Does Rosemary balsamic contain dairy or gluten?

No, the product is free from dairy, milk, and gluten ingredients. It is safe for those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease.

Is Rosemary balsamic good for weight loss?

It is not ideal for strict weight loss due to its high calorie and sugar content from the oil and honey, though it is better than creamy dressings.

Where can I buy Rosemary balsamic?

This specific Simple Truth Organic product is available at Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and other major grocery chains carrying Kroger brands.

Is Rosemary balsamic safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children as it contains no caffeine or artificial additives, though the vinegar taste may be strong for some palates.

Is Rosemary balsamic Halal?

The short answer is no. While this product is certified organic and free of GMOs, it is not Halal. The specific formulation contains wine vinegar, an ingredient prohibited in Islamic dietary laws. Despite this, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a dairy-free and gluten-free dressing.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I analyze ingredients based on their source and processing. For Rosemary Balsamic, the Halal status hinges entirely on one specific ingredient: wine vinegar. In Islamic jurisprudence, the consumption of alcohol and intoxicants is strictly forbidden. While there is a debate among scholars regarding the transformation of wine into vinegar (a process known as 'istihala'), many Halal certifying bodies reject vinegar derived directly from wine unless it has been processed to remove all traces of alcohol and certified by a recognized authority. Since this product lists wine vinegar without a specific Halal certification mark, it cannot be considered Halal.

Fortunately, the rest of the ingredient list is clean from a standard dietary perspective. The base consists of organic soybean oil and water. It uses organic honey for sweetness, which is excellent, and organic dijon mustard for emulsification. The flavor profile is built on organic garlic, organic rosemary, and organic basil. The thickener used is xanthan gum, a common polysaccharide derived from fermentation that is universally accepted. There are no animal-derived products, making it technically vegetarian, but the wine issue remains the dealbreaker for Halal consumers.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wine

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this Rosemary Balsamic is formulated as a dressing, meaning it is calorie-dense relative to the serving size. The primary source of calories comes from the organic soybean oil, which provides healthy unsaturated fats but contributes roughly 120 calories per tablespoon. The organic honey and concentrated grape must add sugars to the mix, balancing the acidity of the vinegars. While the product is 'organic,' sugar is still sugar, and consumers monitoring their glycemic intake should be mindful of the total carbohydrate count. The sodium content is moderate due to the sea salt, but it is not a 'low sodium' product. Overall, it fits well into a balanced diet as a flavor enhancer, provided the portion size is controlled to manage the fat and sugar intake.