A Health Coach Reveals The Inflammatory Products From Trader Joe's You Should 'Never Buy': Cilantro Dressing, Pollo Asado Burritos And More

Trader Joe’s is home to many of the most delicious foods out there—but, as is the case with many of the foods we love, they aren’t all the healthiest.

In a recent TikTok by holistic health coach Sarah, known as @glowfromwithin on the platform, she sheds light on several popular products from Trader Joe’s that she claims are far from healthy. Sarah’s expertise in holistic health has garnered her a substantial following, and her insights often guide many in making healthier choices. In her recent video, she highlights specific products from Trader Joe’s that she “would never buy” due to their inflammatory ingredients. Here’s a rundown of what Sarah calls out and why.

1. Cilantro Dressing

We love cilantro, and we especially love it on our salad. However, Sarah starts with Trader Joe's Cilantro Dressing, pointing out that it contains canola oil, an ingredient she deems inflammatory and not gut-friendly. "Canola oil is highly processed and can contribute to inflammation," she explains. Instead, she recommends the Green Goddess Dressing at Trader Joe's as a healthier swap, praising its cleaner ingredient list.

2. Roasted Garlic Hummus

Next on her list is the Roasted Garlic Hummus. While the right hummus can make a great healthy snack, Sarah emphasizes that hummus should ideally contain only a few simple ingredients. Unfortunately, this product contains inflammatory oils like canola and sunflower oil. She suggests making hummus at home, mentioning it's super easy and allows control over the ingredients.

3. Pollo Asado Burrito

The Pollo Asado Burrito is another product Sarah advises passing on. Like many premade wraps, it contains canola oil, which she consistently flags as inflammatory. Sarah suggests avoiding most premade wraps at Trader Joe's due to their common inclusion of such oils.

4. Raises the Bar Chewy Granola Bar

Sarah moves on to the Raises the Bar Chewy Granola Bar, which also contains inflammatory oils. She points out that many granola bars at Trader Joe's have this issue. In fact, many health experts agree that most granola bars make surprisingly unhealthy choices. Instead, she recommends alternatives like Lara Bar, Truvani, and Aloha, which she considers to have cleaner ingredient profiles.

5. Oat Milk

Oat milk is a popular dairy alternative and may even be a healthy option, but Sarah notes that most oat milks, including Trader Joe's version, contain inflammatory oils. Oat milk oftentimes comes with additional downsides, too. For a healthier choice, she suggests opting for brands like MALK or Elmhurst, which are free from such oils.

6. Green Dragon Hot Sauce

For hot sauce lovers, Sarah advises steering clear of the Green Dragon Hot Sauce due to its canola oil content. Instead, she recommends the Siete Green Hot Sauce as a great swap, which can be ordered online or found in other grocery stores.

7. Hash Browns

Trader Joe's Hash Browns are one of the most popular items on TJ's shelves. Unfortunately, they also make the list due to their inclusion of inflammatory oils. Sarah emphasizes that these oils are not conducive to a healthy diet and should be avoided where possible.

8. Harissa Paste

Lastly, Sarah highlights the Harissa Paste, which, like many other products she mentions, contains inflammatory oils. She advises passing on this product and seeking out cleaner alternatives.

Bottom line

While Sarah’s recommendations offer valuable insights into making healthier choices, it’s important to remember that health is a highly personal journey. Everyone's body responds differently to various ingredients, and what works for one person might not be the same for another. It’s okay to enjoy your favorite products and treats, even if they don’t always align with the strictest health guidelines. Balance and moderation are key. By staying informed and making mindful choices, you can create a diet that supports your health goals while still allowing yourself the occasional indulgence. Ultimately, the best approach is one that respects your preferences and needs, ensuring that you feel both healthy and satisfied.