Old El Paso Thick n Chunky Hot Salsa 650ml/22 oz

Common questions

Is Old El Paso Thick n Chunky Hot Salsa 650ml/22 oz healthy?

Old El Paso Thick n Chunky Hot Salsa 650ml/22 oz scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This salsa contains mostly whole food ingredients like diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic, which are minimally processed and provide nutritional benefits.

How processed is Old El Paso Thick n Chunky Hot Salsa 650ml/22 oz?

Old El Paso Thick n Chunky Hot Salsa 650ml/22 oz is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Old El Paso Thick n Chunky Hot Salsa 650ml/22 oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Diced tomatoes in tomato juice, Tomato paste, Onions count in its favor; Sugar is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

Old El Paso Thick n Chunky Hot Salsa 650ml/22 oz

Old El Paso
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 5
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by General Mills
Category Condiments
Summary

This salsa contains mostly whole food ingredients like diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic, which are minimally processed and provide nutritional benefits. However, the presence of added sugar and the use of citric acid as an additive indicate a moderate level of processing. Despite these factors, the overall ingredient list is relatively clean, contributing to a favorable score within the processed food category.

Key ingredients 15

Diced tomatoes in tomato juice
Good

Diced tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene. They are minimally processed and retain most of their nutritional value. The inclusion of tomato juice enhances the flavor and nutrient profile.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support overall health.

See more about Diced tomatoes in tomato juice →
Tomato paste
Good

Tomato paste is concentrated and provides a rich source of lycopene and other antioxidants. It is made by cooking tomatoes for a long time, reducing water content and enhancing flavor. This concentration process retains essential nutrients.

Benefits

Provides a concentrated source of antioxidants that support heart health and may reduce cancer risk.

See more about Tomato paste →
Onions
Good

Onions are a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are minimally processed and add flavor and nutritional value to the salsa. Their sulfur compounds may have health-promoting properties.

Benefits

May support immune function and reduce inflammation due to their antioxidant content.

See more about Onions →
Dried garlic
Good

Dried garlic is a concentrated source of flavor and beneficial compounds like allicin. It is minimally processed and retains most of its health-promoting properties. Garlic is known for its potential cardiovascular benefits.

Benefits

May support heart health and immune function due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

See more about Dried garlic →
Cilantro
Good

Cilantro is a fresh herb that adds flavor and nutrients like vitamins A and K. It is minimally processed and enhances the freshness of the salsa. Its phytochemicals may have health-promoting effects.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and may support detoxification processes in the body.

See more about Cilantro →
Water
Neutral

Water is used as a solvent and to adjust the consistency of the salsa. It is a neutral ingredient with no direct nutritional impact. Its presence helps in blending other ingredients smoothly.

See more about Water →
White vinegar
Neutral

White vinegar is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is a common culinary ingredient with no significant nutritional impact. Its acidity helps in preserving the salsa.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and enhances flavor without adding calories.

See more about White vinegar →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in processed foods. While necessary for flavor, excessive intake can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in food products.

See more about Salt →
Rehydrated onion
Neutral

Rehydrated onion provides flavor and some nutritional benefits similar to fresh onions. It is processed to remove water and then rehydrated for use. This process retains most of the onion's original properties.

Benefits

Adds flavor and some nutritional value similar to fresh onions.

Rehydrated green bell peppers
Neutral

Rehydrated green bell peppers add flavor and some nutrients to the salsa. They are processed to remove water and then rehydrated, retaining most of their original properties. This ingredient contributes to the overall vegetable content.

Benefits

Provides flavor and some vitamins and minerals similar to fresh bell peppers.

Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as a preservative and to enhance flavor. It is a common additive in processed foods. While it has no direct nutritional benefits, it helps maintain product stability.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and enhances the tartness of the product.

See more about Citric acid →
Lemon juice concentrate
Neutral

Lemon juice concentrate adds acidity and flavor to the salsa. It is a processed form of lemon juice that retains most of its original properties. This ingredient contributes to the overall taste profile.

Benefits

Provides a source of vitamin C and enhances flavor.

See more about Lemon juice concentrate →
Calcium chloride
Neutral

Calcium chloride is used as a firming agent in canned vegetables. It is a common food additive with no significant nutritional impact. Its presence helps maintain the texture of the salsa.

Benefits

Helps maintain the firmness and texture of vegetables in processed foods.

See more about Calcium chloride →
Capsicum extract
Neutral

Capsicum extract is used to add heat and flavor to the salsa. It is derived from chili peppers and retains the spicy compounds. This ingredient enhances the overall flavor profile.

Benefits

Adds heat and flavor, contributing to the sensory experience of the product.

Sugar
Bad

Sugar is added for sweetness but provides no nutritional benefits. It is a refined carbohydrate that can contribute to health issues when consumed in excess. Its presence in processed foods is often unnecessary.

Risks

Excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

See more about Sugar →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Condiments