Does Mexican Style Stewed Tomatoes contain dairy or gluten?

No, this product is free from dairy, gluten, and wheat. It is considered a 'pareve' (neutral) food in kosher dietary laws.

Is Mexican Style Stewed Tomatoes good for weight loss?

Yes, because they are very low in calories and fat. However, be mindful of the added sugar which adds empty calories.

Where can I buy Mexican Style Stewed Tomatoes?

You can find this product at most major grocery chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway, as well as online retailers like Amazon.

Is Mexican Style Stewed Tomatoes safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children. While it contains jalapeno peppers, the heat level is usually mild enough for most kids, but always check the specific brand's spiciness.

Is Mexican Style Stewed Tomatoes Kosher?

Yes, Mexican Style Stewed Tomatoes are generally considered kosher. This verdict relies on the specific ingredient profile, which avoids obvious animal-derived additives and uses processing aids that are typically plant-based. In this article, we will break down the ingredients list to explain exactly why this pantry staple meets strict kosher dietary laws.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food like Mexican Style Stewed Tomatoes is kosher, we look beyond the main vegetables. The devil is in the details, specifically the additives and flavorings. Let's analyze the key components of the ingredient list: Tomatoes, tomato juice, sugar, salt, dried onion, jalapeno peppers, dried celery, dried bell pepper, spices, calcium chloride, citric acid, and natural flavors.

First, the base ingredients—tomatoes, peppers, onions, and celery—are inherently kosher vegetables. The processing of these into a stew does not introduce any issues. The preservatives calcium chloride and citric acid are mineral-based or derived from fermentation of sugars (usually corn or beets), making them safe for kosher diets. Natural flavors is often a gray area in food science, but in a tomato-based product, these are almost exclusively derived from plant sources to enhance the savory profile, rather than using meat-based broths.

Finally, the sugar used in the product is a crucial factor. In strict kosher observance, particularly during Passover, refined white sugar must be certified kosher due to the historical use of animal bone char in the filtration process. However, for year-round kosher certification, standard granulated sugar is acceptable. Since the product is not specifically a Passover item, the sugar used here is compliant with general kosher standards. There are no dairy derivatives (like whey or casein) or gelatin listed, confirming the product is pareve (neutral).

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Mexican Style Stewed Tomatoes are a low-calorie food, making them an excellent flavor enhancer without adding significant fat. A standard serving typically contains fewer than 50 calories, with the majority coming from the natural sugars in the tomatoes and the added sugar. While the added sugar contributes to the carbohydrate count, the amount is generally modest compared to other canned pasta sauces or soups.

Fat content is virtually non-existent, as these tomatoes are packed in water or tomato juice rather than oil. This makes them a heart-healthy choice for those monitoring their lipid intake. The sodium content, derived from salt, is the primary nutritional watch-out; canned goods often rely on salt for preservation and flavor. If you are on a low-sodium diet, you may want to consume these in moderation, but for the average diet, they fit well within daily limits as a vegetable serving.