Is Pineapple Salsa Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a jar of pineapple salsa, the majority of the ingredients are plant-based powerhouses. You have TOMATO PUREE, PINEAPPLE, ONIONS, and GREEN BELL PEPPERS. These provide the bulk of the texture and flavor and are unequivocally vegan. The acidity comes from VINEGAR and PINEAPPLE JUICE CONCENTRATE, and the savory depth is added by GARLIC PUREE, CUMIN, and CILANTRO. Even the heat from the JALAPENO PEPPER and CRUSHED RED PEPPERS is plant-derived.

However, the specific brand or recipe you choose matters most when it comes to the SUGAR. In the United States, a significant portion of white sugar is filtered and bleached using activated carbon that comes from animal bone char. Unless the manufacturer specifically labels the sugar as "Organic," "Unrefined," or "Beet Sugar," it is highly likely that the sugar in this salsa is not vegan. This is the single biggest flag in an otherwise clean ingredient list.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, pineapple salsa is generally a low-calorie condiment, making it a great alternative to heavy cream-based dips. The primary macronutrients are carbohydrates derived from the fruit sugars in the PINEAPPLE and TOMATOES. Because the base is vegetables and fruit, it is naturally low in fat. However, the SUGAR content can add up, so if you are monitoring your glycemic index or sugar intake, portion control is key. It fits well into most diet limits, including Paleo (if the sugar is compliant) and Whole30 (if you find a no-sugar-added version).