Trader Joe’s Spanish Style Rice
Why It Scored This Way
A mixed nutrition profile and more processed formulation give this product some useful qualities, but also meaningful limitations.
- Protein
- Added Sugar
- Sodium
- Fiber
Verdict
Trader Joe’s Spanish Style Rice is a frozen, pre-seasoned side dish. Its main strength is a moderate protein content, while its main tradeoff is high sodium levels. Overall, it serves as a quick, flavor-forward accompaniment to a larger plant-based meal.
How to Use This
Best included occasionally, a few times per month, within a balanced diet and in controlled portions. Pair it with black beans and grilled vegetables in a burrito bowl.
Nutrition Overview
The profile is defined by a high sodium concentration and very low fiber. While it provides some protein, the overall nutrient density is low relative to the calorie count.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 | Per serving |
| Total Fat | 6g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | — |
| Sodium | 700mg | 30% |
| Total Carbs | 38g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars | 0g | — |
| Added Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 4g | — |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.8mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 60mg | 2% |
Ingredient Analysis
This product is built from white rice and vegetable oils. The formulation is driven by a complex seasoning blend that introduces additives like maltodextrin and natural flavors to achieve its savory profile.
Ingredients
WATER, WHITE RICE, SUNFLOWER AND/OR SOYBEAN OIL, SEASONING (SALT, DEHYDRATED ONION, SPICES, DEHYDRATED GARLIC, PAPRIKA, TOMATO POWDER, YEAST EXTRACT, MALTODEXTRIN, NATURAL FLAVOR, CITRIC ACID [ACIDULANT], PAPRIKA OLEORESIN [COLOR]).
