Trader Joe’s Hoisin Sauce
Why It Scored This Way
Weak nutritional value, significant processing, or both make this product less supportive of a health-focused diet.
- Saturated Fat
- Calories
- Sodium
Verdict
Trader Joe’s Hoisin Sauce is a thick, savory-sweet condiment used for glazing and seasoning. Its main strength is a complex aromatic profile from a diverse spice blend, while its main tradeoff is very high sodium. Overall, it functions as a potent flavor accent for plant-based meals.
How to Use This
Best kept to limited use within a balanced diet, in controlled portions and not as a routine choice. Try it as a savory glaze for roasted tofu or as a dip for fresh spring rolls.
Nutrition Overview
The label shows a high concentration of salt and calories relative to the small serving size. It offers minimal protein and no fiber, reflecting its role as a flavor-focused addition.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | Per serving |
| Total Fat | 1g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | — |
| Sodium | 860mg | 37% |
| Total Carbs | 19g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars | 17g | — |
| Protein | 1g | — |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 90mg | 2% |
Ingredient Analysis
The base consists of brown sugar, fermented soybean paste, and salt. Texture and stability are achieved through the addition of modified tapioca starch and xanthan gum, while a variety of whole spices provide the depth of flavor.
Ingredients
BROWN SUGAR, WATER, FERMENTED SOYBEAN PASTE (SOYBEAN, RICE, SALT), SALT, BLACK SESAME PASTE (BLACK SESAME SEEDS), DISTILLED VINEGAR, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, MOLASSES, GARLIC, CITRIC ACID (ACIDIFIER), SEASONING BLEND (BLACK PEPPER, CINNAMON, STAR ANISE, CUMIN, CORIANDER SEED, SZECHUAN PEPPER, CARDAMOM), GARLIC POWDER, CHILI POWDER, XANTHAN GUM.
