Trader Joe’s Pad See Ew
Why It Scored This Way
Weak nutritional value, significant processing, or both make this product less supportive of a health-focused diet.
- Protein
- Fiber
- Sodium
- Added Sugar
Verdict
Pad See Ew is a frozen plant-based noodle meal featuring wide rice noodles and tofu. Its main strength is a moderate protein content, while its main tradeoff is the amount of added sugar. Overall, it is a pre-prepared convenience option for those seeking a savory Thai-style flavor profile.
How to Use This
Best kept to limited use within a balanced diet, in controlled portions and not as a routine choice. Pair it with a side of steamed bok choy or fresh bean sprouts to create a more complete dinner bowl.
Nutrition Overview
The nutrition panel shows a helpful amount of fiber and protein, though these are offset by significant sodium and sugar levels. Calories are moderate for a prepared entree.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 300 | Per serving |
| Total Fat | 11g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | — |
| Sodium | 580mg | 25% |
| Total Carbs | 44g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Total Sugars | 9g | — |
| Added Sugars | 7g | 14% |
| Protein | 6g | — |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 70mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 400mg | 8% |
Ingredient Analysis
The dish is built from rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, carrots, and tofu. The formulation is driven by a sweetened sauce blend of cane sugar, glucose syrup, and soy sauces, which increases the overall processing level.
Ingredients
WIDE RICE NOODLES (RICE FLOUR, TAPIOCA STARCH, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, SALT, RICE BRAN OIL), CHINESE BROCCOLI, CARROT, GARLIC, RICE BRAN OIL, TOFU (SOYBEAN, SALT), CANE SUGAR, TOFU SHEETS (SOYBEAN, WATER), WATER, GLUCOSE SYRUP, SOY SAUCE (WATER, SOYBEANS, SALT, WHEAT FLOUR), DARK SOY SAUCE (MOLASSES, WATER, SALT, SOY SAUCE [SOYBEANS, WHEAT FLOUR, SALT, WATER]), YEAST (YEAST EXTRACT, SALT), WHITE PEPPER.
