# La Mexicana Hot Salsa > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** La Mexicana - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Produce - **Size:** 16 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/la-mexicana-hot-salsa-16-oz - **Slug:** `la-mexicana-hot-salsa-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial additives (preservatives, stabilizers, 'natural flavor' and colorants) and is a ready-to-eat, shelf-stable product, fitting NOVA Group 4 ultra-processed classification. ## Review La Mexicana Hot Salsa arrives in the grocery aisle as a familiar, mid-shelf jarred condiment that bridges the fresh produce area and the international/Latin foods section. You’ll often find it near other salsas, jarred peppers, taco shells, and chips — a grab-one-for-snacking item for shoppers passing between produce and snacks. It suits casual occasions: stocking up for game-day dips, adding a quick kick to weeknight tacos, or bringing to a backyard barbecue or potluck. The brand leans into traditional Mexican roots with a straightforward name and rustic imagery, appealing to shoppers looking for authentic flavors at an accessible price; the target demographic is broad—families, budget-conscious cooks, and Latin-flavor seekers who prefer convenience over making salsa from scratch. The label emphasizes freshness and simple-sounding ingredients like “fresh tomatoes” and “fresh jalapeño,” which creates a natural, home-made halo even though the jar also lists preservatives and stabilizers. There’s no organic certification or child-focused branding; instead the packaging relies on cultural cues and bright, spicy imagery. In plain processing context, this is a commercially prepared salsa that mixes fresh ingredients with preservatives, acids, and texture agents to keep it shelf-stable and consistent. Sensorially, it pours with a slightly chunky-but-uniform texture, a bright red color softened by beet powder, and a tangy, garlicky heat. Typically packaged in a glass or clear plastic jar with a twist lid, usage rituals include spooning onto chips, spooning into taco bowls, or stirring into soups and marinades—an everyday staple for shoppers who want bold flavor with minimal prep. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.0 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 15 - **Calories:** 5 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 120mg (5% DV) - **Total carbs:** 1g (0% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Fresh Tomatoes, Fresh Onions, Fresh Jalapeno Peppers, Salt, Fresh Cilantro, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate (Maintains Freshness), Water, Lactic Acid, Garlic, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbic Acid, Beet Powder (Color), Natural Flavor, Phosphoric Acid. ## Flagged ingredients - **Sodium Benzoate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Potassium Sorbate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Beet Powder** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, weekend-brunch, movie-night - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is La Mexicana Hot Salsa healthy? Well, 'healthy' can mean different things to different people! This salsa is low in calories (only 5 per serving) and free from added sugars, making it a great option for flavor without the guilt. It’s packed with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños, which are all nutritious, but remember, it's still a condiment, so moderation is key! ### Is La Mexicana Hot Salsa vegan? Absolutely! La Mexicana Hot Salsa is completely vegan, so you can enjoy it guilt-free whether you're a full-time vegan or just trying to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet. No animal products here, just pure veggie goodness! ### Is La Mexicana Hot Salsa gluten-free? Yes, you can dig into La Mexicana Hot Salsa without worrying about gluten! It’s made from fresh, wholesome ingredients that are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. ### Does La Mexicana Hot Salsa contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils lurking in La Mexicana Hot Salsa. This salsa keeps it simple and fresh with no unnecessary oils, which is great news if you’re looking to avoid those in your diet! ### Does La Mexicana Hot Salsa contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! La Mexicana Hot Salsa is free from artificial sweeteners, so you can enjoy its natural flavor without worrying about any sneaky sweeteners. It's all about letting those fresh ingredients shine through! ### Is La Mexicana Hot Salsa high in sugar? Not even a little! With only 1 gram of total sugars per serving, La Mexicana Hot Salsa is low in sugar, making it a tasty option for those watching their sugar intake. Perfect for adding a spicy kick without the sugar rush! ### What are healthier alternatives to La Mexicana Hot Salsa? If you're looking for alternatives, you might consider making your own salsa at home with fresh ingredients to control the flavors and ingredients. However, La Mexicana is a solid choice if you're short on time and want something tasty and convenient without compromising on quality. ### Can kids eat La Mexicana Hot Salsa? Definitely! Kids can enjoy La Mexicana Hot Salsa, especially if they like a bit of spice. Just keep in mind the heat level of the jalapeños—if your little ones are sensitive to spice, you might want to start with a smaller amount and see how they handle it! ### Is La Mexicana Hot Salsa good for weight loss? Yes, it can be a great addition to a weight-loss plan! With its low calorie count and flavorful punch, you can enhance your meals without piling on extra calories. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as it’s easy to go overboard when something tastes this good! ### Is La Mexicana Hot Salsa ultra-processed? While La Mexicana Hot Salsa does contain some preservatives to maintain freshness, it’s considered minimally processed. The bulk of its ingredients are fresh and recognizable, so it strikes a balance between convenience and quality, making it a reasonable choice among condiments! ## Related products - [Nasoya Eggroll Wrap](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nasoya-eggroll-wrap-1-lb) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nasoya-eggroll-wrap-1-lb - [Litehouse Caramel Dip, Low Fat 16 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/litehouse-caramel-dip-low-fat-16-oz-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/litehouse-caramel-dip-low-fat-16-oz-16-oz - [Makoto Orange Ginger Dressing](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/makoto-orange-ginger-dressing-9-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/makoto-orange-ginger-dressing-9-oz - [Mitchell's Fresh Sweet And Spicy Salsa](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mitchells-fresh-sweet-and-spicy-salsa-fresh-15-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mitchells-fresh-sweet-and-spicy-salsa-fresh-15-oz - [Concord Foods Apple Wraps](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/simply-concord-foods-apple-wraps-650-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/simply-concord-foods-apple-wraps-650-oz - [Concord Broccoli Soup Mix](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/concord-foods-broccoli-soup-mix-125-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/concord-foods-broccoli-soup-mix-125-oz - [Diamond Nuts, Walnut Jumbo In Shell](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/diamond-of-california-nuts-walnut-jumbo-in-shell-16-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/diamond-of-california-nuts-walnut-jumbo-in-shell-16-oz - [Sambazon Dragonfruit](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sambazon-dragonfruit-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sambazon-dragonfruit-32-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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