Trader Joe’s Balsamic Vinaigrette
Why It Scored This Way
A mixed nutrition profile and more processed formulation give this product some useful qualities, but also meaningful limitations.
- Low Sodium
- Saturated Fat Free
- Added Sugar
Verdict
Balsamic Vinaigrette is a bottled condiment used to add a tangy, sweet flavor to various dishes. Its main strength is the low sodium content, while its main tradeoff is the added sugar. Overall, it is a flavor-focused addition for enhancing plant-based meals.
How to Use This
Best included occasionally, a few times per month, within a balanced diet and in controlled portions. It works well drizzled over a fresh garden salad or used as a glaze for a roasted vegetable bowl.
Nutrition Overview
The profile is lean on salt and saturated fat, though it is calorie-dense and contains sugar that contributes to the overall energy count.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | Per serving |
| Total Fat | 7g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | — |
| Sodium | 55mg | 2% |
| Total Carbs | 6g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars | 6g | — |
| Added Sugars | 4g | 8% |
| Protein | 0g | — |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 20mg | 0% |
Ingredient Analysis
The base consists of water, balsamic vinegar, and canola oil. The inclusion of sugar and xanthan gum for stability and thickness creates a formulated, processed composition.
Ingredients
WATER, BALSAMIC VINEGAR (WINE VINEGAR, CONCENTRATED GRAPE MUST), CANOLA OIL, SUGAR, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF SALT, GARLIC POWDER, XANTHAN GUM
