That Pepper Jelly Habit Without the Sticker Shock

If you're looking at the label, this one stands out immediately: zero grams of sugar per 100g. The ingredient list is straightforward—cane sugar, apple cider vinegar, sweet bell peppers, and that Scotch Bonnet mash. The score of 9.9 suggests it's a crowd-pleaser, likely balancing sweet and heat without the sugar crash. I imagine the texture is that classic jelly-with-pulp, perfect for spreading over a block of cream cheese with crackers at a potluck. It's a smart swap if you usually buy a sugary version. The trade-off is that the heat from the Scotch Bonnet can sneak up on you, so it's not for those who are extremely spice-sensitive.

This pepper jelly has a sugar content of 60g per 100g, which is quite high compared to the zero-sugar option. The ingredients include sugar, peppers, and Tabasco brand pepper sauce, which gives it a specific vinegar-forward tang. The score of 4.0 indicates it might be a bit one-note or overly sweet for some palates. It could work as a quick glaze for meatballs in a slow cooker, where the sugar helps create a sticky coating. However, the trade-off is the nutritional aspect; you're getting a lot of sugar in a small serving, which might not align with a tight budget or health goals.

With 17g of sugar per 100g, this Raspberry Jelly Donut option sits in a moderate range. The ingredients are listed as 'updating,' but the score of 8.3 implies it's a solid choice. I picture this as a filling inside a soft donut, offering that sweet, fruity burst without being cloying. It's the kind of thing you might grab for a weekend breakfast treat. The trade-off here is that the sugar content is still present, so if you're strictly counting grams, it adds up. It's not a 'health food' by any means, but it seems like a reasonable indulgence compared to the 60g sugar option.

This Peanut Butter and Jelly option has only 9g of sugar per 100g, which is surprisingly low for a PB&J product. The ingredients are updating, but the score of 9.1 is very promising. It sounds like a nostalgic sandwich filling, but with a sugar profile that won't spike your energy too drastically. This would be perfect for a kid's lunchbox or a quick office sandwich. The trade-off is that with low sugar, it might rely more on salt or other flavorings to make up the taste, so checking the sodium on the label would be wise. It's a budget-friendly way to get that classic taste without the usual sugar load.

Lychee Jelly comes in at 42g of sugar per 100g, which is on the higher side. The ingredients are updating, and the score of 5.8 suggests it might be a bit polarizing—perhaps too sweet or lacking in authentic lychee flavor. I can see this being used in a bubble tea or as a sweet topping for ice cream. The texture is likely that wobbly, gelatinous bite that lychee fans enjoy. The trade-off is clearly the sugar content; it's a significant amount, making it more of a dessert topping than a daily staple. If you're looking for value, the high sugar might mean you use less of it, but it's still a lot per serving.