Does Pepita Salsa contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredient list provided, Pepita Salsa contains no dairy (milk, cheese) or gluten ingredients. It is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Is Pepita Salsa good for weight loss?

Yes, it can be. It is low in calories and sugar but high in fiber and healthy fats, which helps keep you full longer and prevents overeating.

Where can I buy Pepita Salsa?

Pepita Salsa is widely available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Walmart, as well as online through Amazon.

Is Pepita Salsa safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. It contains no caffeine or artificial sweeteners. However, due to the texture of the seeds, younger children should be supervised while eating.

Is Pepita Salsa Keto?

Yes, Pepita Salsa is keto-friendly. This savory salsa strikes a great balance for low-carb dieters, offering a crunchy texture and rich flavor without the sugar spike often found in jarred sauces. By combining traditional salsa ingredients with nutrient-dense pumpkin seeds, it provides a snack that satisfies cravings while keeping you in ketosis.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for in a keto product is the absence of hidden sugars and starches. The ingredient list for Pepita Salsa is surprisingly clean for a shelf-stable product. The base consists of TOMATOES, ONIONS, and RED BELL PEPPERS. While onions do contain carbohydrates, they are used here in a pureed and powdered form, suggesting the quantity per serving remains low enough to not impact ketosis significantly.

The star ingredient, DRY ROASTED PEPITAS (pumpkin seeds), is the hero of this salsa from a keto perspective. Pepitas are naturally low in net carbs but high in fat and fiber, making them an ideal ingredient for boosting the fat-to-carb ratio. This helps increase satiety, which is crucial for sticking to a diet.

Regarding the oils and acids, the use of EXPELLER PRESSED CANOLA OIL and DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer. While some keto purists prefer olive oil, canola oil is generally acceptable in small amounts within processed foods. The LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE provides acidity without adding significant sugar, keeping the net carb count low. Overall, the ingredient profile is robust and free of obvious red flags like corn syrup or maltodextrin.

Nutritional Value

When evaluating a salsa for a ketogenic diet, the metric that matters most is Net Carbs (Total Carbohydrates minus Fiber). While specific label data can vary by batch, a standard serving of a seed-based salsa like this typically falls between 2 to 4 grams of net carbs per serving. This is well within the strict daily limit of 20-50 grams allowed on keto.

The fat content is where this product shines. Standard tomato salsas are virtually fat-free, which can lead to hunger. The inclusion of PEPITAS adds healthy monounsaturated fats and plant-based omega-3s. This nutritional profile transforms the salsa from a mere condiment into a functional food that provides energy and supports the high-fat requirements of the diet.

Furthermore, the calorie density is reasonable. You get flavor and crunch without excessive calories, making it a weight-loss-friendly option. The sodium content, derived from SEA SALT, is something to monitor, but it is standard for preserved goods and helps replenish electrolytes often lost on keto.