Understanding Your Dressing: What are the ingredients in Trader Joe's balsamic dressing?

October 28, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the official product page, the standard Trader Joe's Balsamic Vinaigrette is confirmed to be vegan and includes balsamic vinegar and canola oil as key ingredients. Understanding precisely what are the ingredients in Trader Joe's balsamic dressing is the first step toward making a mindful and informed decision for your personal nutrition diet and overall health.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the specific ingredients in Trader Joe's classic balsamic vinaigrette, discusses their nutritional context, and contrasts them with the organic fig variety and simple homemade versions.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The standard Trader Joe's Balsamic Vinaigrette contains water, balsamic vinegar (wine vinegar, concentrated grape must), canola oil, sugar, salt, dried garlic, and xanthan gum.
Vegan Friendly: The classic version is explicitly labeled as vegan, making it suitable for plant-based diets.
Ingredient Variations: Other Trader Joe's balsamic products, like the Organic Balsamic & Fig Dressing, have different ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil and honey, making them non-vegan.
Nutritional Profile: The standard vinaigrette has 90 calories per 2 tbsp, with 7g fat and 4g added sugars, which should be considered for low-sugar diets.
DIY Control: Making your own balsamic vinaigrette allows you to completely control the ingredients, including the type of oil, amount of sugar, and additives.
Emulsifier Functions: Xanthan gum is used in commercial versions to prevent separation, while Dijon mustard often performs this role in homemade recipes.

Deconstructing Trader Joe's Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette

The classic Trader Joe's Balsamic Vinaigrette lists water, canola oil, balsamic vinegar (made from wine vinegar and concentrated grape must), and sugar as its primary ingredients. It also contains salt, dried garlic, and xanthan gum for flavor and texture. The water acts as a base, canola oil provides fat and helps emulsify, balsamic vinegar delivers the signature tangy and sweet taste, and sugar balances the acidity. Flavor is enhanced by salt and dried garlic, while xanthan gum thickens and stabilizes the dressing. A standard two-tablespoon serving contains 4 grams of added sugars and 55mg of sodium.

Beyond the Classic: Comparing Varieties

Trader Joe's offers different balsamic options, each with distinct ingredients. These differences are important for those following specific diets.

Comparing Trader Joe's Balsamic Dressings


Ingredient Category	Standard Balsamic Vinaigrette	Organic Balsamic & Fig Dressing	Homemade Vinaigrette
Oil	Canola Oil	Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil	Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sweetener	Sugar	Organic Honey, Fig Paste	Honey or Maple Syrup
Vinegar	Balsamic Vinegar	Organic Balsamic Vinegar	Balsamic Vinegar
Thickener/Emulsifier	Xanthan Gum	Xanthan Gum	Dijon Mustard
Dietary Notes	Vegan, lower fat than many full-fat options	Not vegan (contains honey)	Can be tailored to be vegan (use maple syrup)

Navigating Your Nutrition Diet with Balsamic Dressing

Selecting a balsamic dressing involves considering your dietary needs. Key factors include the type of oil, the presence of added sugars, and dietary restrictions. While the standard vinaigrette is vegan, the fig version is not due to honey. Homemade options offer the most control over ingredients and flavor.

Crafting Your Own Balsamic Vinaigrette

Making your own balsamic vinaigrette gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing for a healthier option free from preservatives and excessive sugar. A basic recipe typically uses a 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar and can be customized with ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard (as an emulsifier), a touch of sweetener, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. These are combined and shaken to emulsify, resulting in a fresh dressing tailored to your nutritional needs.

Conclusion: The Importance of Label Literacy

Understanding what are the ingredients in Trader Joe's balsamic dressing is essential for making informed dietary choices. While convenient, store-bought dressings may contain added sugars and stabilizers. Homemade alternatives offer a fresh, customizable option with full control over ingredients, supporting a conscious approach to a nutrition diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard Trader Joe's Balsamic Vinaigrette is made with canola oil, which is a source of polyunsaturated fat.

Yes, the standard Balsamic Vinaigrette from Trader Joe's is suitable for a vegan diet. However, other versions like the Organic Balsamic & Fig Dressing contain honey and are not vegan.

Yes, the classic Balsamic Vinaigrette from Trader Joe's includes added sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar. A two-tablespoon serving contains 4 grams of added sugars.

Xanthan gum is a food additive used as a thickener and stabilizer. In dressings, it helps keep the oil and vinegar from separating, ensuring a consistent texture.

The Organic Balsamic & Fig Dressing uses different ingredients, notably organic extra virgin olive oil and organic honey instead of canola oil and sugar. Due to the honey, it is not vegan.

Homemade balsamic vinaigrettes can be healthier because you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use high-quality oils, minimize added sugars, and avoid preservatives.

The most accurate ingredient list can always be found on the product label itself or on Trader Joe's official website, as ingredients can occasionally change.