# Chi Chi's Thick & Chunky Salsa, Hot

> 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-thick-chunky-salsa-hot-16-oz
- **Slug:** `chi-chis-chi-chis-thick-chunky-salsa-hot-16-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

Contains industrial additives (citric acid, calcium chloride), concentrated tomato ingredients, and "natural flavoring," indicating industrial formulation and processing typical of ultra-processed foods.

## Review

CHI-CHI'S Thick & Chunky Salsa, Hot (16 oz) is the jarred salsa you'll find on a grocery shelf in the Hispanic foods or condiment aisle, sitting alongside other salsas, taco sauces, and jars of pickled jalapeños and near bags of tortilla chips. It reads as a quick-fix, party-ready condiment for shoppers grabbing chips and dip for game day, taco night, or casual entertaining. The branding leans on Tex‑Mex nostalgia — bright colors, bold type, and a promise of zesty, approachable heat — aimed at mainstream American families and shoppers who want an easy, recognizable Mexican-style flavor without cooking from scratch. The label suggests freshness with language like "Thick & Chunky" and lists tomato-based ingredients prominently; there are no organic or non‑GMO badges and no overt kid-focused characters. Ingredient claims such as "natural flavoring" may create a light health halo, but the jar is a conventional, mass-market product rather than a specialty natural item. In plain processing terms, it is a commercially prepared salsa made from tomatoes and vegetable ingredients with common food additives to stabilize texture and acidity. Sensory-wise it delivers a rustic, chunky tomato base punctuated by bits of onion and jalapeño, a bright acidic tang, and a warm, vinegary heat; texture is thick and scoopable rather than pureed. Packaged in a screw-top jar, its ritual is casual and social: scooped onto chips, spooned over tacos, stirred into nachos, or kept on the fridge door for quick weeknight meals and party platters.

## 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:** 190mg (8% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 2g (1% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 2g
- **Protein:** 0g

## Ingredients

Ingredients: Tomatoes in Tomato Juice (Contains Citric Acid [To Acidify], Calcium Chloride [Firming]), Water, Concentrated Crushed Tomatoes, Onions, Jalapeño Peppers (Contains Vinegar), Contains 2% or less of Salt, White Vinegar, Dehydrated Garlic, Onion Powder, Natural Flavoring, Citric Acid (To Acidify).

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, weekend-brunch
- **Vibes:** convenient, nostalgic, comforting

## FAQ

### Is Chi Chi's Thick & Chunky Salsa healthy?

Well, it depends on what you’re comparing it to! At just 10 calories per two tablespoons, it’s a low-calorie way to add flavor to your meals. It’s made with real tomatoes and peppers, but remember, 'healthy' can be subjective. If you're looking for a way to jazz up your tacos or chips without a lot of calories, this salsa fits the bill!

### Is Chi Chi's Thick & Chunky Salsa vegan?

Absolutely! This salsa is 100% vegan, so you can dip away without any worries about animal products. The ingredients are all plant-based, focusing on tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños, making it a great choice for anyone following a vegan diet.

### Is it gluten-free?

Yes, you can enjoy Chi Chi's Thick & Chunky Salsa without gluten concerns! There are no gluten-containing ingredients in this salsa, making it a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

### Does it contain seed oils?

Nope, no seed oils in this salsa! Chi Chi's keeps things simple and focuses on fresh ingredients, which is a win in my book. Seed oils can sometimes be a concern for those looking to avoid highly processed fats, so you can feel good about this choice.

### Does it contain artificial sweeteners?

Not at all! Chi Chi's Thick & Chunky Salsa is free from artificial sweeteners, so you won’t find any hidden sugar tricks here. It relies on the natural sweetness of tomatoes and a hint of jalapeño for flavor, keeping it straightforward and tasty.

### Is it high in sugar?

Nope, it’s not high in sugar! With only 2 grams of total sugars per serving, this salsa is quite low in sugar compared to many other condiments. So, if you’re watching your sugar intake, this salsa is a solid choice.

### What are healthier alternatives?

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider making your own salsa at home with fresh ingredients. That way, you can control the spices and ingredients to suit your taste. However, Chi Chi's is a convenient option that offers a tasty flavor without a lot of calories, so it’s not a bad choice when you’re in a pinch!

### Can kids eat it?

Absolutely! Chi Chi's Thick & Chunky Salsa is kid-friendly, especially if your little ones enjoy a bit of spice. Just keep an eye on the heat level, as the jalapeños can give it a kick. It’s a fun way to introduce them to new flavors!

### Is it good for weight loss?

In moderation, sure! With only 10 calories per serving, it can be a flavorful addition to your meals without adding significant calories. Just remember, weight loss is all about balance, so pair it with other nutritious foods for the best results.

### Is it ultra-processed?

Not really! While Chi Chi's salsa is processed to some extent, it’s made with recognizable ingredients like tomatoes and peppers, which keeps it on the less processed side of the spectrum. It's a far cry from ultra-processed foods that are loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients.

## Related products

- [Pataks Simmer Sauce, Tikka Masala Curry, Medium](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pataks-pataks-simmer-sauce-tikka-masala-curry-medium-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pataks-pataks-simmer-sauce-tikka-masala-curry-medium-15-oz
- [Nonna Pias Balsamic Glaze Classic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nonna-pias-pias-balsamic-glaze-classic-845-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nonna-pias-pias-balsamic-glaze-classic-845-oz
- [Old El Paso Hint Of Lime Taco Shell 10ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-hint-of-lime-taco-shell-10ct-540-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-hint-of-lime-taco-shell-10ct-540-oz
- [Ortega Mini Taco Slider Shells 18 ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ortega-mini-taco-slider-shells-18-ct-440-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ortega-mini-taco-slider-shells-18-ct-440-oz
- [Kedem Grape Juice, Concord](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kedem-grape-juice-concord-22-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kedem-grape-juice-concord-22-oz
- [Old El Paso Tortilla Pockets Kit](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-tortilla-pockets-kit-840-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-tortilla-pockets-kit-840-oz
- [Goya Roman Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-roman-beans-1550-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-roman-beans-1550-oz
- [Momofuku Black Truffle Chili Crunch](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/momofuku-black-truffle-chili-crunch-550-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/momofuku-black-truffle-chili-crunch-550-oz

## For agents

Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md
