Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's

Char Siu

Char Siu nutrition label, ingredients and packaging

Not Vegan

Contains 'milk'

Health ScorePoor
20/100

Banned in EU

Contains Titanium Dioxide.

Calories
0
Sugar
0gZero Sugar!
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Family & Pet Safety

🚫

Not Dog Safe 🐶❌

☠️ FATAL: Respiratory failure.
Ref: Pet Poison Helpline
⚠️ DANGEROUS: Anemia (More potent than onion).
Ref: AKC
⚠️ IRRITANT: Vomiting & toxic in large amounts.
Ref: Rover / AKC
⚠️ SODIUM ION POISONING: Vomiting, seizures (in high doses).
Ref: Merck Vet
🤰

Pregnancy Caution 🤰⚠️

🚫 BANNED: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Ref: Surgeon General
👶

Limit for Kids 👶⚠️

⚠️ DYE E129: Linked to ADHD/Hyperactivity. (CSPI / Southampton Study)
⚠️ DYE E102: Behavioral triggers & Allergies. (EFSA / CSPI)
⚠️ DYE E110: Linked to adrenal tumors in animals. (CSPI)
⚠️ PRESERVATIVE: Hyperactivity (w/ Vit C). (FDA)
⚠️ PROCESSED MEAT: Linked to colorectal cancer. (WHO / IARC)
🚫 ZERO TOLERANCE: Developmental damage. (CDC)

Ingredient Decoder

High Risk Additives

Red 40 (Allura Red)

A synthetic petroleum-based dye used to create bright red colors in candy and drinks. It has been linked to hyperactivity and attention issues in sensitive children. Banned in parts of Europe for use in baby food.

Sodium Benzoate

A preservative used in acidic foods like soda and pickles. When mixed with Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), it can form Benzene, a known human carcinogen.

Titanium Dioxide

A whitening agent (E171) used in candies and pastries. It has been banned in the EU due to concerns that its nanoparticles could damage DNA (genotoxicity).

Moderate Caution

Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)

A synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye derived from coal tar. It is known to cause allergic reactions (like hives) in people with aspirin intolerance and has been linked to behavioral changes in children.

Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)

A synthetic food dye used in cheese, candy, and soda. Some animal studies have linked it to adrenal tumors, though the FDA currently deems it safe for consumption.

Palm Oil

A vegetable fat high in saturated fatty acids. Its massive production is a primary driver of deforestation, endangering species like orangutans. Refined palm oil may also contain harmful contaminants.

Soybean Oil

A ubiquitous vegetable oil high in Omega-6 fatty acids. Excessive consumption of Omega-6s without balancing Omega-3s can promote systemic inflammation in the body.

Artificial Flavor

A mixture of chemicals synthesized in a lab to mimic natural tastes. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific ingredients used in these proprietary blends.

Sesame

Recently added as the 9th Major Allergen in the US. Sesame is often hidden in 'natural flavors' or spice blends, making it dangerous for allergic individuals.

Propyl Gallate

An antioxidant preservative used in fatty foods like sausage and lard. It is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to rare brain tumors in rats.

Sodium Phosphate

Used in processed meats and cheese to maintain moisture. High intake is dangerous for people with kidney issues and can weaken bones by leaching calcium.

Caramel Color

The brown color in colas. Class III and IV caramel coloring contain 4-MEI, a chemical byproduct that is a possible human carcinogen.

Full Ingredients List:

