# Desert Pepper Trading Medium Corn Black Bean Red Pepper Salsa > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Desert Pepper - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Snacks, Chips & Dips - **Size:** 16 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/desert-pepper-trading-medium-corn-black-bean-red-pepper-salsa-16-oz - **Slug:** `desert-pepper-trading-medium-corn-black-bean-red-pepper-salsa-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods The product is a shelf-stable jarred salsa made from recognizable whole ingredients with added vinegar, tomato puree/paste and citric acid for preservation; it is processed for shelf life but lacks the industrial formulations and numerous additives typical of ultra-processed foods. ## Review Desert Pepper Trading Medium Corn Black Bean Red Pepper Salsa arrives on the shelf as a 16 oz jar that reads like a sunny corner of the Southwest. You'd most often find it in the salsa and condiments aisle beside tortilla chips, jarred salsas, canned beans, and Mexican-style simmer sauces, with fresher, refrigerated salsas nearby for comparison. It suits quick weeknight dinners, weekend taco nights, game-day snack spreads, and casual brunches where a chip-and-dip ritual brings people together. The brand leans into an El Paso, Texas identity — rustic, regional, and authentic — targeting shoppers who want bold, approachable ethnic flavors without the fuss of cooking from scratch. Label claims such as "No preservatives, no additives, gluten free, vegan" and "Authentic. Guaranteed authentic" give it a natural-health halo, though there is no organic certification; packaging is straightforward, friendly, and not child-focused. In plain processing terms this is a shelf-stable, jarred salsa made from recognizable ingredients rather than an industrial flavor concentrate. Sensory details: a chunky, slightly saucy texture with bright kernels of corn, tender black beans, diced tomatoes and red pepper, flecks of cilantro, and a mild to medium heat from jalapeno and chipotle; expect a tangy, vinegary lift from distilled vinegar and lime juice and a faint savory depth from tomato paste and spices. Rituals include scooping with a crisp tortilla chip, spooning over grilled fish or tacos, or stirring into grain bowls. Its low-calorie profile (about 20 kcal per serving) and modest sodium (180 mg) are highlighted on the label to appeal to health-conscious convenience seekers. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 14 - **Calories:** 20 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 180mg (8% DV) - **Total carbs:** 4g (1% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients Corn, Black Beans, Tomatoes, Sweet Red Peppers, Mild Green Chile Peppers, Onions, Tomato Puree, Water, Jalapeno Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, Lime Juice, Salt, Tomato Paste, Cilantro, Spices, Chipotle Pepper, Garlic and Citric Acid. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, weekend-brunch - **Vibes:** wholesome, convenient, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is the Desert Pepper salsa healthy? Well, 'healthy' can mean different things to different people. This salsa is low in calories and has no added sugars or artificial ingredients, which is a win in many books! It’s a great way to add flavor to your meals without piling on the calories, but if you're looking for something high in protein or fiber, you might want to pair it with some beans or whole grain chips. ### Is this salsa vegan? Absolutely! The Desert Pepper salsa is completely vegan, so you can enjoy it guilt-free whether you're a full-time herbivore or just dabbling in plant-based eating. No animal products here — just a delightful medley of veggies and spices! ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, this salsa is gluten-free! If you’re steering clear of gluten for health reasons or just prefer to avoid it, you can dip away with confidence. Perfect for pairing with your favorite gluten-free chips or veggies! ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, there are no seed oils in this salsa! It's made with wholesome ingredients like corn, black beans, and peppers, so you won’t find any sneaky oils lurking in there. That means you get all the flavor without the extra fats that can sometimes come from processed dips. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! The Desert Pepper salsa is free from artificial sweeteners, so you can enjoy the natural sweetness from the tomatoes and peppers. It’s a great choice if you’re trying to reduce your intake of processed additives. ### Is it high in sugar? Nope, this salsa is low in sugar, with only 1 gram per serving. It’s a nice option if you’re watching your sugar intake. The natural flavors from the veggies really shine through, so you won’t miss the extra sweetness! ### What are some healthier alternatives to this salsa? If you’re looking to mix things up, consider trying a fresh pico de gallo or a homemade salsa with organic ingredients. You could also whip up a chunky avocado salsa for some extra creaminess. Just remember, the Desert Pepper salsa is already a pretty wholesome choice! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! This salsa is kid-friendly, especially if your little ones enjoy a bit of spice. Just keep an eye on the jalapeños if they're sensitive to heat, but overall, it's a fun way to add flavor to their meals! ### Is it good for weight loss? It can be a great addition to a weight-loss plan! With only 20 calories per serving, it adds flavor without a hefty calorie count. Just remember to pair it with healthy options like veggies or whole grain chips to keep your snacks balanced. ### Is it ultra-processed? Not really! The Desert Pepper salsa is considered minimally processed, which means it sticks to simple, recognizable ingredients. It’s a far cry from those overly processed dips filled with preservatives and artificial flavors, so you can feel good about what you’re enjoying. ## Related products - [M&M's Single, Peanut Butter and Jelly](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mms-single-peanut-butter-and-jelly-163-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mms-single-peanut-butter-and-jelly-163-oz - [M&M Peanut Butter & Jelly Stand Up Pouch](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mms-mm-peanut-butter-jelly-stand-up-pouch-860-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mms-mm-peanut-butter-jelly-stand-up-pouch-860-oz - [Nabisco Crackers, Chicken In A Biskit](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/chicken-in-a-biskit-nabisco-crackers-750-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/chicken-in-a-biskit-nabisco-crackers-750-oz - [Nabisco Sargento Cheese Bakes Pepper Jack Crackers](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sargento-nabisco-cheese-bakes-pepper-jack-crackers-450-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sargento-nabisco-cheese-bakes-pepper-jack-crackers-450-oz - [Nabisco Ritz Sunkissed Crackers](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ritz-nabisco-sunkissed-crackers-1370-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ritz-nabisco-sunkissed-crackers-1370-oz - [Hu Kitchen, Hu Simple Chocolate Bar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hu-kitchen-simple-chocolate-bar-210-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hu-kitchen-simple-chocolate-bar-210-oz - [Hershey's Mr Goodbar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hersheys-mr-goodbar-175-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hersheys-mr-goodbar-175-oz - [PF Goldfish Carton Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goldfish-pf-goldfish-carton-flavor-blasted-xtra-cheddar-2730-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goldfish-pf-goldfish-carton-flavor-blasted-xtra-cheddar-2730-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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