Herdez Traditional Salsa

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Common questions

Is Herdez Traditional Salsa healthy?

Herdez Traditional Salsa scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This traditional salsa is made from a variety of vegetables and spices, including tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, and onions, which are minimally processed and provide beneficial nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants.

How processed is Herdez Traditional Salsa?

Herdez Traditional Salsa is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Herdez Traditional Salsa's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Tomatoes, Tomato juice, Jalapeño peppers 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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Herdez Traditional Salsa

Herdez
75 Good

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

$4.99 · 15 oz · $0.33 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 11
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Hormel Foods
Category Condiments
Summary

This traditional salsa is made from a variety of vegetables and spices, including tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, and onions, which are minimally processed and provide beneficial nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants. The product contains a small amount of additives, such as citric acid, but overall maintains a clean ingredient list without harmful substances. Despite being processed, the use of natural ingredients and the absence of artificial additives contribute positively to its health profile.

Key ingredients 15

Tomatoes
Very Good

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. Lycopene in tomatoes is linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support overall health and may reduce inflammation.

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Tomato juice
Good

Tomato juice provides similar benefits to whole tomatoes, offering vitamins and antioxidants. It is slightly processed but retains essential nutrients. The juice form can enhance hydration and nutrient absorption.

Benefits

Provides hydration and essential nutrients like vitamins A and C.

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Jalapeño peppers
Good

Jalapeño peppers are a source of vitamins C and B6, and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. They are minimally processed and add flavor and spice to foods. Capsaicin has been linked to pain relief and improved metabolism.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may aid in metabolism and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

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Onions
Good

Onions are rich in antioxidants and compounds like quercetin that may reduce inflammation. They are minimally processed and add flavor and nutrients to dishes. Quercetin in onions is linked to heart health benefits.

Benefits

Provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support heart health.

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Sea salt
Good

Sea salt is a natural source of sodium and trace minerals. It is less processed than table salt and retains beneficial minerals. These minerals can support electrolyte balance and overall health.

Risks

Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure.

Benefits

Provides essential minerals and supports electrolyte balance.

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Guajillo chile
Good

Guajillo chile is a dried pepper that adds flavor and nutrients like vitamins A and C. It is minimally processed and enhances the taste profile of dishes. The capsaicin content may offer metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins and capsaicin, which may support metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Pasilla chile
Good

Pasilla chile is a dried pepper known for its rich flavor and nutrient content. It is minimally processed and provides vitamins and antioxidants. Capsaicin in pasilla chile may aid in metabolism and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Contains vitamins and capsaicin, which may support metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Cilantro
Good

Cilantro is an herb rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and K. It is minimally processed and adds flavor and nutrients to dishes. Cilantro may help detoxify heavy metals from the body.

Benefits

Provides antioxidants and may support detoxification processes.

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Garlic
Good

Garlic is known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is minimally processed and contains allicin, which may support heart health and immune function. Allicin in garlic is linked to reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Benefits

Rich in allicin, which supports heart health and immune function.

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Red jalapeño peppers
Good

Red jalapeño peppers are a source of vitamins and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. They are minimally processed and add flavor and spice to foods. Capsaicin has been linked to pain relief and improved metabolism.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may aid in metabolism and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Red peppers
Good

Red peppers are rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants. They are minimally processed and add color and nutrients to dishes. The antioxidants in red peppers may support immune health and reduce inflammation.

Benefits

Provides vitamins and antioxidants that support immune health.

Calcium chloride
Neutral

Calcium chloride is used as a firming agent in canned vegetables. It is generally recognized as safe and does not significantly alter nutritional content. It helps maintain texture without adding calories.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to hypercalcemia, but this is unlikely in typical food use.

Benefits

Helps maintain the firmness and texture of canned vegetables.

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Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is commonly used in food processing to maintain acidity and freshness. It is generally recognized as safe with no significant nutritional benefits.

Risks

May cause dental erosion if consumed in large amounts frequently.

Benefits

Helps preserve food and enhance flavor without adding calories.

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Distilled vinegar
Neutral

Distilled vinegar is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is a processed ingredient but generally recognized as safe. Vinegar can aid in food preservation and add acidity to dishes.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort.

Benefits

Helps preserve food and enhance flavor without adding calories.

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Vinegar
Neutral

Vinegar is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is a processed ingredient but generally recognized as safe. Vinegar can aid in food preservation and add acidity to dishes.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort.

Benefits

Helps preserve food and enhance flavor without adding calories.

See more about Vinegar →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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