PORK, SUGAR, SOY SAUCE (WATER. WHEAT. SOYBEANS SALT. ALCOHOL), WATER, MUSTARD SEASONING (MUSTARD, SALT, SUGAR, XANTHAN GUM OLEORESIN TURMERIC.POTASSIUM SORBATE. SODIUM BENZOATE [PRESERVATIVEST, NATURAL FLAVOR), CONTAINS 2% OR LESS: BETA-AROTENE (COLOR).CARAMEL COLOR.CHINESE HOT MUSTARD (WATER, MUSTARD, TUMERIC POTASSIUM SORBATE.AND SODIUM BENZOATE AS, PRESERVATIVE, 「MUSTARD, SALT, SUGAR, XANTHAN GUM, OLEORESIN, VINEGAR), CITRIC ACID, ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, RIBOFLAVIN FOCIN.REDUCED IRON. THIAMINE MONONITRATE., ACACIA HOISIN SAUCE (SUGAR, WATER, SWEET POTATO, SALT, MODIFIED CORN STARCH. SOY BEANS SPICES.SESAME SEEDS. CARAMEL COLOR. WHEAT FLOUR, GARLIC, CHILI PEPPER.ACETIC ACID).MONO - & DIGLYCERIDES., NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR.NONFAT MILK, PALM OIL, POTASSIUM SORBATE (PRESERVATIVE), PROPYL GALLATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL,, PROPYLENE GLYCOL ALGINATE.RED 40,SALT, SALT, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM NITRITE. SODIUM PHOSPHATE,SOY LECITHIN, SOYBEAN OIL,, FITES TITANIUM DIOXIDE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE. WHITE VINEGAR,, MAN GUM.YELLOW 5. YELLOW 6##TOMK## **CONTAINS: MILK.SOY., MADE AND SESAME.**MAY CONTAIN EGG. PERISHABLE-KEEP, SOY., TATED

Diet Compatibility

🌱

Vegan

Avoid

🌾

Gluten-Free

Avoid

🥩

Keto

OK

What you need to know

Fat in low quantity (0g)

This product contains a low amount of fat. A healthy choice for your heart.

Source: National Health Service UK (NHS) - Fat: the facts

Saturated Fat in low quantity (0g)

Saturated fat in low quantity. Good for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Source: National Health Service UK (NHS)

Sugars in low quantity (0g)

Low sugar content. Good for weight control and dental health.

Source: National Health Service UK (NHS) - Sugar: the facts

Salt in low quantity (0g)

Low salt content.

Source: WHO - Fact sheet - Salt reduction

Health Benefits

  • Sugar Free

Cons & Warnings

  • Contains Red 40 (Allura Red)

Processing Level

Based on ingredient analysis (NOVA System)

NOVA 4: Ultra Processed

Analysis Report

Dr. Mark Chen, PhD

Dr. Mark Chen, PhD

Food Scientist

"Mark analyzes food processing levels and additive safety."

Health Integrity Analysis

Is Char Siu truly good for you, or is it just clever marketing? We analyzed the nutritional density, ingredient safety, and processing levels using the CakeID Algorithm. With a calculated health score of 20/100, here is the deep dive into what you are actually eating.

⚠️ Additive Watch: Critical Flags

The ingredient list reveals the presence of Red 40 (Allura Red). A synthetic petroleum-based dye used to create bright red colors in candy and drinks. It has been linked to hyperactivity and attention issues in sensitive children. Banned in parts of Europe for use in baby food. For health-conscious consumers, this is a significant red flag that lowered the product's overall score.

Sugar & Metabolic Impact

Impressively, this is a Zero Sugar product. This makes it an excellent candidate for Keto diets, diabetics, or anyone looking to reduce caloric intake without sacrificing flavor.

Final Verdict

Taking into account the macro-nutrient balance, additive risks, and caloric density, Char Siu achieves a CakeID Score of 20/100.

Treat Only: Due to the low score, we recommend enjoying this only as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Char Siu healthy?
It depends on your goals. With a score of 20/100, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Is Char Siu Vegan?
No. Contains 'milk'.
Does it contain harmful additives?
Yes, it contains Red 40 (Allura Red), which is flagged in our database.
Disclaimer: The information provided by CakeID is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a professional for dietary concerns.

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Official GTIN Code

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 package

Amount per serving
Calories
0
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin D 0mcg0%
Calcium 0mg0%
Iron 0mg0%
Potassium 0mg0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Burn It Off

To burn off the 0 kcal in 100g, you'd need to:

0
Run
0
Cycle
0
Walk

Sugar Visualization

Sugar Free

1 cube ≈ 4g sugar (Contains ~0 cubes)

Macros

FDA Check

Passed. No active recalls.