# La Mexicana Medium 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-medium-salsa-16-oz - **Slug:** `la-mexicana-medium-salsa-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial additives and preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, xanthan gum, natural flavor, phosphoric acid) and ingredients/formulations not typically used in home cooking, consistent with an ultra-processed (NOVA 4) classification. ## Review La Mexicana Medium Salsa is a shelf-stable jarred salsa that reads like a bridge between fresh pico and everyday convenience. You’ll typically find it in the Hispanic/international aisle or the condiment/salsa section of a supermarket, shelved near tortilla chips, taco shells, canned beans and other Mexican-style sauces; some stores also carry it in the chilled salsa case. It’s positioned for quick weeknight dinners, party platters and casual gatherings — a go-to for game-day snacking, weekend brunch spreads and last-minute taco nights. The La Mexicana name cues Mexican heritage and home-style flavors, aimed at shoppers who want authentic-tasting salsas without making it from scratch; marketing leans modestly traditional rather than gourmet, appealing to families and value-conscious buyers. The front label emphasizes fresh ingredients (tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro) and medium heat, creating a ‘fresh’ and wholesome impression even though the ingredient list includes preservatives and stabilizers. There’s no prominent organic or certified claims, and the design is straightforward — functional rather than kid-targeted or premium. In plain terms, this is a processed, shelf-stable condiment made with real vegetable ingredients plus acidity regulators, preservatives and a thickener to maintain texture and shelf life. Sensory-wise it’s bright red with a chunky but saucy texture (xanthan gum adds body), tangy citrus notes, mild jalapeño heat and a cilantro-garlic finish; served straight from the jar, scooped with chips or spooned over tacos and eggs. The ritual is casual: open, stir, dip — an easy finishing touch that brings familiar Mexican flavors to everyday American meals. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 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 Bell Pepper, 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, wholesome, authentic ## FAQ ### Is La Mexicana Medium Salsa healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective, right? This salsa is low in calories and sugars, making it a great choice for adding flavor without a lot of extra calories. However, it does contain preservatives to maintain freshness, so if you're looking for something completely unprocessed, this might not be your go-to. ### Is La Mexicana Medium Salsa vegan? Absolutely! This salsa is totally vegan-friendly, so you can enjoy it guilt-free on your burritos, tacos, or even just with some chips. No animal products here, just a delicious blend of fresh veggies and spices! ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, you're in the clear! La Mexicana Medium Salsa is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can dip, scoop, and slather without worry. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, no seed oils here! Instead, you’ll find fresh veggies doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to flavor. Seed oils can sometimes sneak into processed foods, but this salsa keeps it fresh and simple. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! La Mexicana Medium Salsa skips the artificial sweeteners, which is great if you're looking for a more natural flavor. The slight sweetness comes from the fresh ingredients themselves, like tomatoes and bell peppers. ### Is it high in sugar? Not even close! This salsa is low in sugar, with just 1 gram per serving. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a flavorful condiment without the sugar overload. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for an alternative, you could whip up a homemade salsa using fresh tomatoes, onions, and herbs. However, if convenience is key, La Mexicana is a solid option. Just keep an eye on other condiments you might pair it with to keep your meal balanced! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Most kids love the vibrant flavors of salsa, and La Mexicana Medium Salsa is mild enough for younger taste buds. Just be sure to check for any allergies, especially with the jalapeños, and they’ll be dipping away happily! ### Is it good for weight loss? It can be, especially since it’s low in calories and sugars! Just remember, it’s all about balance—using this salsa to boost the flavor of healthy meals can help you feel satisfied without overdoing it on calories. ### Is it ultra-processed? It's on the processed side, but not ultra-processed. While it does contain some preservatives, the ingredient list features a lot of fresh produce, which keeps it from being overly processed. So, it's a step above many other condiments out there! ## Related products - [Cleveland Kitchen Classic Kimchi](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cleveland-kitchen-classic-kimchi-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cleveland-kitchen-classic-kimchi-16-oz - [Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pom-wonderful-100-pomegranate-juice-48-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pom-wonderful-100-pomegranate-juice-48-oz - [Bing Cherry Energy Drink](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bing-cherry-energy-drink-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bing-cherry-energy-drink-12-oz - [Mariani Dates, Chopped 8 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mariani-dates-chopped-8-oz-8-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mariani-dates-chopped-8-oz-8-oz - [Marzetti Caramel Apple Dip](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/marzetti-caramel-apple-dip-1350-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/marzetti-caramel-apple-dip-1350-oz - [Cal Sundried Tomatoes Julienne Cut](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/california-sun-dry-cal-sundried-tomatoes-julienne-cut-3-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/california-sun-dry-cal-sundried-tomatoes-julienne-cut-3-oz - [Unbranded Conventional Orange Juice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/evolution-fresh-unbranded-conventional-orange-juice-1520-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/evolution-fresh-unbranded-conventional-orange-juice-1520-oz - [Kevita Probiotic Mojita Lime Mint Co](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kevita-probiotic-mojita-lime-mint-co-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kevita-probiotic-mojita-lime-mint-co-12-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md