# Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette

> Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop.

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** MARIE'S
- **Retailer listed:** Foodtown
- **Category:** Produce
- **Size:** 11.50 foz
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maries-balsamic-vinaigrette-1150-oz
- **Slug:** `maries-balsamic-vinaigrette-1150-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

Contains industrial ingredients like xanthan gum and 'natural flavors' alongside refined oils and added sugars, indicating an industrially formulated product rather than a single whole food preparation, consistent with NOVA-4 ultra-processed classification.

## Review

Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette (11.5 fl oz) reads like a pantry-friendly shortcut to a classic Italian flavor profile. In a typical American grocery, you’ll spot it in the refrigerated specialty dressing and prepared salads section near other premium dressings, artisanal mustards, and single-origin olive oils — sometimes also shelved with chilled produce or deli items. It is tailored to shoppers assembling quick weeknight salads, weekend brunch spreads, or casual dinner-party platters like Caprese. The brand positions itself as a slightly upscale, kitchen-friendly label: evocative of homemade vinaigrettes but sold as a convenient, reliable product for adults who cook at home and care about taste and perceived quality. The bottle leans on health-forward cues—balsamic and “extra virgin olive oil” on the label create a Mediterranean, wholesome halo—while including “natural flavors” language; there’s no organic seal or child-focused branding. In plain processing terms, this is a prepared dressing made by combining culinary ingredients (vinegars, oils, sugar) with stabilizers and flavoring agents so it stays emulsified and shelf-ready. Sensory notes: a glossy, pourable emulsion with a balanced tangy-sweet balsamic character, mild garlic and mustard spice, and a slick mouthfeel from blended oils; texture is smooth with a slight body from xanthan gum. Packaging is a modest-sized bottle (often glass or sturdy plastic) intended for refrigerator storage; ritual uses include a quick toss into mixed greens, a marinade for chicken or vegetables, or a drizzle over heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. It’s marketed as a tasteful, time-saving way to bring a restaurant-style finish to home cooking.

## Diet flags

- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 2 tbsp
- **Servings per container:** 11
- **Calories:** 50
- **Total fat:** 4.5g (6% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 0.5g (3% DV)
- **Sodium:** 220mg (10% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 2g (1% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 2g
- **Added sugars:** 2g (4% DV)
- **Protein:** 0g

## Ingredients

WATER, BALSAMIC VINEGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, RED WINE VINEGAR, BROWN SUGAR, EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE JUICE (COLOR), MOLASSES, SPICES (INCLUDES MUSTARD), XANTHAN GUM, NATURAL FLAVORS, GARLIC*. *DEHYDRATED

## Flagged ingredients

- **soybean oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **fruit and vegetable juice (color)** (additive): Artificial coloring

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, meal-prep-sunday, game-day-prep
- **Vibes:** wholesome, convenient, luxurious

## FAQ

### Is Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette healthy?

Health is a bit of a moving target, isn't it? Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette clocks in at 50 calories per two-tablespoon serving, which is pretty reasonable for a dressing. It has added sugars and seed oils, so while it can be part of a balanced diet, if you're watching your sugar or oil intake, you might want to use it sparingly.

### Is it vegan?

Nope, Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette isn't vegan. It contains ingredients like red wine vinegar, which can sometimes be processed with animal products, and the presence of natural flavors can be a bit of a mystery. If you’re strictly vegan, it might be worth looking for a dressing specifically labeled as such.

### Is it gluten-free?

Yes! Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette is gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can drizzle it on your salads without worrying about hidden gluten!

### Does it contain seed oils?

Yes, this vinaigrette contains soybean oil, which is a seed oil. Some folks prefer to steer clear of seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acids and potential processing methods, while others find them perfectly fine in moderation. It’s all about what fits your dietary preferences!

### Does it contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope, Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners. Instead, it uses brown sugar for a touch of sweetness, so you won't find any of those funky chemical names on the label. It's a straightforward choice if you're looking to avoid artificial additives.

### Is it high in sugar?

Not really! Each serving has just 2 grams of sugar, which is quite low compared to many dressings out there. However, since it does contain added sugars, if you're on a very low-sugar diet, you might want to keep that in mind.

### What are healthier alternatives?

If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making your own vinaigrette at home with olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs. You could also look for dressings that are labeled organic or made without added sugars and preservatives for a cleaner option. It can be fun to experiment with flavors!

### Can kids eat it?

Absolutely! Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette can be a tasty addition to kids' salads or veggies. Just keep in mind that it does have added sugars, so moderation is key, especially if you're trying to limit sugar intake for little ones.

### Is it good for weight loss?

In moderation, Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette can fit into a weight loss plan, especially if it helps you enjoy more salads and veggies. It's low in calories, but keep an eye on portion sizes since those tablespoons can add up. Balance is key!

### Is it ultra-processed?

While it's not the most minimally processed option out there, Marie's Balsamic Vinaigrette isn't exactly ultra-processed either. It contains a mix of natural and some processed ingredients, but it's not filled with preservatives or artificial additives. It’s a step up from many conventional dressings, but still, a bit processed.

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