# Chi Chi's Original Recipe Salsa, Medium > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** CHI-CHI'S - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 16 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/chi-chis-chi-chis-original-recipe-salsa-medium-16-oz - **Slug:** `chi-chis-chi-chis-original-recipe-salsa-medium-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The product contains industrial additives and a preservative (sodium benzoate) plus acidity regulators and a firming agent, and is an industrially processed, shelf-stable condiment, consistent with ultra-processed foods. ## Review CHI-CHI'S Original Recipe Salsa, Medium (16 oz) is the familiar glass-jar salsa found in the refrigerated or shelf-stable condiment aisle near other salsas, taco sauces, jarred guacamoles and chips. It sits alongside national brands and private-label Mexican-style condiments, often near tortilla chips and refrigerated fresh salsas. Shoppers pull it for casual gatherings, game-day snacking, movie nights, weeknight tacos or weekend brunch spreads where a jarred, ready-to-serve dip is handy. The CHI-CHI'S name evokes restaurant-style Tex-Mex nostalgia and approachable flavor; branding leans on lively, festive cues and the promise of 'restaurant-style' convenience, targeting busy families and adults seeking bold, familiar flavors without cooking from scratch. Labeling emphasizes flavor intensity (Medium heat) and portion-friendly sizing rather than organic or clean-label certifications; there are no organic seals and the ingredient list reveals common food-industry acids and a preservative, so any natural or fresh-sounding halo is tempered by additives. In plain terms this is a commercially prepared salsa: tomatoes and peppers are canned and blended with acidity regulators, a firming agent and a preservative to ensure shelf life and consistent texture. Sensory notes: bright red-chunky tomato pieces balanced with tangy vinegar and citric acidity, a noticeable jalapeño bite, and a slightly firm, spoonable consistency from calcium chloride; it comes in a screw-top jar that invites chip-dipping or spooning onto tacos. Rituals around it are convivial and casual—open, pass, scoop, repeat—making it a go-to pantry condiment in American home entertaining culture. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 15 - **Calories:** 10 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 170mg (7% DV) - **Total carbs:** 2g (1% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Ingredients: Tomatoes in Tomato Juice (Contains Citric Acid [To Acidify], Calcium Chloride [Firming]), Jalapeño Peppers, Water, Onions, Tomato Paste, Contain 2% or Less of Salt, Citric Acid (To Acidify), Spices, Dehydrated Garlic, Onion Powder, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), White Vinegar. ## Flagged ingredients - **Sodium Benzoate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, weekend-brunch - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Chi Chi's salsa healthy? When it comes to Chi Chi's salsa, calling it healthy depends on your definition! With only 10 calories per 2 tablespoons and low sugar content, it’s a light and flavorful addition to your meals. It’s great for adding a kick without a ton of calories, but if you’re looking for something packed with nutrients, you might want to pair it with some fresh veggies or whole grains. ### Is Chi Chi's salsa vegan? Yes, Chi Chi's salsa is totally vegan! You won't find any animal products in the ingredient list, making it a perfect choice for plant-based eaters. It’s a delicious way to spice up your taco night or add some zing to your salads without any animal-derived ingredients. ### Is Chi Chi's salsa gluten-free? Absolutely! Chi Chi's salsa is gluten-free, so those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy it without worry. It’s a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed on everything from chips to grilled meats, all while keeping your meal gluten-free. ### Does Chi Chi's salsa contain seed oils? Nope! Chi Chi's salsa doesn’t contain any seed oils. It’s made primarily from tomatoes, jalapeños, and spices, so you can feel good about what you're dipping your chips into without the worry of seed oil sneaking in. ### Does Chi Chi's salsa contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! Chi Chi's salsa is free from artificial sweeteners, which is great if you’re trying to avoid those. Instead, it relies on the natural flavors of tomatoes and peppers to bring the taste, keeping things simple and delicious. ### Is Chi Chi's salsa high in sugar? Nope, it’s not high in sugar! With just 1 gram of sugar per serving, it’s a low-sugar option that won’t send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a tasty dip without the sugar overload! ### What are healthier alternatives to Chi Chi's salsa? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making your own fresh salsa at home with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. You could also explore salsas made with fruits like mango or pineapple for a sweeter twist. But hey, Chi Chi's is a pretty good option for convenience when you need something quick! ### Can kids eat Chi Chi's salsa? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy Chi Chi's salsa, especially if they like a little heat. Just keep in mind that it does have jalapeños, so if your little ones are sensitive to spice, you might want to start with a small amount and see how they handle it! ### Is Chi Chi's salsa good for weight loss? Yes, Chi Chi's salsa can be a great addition to a weight loss plan! With only 10 calories per serving, it adds flavor without a lot of extra calories. Just be mindful of portion sizes and what you pair it with—think baked chips or fresh veggies instead of fried options. ### Is Chi Chi's salsa ultra-processed? Chi Chi's salsa is on the processed side, but it's not ultra-processed like some other snack foods. It contains preservatives, but the main ingredients are tomatoes, peppers, and spices, which keeps it closer to the minimally processed category. It’s a convenient option that still maintains some integrity in the ingredient department! ## Related products - [Badia Chili Powder](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/badia-chili-powder-9-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/badia-chili-powder-9-oz - [Dr McDougall's Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dr-mcdougalls-dr-mcdougalls-organic-lentil-vegetable-soup-18-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dr-mcdougalls-dr-mcdougalls-organic-lentil-vegetable-soup-18-oz - [Old El Paso Refried Beans, Vegetarian](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-refried-beans-vegetarian-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-refried-beans-vegetarian-16-oz - [Ka'Me Rice Crackers, Seaweed](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ka-me-kame-rice-crackers-seaweed-350-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ka-me-kame-rice-crackers-seaweed-350-oz - [Sunluck Duck Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sun-luck-sunluck-duck-sauce-7-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sun-luck-sunluck-duck-sauce-7-oz - [Rao's Soup Tortellini Vegetable](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/raos-made-for-home-soup-tortellini-vegetable-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/raos-made-for-home-soup-tortellini-vegetable-16-oz - [Savion Fancy Fruit Slices](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/savion-fancy-fruit-slices-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/savion-fancy-fruit-slices-6-oz - [Mansch Matzo 1S No Salt Pass](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/manischewitz-mansch-matzo-1s-no-salt-pass-1-lb) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/manischewitz-mansch-matzo-1s-no-salt-pass-1-lb ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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