Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag

Common questions

Is Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag healthy?

Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag scores 8/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. This product is heavily processed and contains industrial seed oils, which are linked to inflammation and poor nutritional quality.

Does Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag contain seed oils?

Yes — Scout's ingredient analysis flags seed oils in Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag, and that is reflected in its score.

How processed is Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag?

Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag compare to other snack bars?

Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag ranks #37 of 41 snack bars in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Primal Power Ancestral Fuel Bar at 93/100.

Which ingredients drive Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Brown Rice Flour, Cheddar Cheese count in its favor; Sunflower And/Or Canola Oil, Sugar, Maltodextrin are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Sun Chips Garden Salsa 100% Whole Grain Snacks Plastic Bag

Sun Chips
Contains seed oils
8 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 5
Owned by PepsiCo
Category Snack Bars
Summary

This product is heavily processed and contains industrial seed oils, which are linked to inflammation and poor nutritional quality. The presence of refined sugar and maltodextrin further contributes to its low nutritional value. Despite some whole grain ingredients, the overall processing level and use of additives like natural flavors result in a low score.

Key ingredients 15

Sunflower And/Or Canola Oil
Very Bad

Seed oils like sunflower and canola oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. They are often highly processed and may contain trans fats. These oils are extracted using high heat and chemicals, which can degrade their nutritional quality.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

See more about Sunflower And/Or Canola Oil →
Sugar
Bad

Refined sugar is a source of empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. It is highly processed and lacks nutritional value. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

See more about Sugar →
Maltodextrin
Bad

Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate with a high glycemic index. It is often used as a thickener or filler in processed foods. It can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and may affect gut health.

Risks

May cause blood sugar spikes and affect gut health negatively.

See more about Maltodextrin →
Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are a catch-all term for flavoring agents derived from natural sources. They are highly processed and can contain numerous chemical compounds. The lack of transparency in their composition can be concerning for consumers.

Risks

Lack of transparency in composition may pose unknown health risks.

See more about Natural Flavors →
Dextrose
Bad

Dextrose is a simple sugar that can rapidly increase blood sugar levels. It is highly processed and provides no nutritional value beyond calories. Excessive consumption can contribute to metabolic disorders.

Risks

Can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes and contribute to metabolic disorders.

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Whole Corn
Neutral

Whole corn is a source of carbohydrates and provides some fiber. It is a whole grain, which can be part of a balanced diet. However, it is often genetically modified and may contain pesticide residues.

Risks

Potential for GMO content and pesticide residues may pose health concerns.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates and dietary fiber, contributing to energy and digestive health.

See more about Whole Corn →
Whole Wheat
Neutral

Whole wheat is a source of fiber and essential nutrients. It is a whole grain, which can support heart health and digestion. However, it may cause issues for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Risks

May cause digestive issues for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Benefits

Provides dietary fiber and essential nutrients, supporting heart health and digestion.

See more about Whole Wheat →
Whole Oat Flour
Neutral

Whole oat flour is a source of soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. It is minimally processed, retaining its nutritional benefits. However, it may be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing.

Risks

Potential cross-contamination with gluten may affect those with sensitivities.

Benefits

Rich in soluble fiber, supporting heart health and digestion.

See more about Whole Oat Flour →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. It is a common seasoning but can contribute to high blood pressure if consumed in excess. The product uses refined salt, which lacks trace minerals found in unrefined salts.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Essential for fluid balance and nerve function in moderation.

See more about Salt →
Whey
Neutral

Whey is a high-quality protein source that contains essential amino acids. It is beneficial for muscle repair and growth. However, it may cause issues for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Risks

May cause digestive issues for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Benefits

Provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids for muscle health.

See more about Whey →
Onion Powder
Neutral

Onion powder is a dehydrated form of onion that adds flavor without additional calories. It retains some of the beneficial compounds found in fresh onions. However, it may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Adds flavor and contains some beneficial compounds found in fresh onions.

See more about Onion Powder →
Buttermilk
Neutral

Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that provides probiotics and calcium. It can support digestive health and bone strength. However, it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Risks

May cause issues for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Contains probiotics and calcium, supporting digestive and bone health.

See more about Buttermilk →
Potassium Chloride
Neutral

Potassium chloride is used as a salt substitute to reduce sodium content. It provides potassium, which is essential for heart and muscle function. However, excessive intake can lead to hyperkalemia, especially in individuals with kidney issues.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to hyperkalemia, particularly in those with kidney issues.

Benefits

Provides potassium, supporting heart and muscle function.

See more about Potassium Chloride →
Brown Rice Flour
Good

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

Risks

Higher glycemic index may affect blood sugar levels.

Benefits

Offers a gluten-free source of carbohydrates and some fiber.

See more about Brown Rice Flour →
Cheddar Cheese
Good

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

Risks

High in saturated fat and sodium, which may impact heart health negatively.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health.

See more about Cheddar Cheese →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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