and antioxidants. They retain most of their natural nutrients and are a versatile ingredient in many dishes. Organic options further reduce pesticide exposure.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins A and C, and lycopene, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

See more about Diced tomatoes →
Organic diced tomatoes
Very Good

Organic diced tomatoes are a minimally processed source of vitamins and antioxidants, with reduced pesticide exposure. They retain most of their natural nutrients and are a versatile ingredient in many dishes. The organic certification ensures higher quality and safety standards.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins A and C, and lycopene, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Organic jalapeno peppers
Very Good

Organic jalapeno peppers provide spice and flavor, along with vitamins and antioxidants, with reduced pesticide exposure. They are minimally processed and enhance the nutritional profile of foods. The organic certification ensures higher quality and safety standards.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Onion
Good

Onions are a natural source of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They are minimally processed and add flavor without artificial additives. Organic onions may offer additional health benefits by reducing pesticide exposure.

Benefits

Contains quercetin, an antioxidant that may reduce inflammation and support heart health.

See more about Onion →
Cilantro
Good

Cilantro is a fresh herb that provides vitamins and antioxidants. It is minimally processed and enhances flavor naturally. Organic cilantro may offer additional benefits by reducing pesticide exposure.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and may help in detoxifying heavy metals from the body.

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Garlic puree
Good

Garlic puree provides the health benefits of garlic in a convenient form. It retains allicin, a compound with potential health benefits. Organic garlic puree may offer additional benefits by reducing pesticide exposure.

Benefits

May support immune function and reduce the risk of heart disease.

See more about Garlic puree →
Tomato puree
Good

Tomato puree is a concentrated source of tomatoes, providing vitamins and antioxidants. It is slightly processed but retains most of its nutritional value. Organic tomato puree may offer additional benefits by reducing pesticide exposure.

Benefits

Rich in lycopene, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

See more about Tomato puree →
Yellow chili pepper
Good

Yellow chili peppers add flavor and heat, along with vitamins and antioxidants. They are minimally processed and enhance the nutritional profile of foods. Organic options may offer additional benefits by reducing pesticide exposure.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Dehydrated onion
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Provides flavor and some antioxidants similar to fresh onions.

See more about Dehydrated onion →
Garlic powder
Good

Concentrated whole-food seasoning.

Benefits

Provides flavor and some of the health benefits associated with fresh garlic.

See more about Garlic powder →
Green bell peppers
Good

Green bell peppers are a fresh vegetable rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They are minimally processed and add flavor and nutrition to dishes. Organic options may offer additional benefits by reducing pesticide exposure.

Benefits

High in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health.

Jalapeno
Good

Jalapenos add spice and flavor, along with vitamins and antioxidants. They are minimally processed and enhance the nutritional profile of foods. Organic options may offer additional benefits by reducing pesticide exposure.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used as a seasoning and preservative in foods. It is a processed culinary ingredient but essential for flavor. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

See more about Salt →
Distilled vinegar
Neutral

Distilled vinegar is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is a processed ingredient but generally safe in moderate amounts. It does not provide significant nutritional benefits.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort.

Benefits

May aid in digestion and act as a natural preservative.

See more about Distilled vinegar →
Calcium chloride
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large amounts.

See more about Calcium chloride →
Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is widely used in food processing and generally recognized as safe. It does not provide significant nutritional benefits.

Risks

Excessive consumption may cause dental erosion or digestive discomfort.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and enhances flavor.

See more about Citric acid →
Water
Neutral

Water is used as a solvent and to adjust the consistency of the product. It is a neutral ingredient with no direct nutritional impact. It is essential for hydration but does not contribute to the nutritional profile of the product.

Benefits

Essential for hydration and maintaining bodily functions.

See more about Water →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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