Trader Joe’s: Decieving Customers Since 1958
I’m overjoyed to announce that within 6 months of the posting of this article, Trader Joe’s has removed ALL instances of artificial colors from their brand. Thank you for listening to your customers!
I stopped shopping at traditional grocery stores in 2011 around the same time that I went vegan.
The reasons were plentiful, but I cared most about avoiding:
- Artificial Colors
- Artificial Flavors
- Preservatives
- Other added “junk” ingredients
Now, if you’ve seen my write-up on the best vegan grocery stores, you’ll notice that I left out a big competitor: Trader Joe’s.
Some might be wondering why I would include a store like Sprouts and exclude TJ’s.. It really comes down to their morals as a company.
Trader Joe’s Lies About Artificial Colorings
This started about 6 months ago when I noticed that the Trader Joe’s brand dishsoap I had been using has artificial coloring added.
I was a little distraught, as they have this sign posted outside all their stores:
Email Attempt #1
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I’ve been a loyal fan of Trader Joe’s for years now, I love your products! That being said, I did notice something the other day that concerned me.
It clearly states outside your stores that the “Trader Joe’s Brand Means: YES! All-Natural Colors”, however I noticed that your dish liquid soap contains FD&C coloring? How is that natural?
Thanks so much for your time
-Nick Abell
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Email Attempt #2
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Hi there!
I was informed that your dish soap does in-fact contain artificial FD&C colorings.. Which ones are used? And why aren’t they listed in the ingredients?
My family is very sensitive to certain artificial dyes and am concerned about continuing to use the products.
That being said, I feel betrayed by Trader Joe’s. Outside of each store is a prominent sign that claims “YES! Only Natural Coloring in TJ’s Brand”… Care to explain?
-Nick Abell
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At this point, I was done playing their cat-and-mouse games. They took 2 weeks to reply to each email, so I decided to give their customer support line a call.
I voiced my concerns and the woman did confirm that they use artificial coloring because “their customers prefer it”.
Again, I reiterated the fact that they’re blatantly lying to customers outside of their stores. I was promised she’d “have a look into it”.
Well, I decided that I would have a look into it myself.
Straight from Trader Joe’s website:
YES colors derived only from naturally available products³
~ Trader Joe's FAQ
Follow the footnote to find:
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Well, there you have it. Their products are “guaranteed” to not contain any FD&C colors… But, what’s this?
Yup, there it is: FD&C artificial colors in “Next to Godliness” Dish Soaps and Cleaners.
Shame on you, Trader Joe’s, shame on you.
It’s Time to Find a New Grocery Store
Aside from the dishonest ingredients, I have unearthed another problem with Trader Joe’s: their private labels.
Now, I’ve talked about private label before.. In fact, I’m usually a huge fan of the discount! Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s may source their drinks from Pepsi Co (plus other GMO-pushing companies) and slap their label on it.
Without proper labeling, you may inadvertently be supporting food monopolies you would otherwise avoid.
Listen Up, Trader Joe’s:
- We don’t want artificial colors in our household products (have some faith in your customers!)
- Trader Joe’s might not sell GMO’s, but we don’t want to support your suppliers that push them
- We as consumers are not stupid, and we loathe being lied to
- Fix your shit!
Diane Sandvik
September 11, 2023 at 10:39 amTJ’s sell other label that contain artificial color and/or flavors (energy bars as an example). This is duplicitous and SNEAKY. Shame on you.