Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Carne Asada Fajita Marinade, Carne Asada: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Mixed integrity
Great Value carne asada fajita marinade, carne asada received a Food Integrity Score of 64 out of 100 (mixed integrity). This reflects high processing and moderate additive load. The label leans on flavor engineering with additives like xanthan gum and tocopherols, indicating moderate processing beyond simple home recipes. Such mixes suggest occasional use rather than a daily staple, especially for those cautious about refined oils and emulsifiers. Main considerations include additive load, family watchlist, and ingredient concern. Simpler options: Choose marinade with fresh lime and garlic; use olive oil or avocado oil as options.
Food Integrity Score 64/100
What stood out on the label?
- High processing
- Moderate additive load
- Transparency: Very low
What to watch?
- Additive load
- Family Watchlist
- Ingredient concern
Simpler options to consider
- Choose marinade with fresh lime and garlic
- Use olive oil or avocado oil as options
You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.
Source data, GTIN, and Food Quality Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Great Value Carne Asada Fajita Marinade, Carne Asada
- Brand
- Great Value
- GTIN / UPC
00078742212814- Serving size
- 15 g (1 Tbsp)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Food Quality Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
Food Integrity results
Carne Asada Fajita Marinade, Carne Asada
Great Value
Mixed integrity
Warning Signs
Xanthan gum and tocopherols hint at a factory formulation approach.
Consider This
Soybean oil and xanthan gum often accompany ultra-processed foods.
Good Substitutes
Opt for marinating with lime juice, garlic, and paprika for a fresh twist.
Overall Assessment
Mixed integrityThe label leans on flavor engineering with additives like xanthan gum and tocopherols, indicating moderate processing beyond simple home recipes. Such mixes suggest occasional use rather than a daily staple, especially for those cautious about refined oils and emulsifiers.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Additive load
- Family Watchlist
- Ingredient concern
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- SOYBEAN OIL — Commonly refined seed oil.
- SPICES — Vague ingredients.
- XANTHAN GUM — Common food formulation additive.
- PAPRIKA EXTRACT — Color additive.
- TOCOPHEROLS (TO PROTECT FLAVOR) — Antioxidant additive.
Highest concern ingredients
- XANTHAN GUM (6/10) — Thickener additive role in product.
- TOCOPHEROLS (TO PROTECT FLAVOR) (5/10) — Antioxidant preservative role in product.
- SOYBEAN OIL (5/10) — Industrial seed oil often refined.
Better choice tips
- Choose marinade with fresh lime and garlic.
- Use olive oil or avocado oil as options.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
WATER, TAMARI (WATER, SOYBEANS, SALT, SUGAR), CANE SUGAR, DISTILLED VINEGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE, SEA SALT, SPICES, JALAPENO PUREE (JALAPENO PEPPERS, SALT, ACETIC ACID), CILANTRO, GARLIC, ONION, CHIPOTLE CHILI POWDER, XANTHAN GUM, ANCHO CHILI POWDER, PAPRIKA, PAPRIKA EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROLS (TO PROTECT FLAVOR).
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
XANTHAN GUMConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Thickening/stabilizing agent.
Additional note
Texturizing additive.
Family watchlist
Common food formulation additive.
SOYBEAN OILConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined oilWatchlist
What this is
Refined oil
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined industrial oil.
Additional note
Refined vegetable oil.
Family watchlist
Commonly refined seed oil.
TOCOPHEROLS (TO PROTECT FLAVOR)Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Preservation role.
Additional note
Antioxidant preservative.
Family watchlist
Antioxidant additive.
CANE SUGARConcern 3/10 — Mild concernSweetener
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined sugar ingredient.
Additional note
Refined sweetener.
View all 18 ingredient assessments
SPICESConcern 3/10 — Mild concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Unknown / not listed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Vague ingredient type.
Additional note
Broad category description.
Family watchlist
Vague ingredients.
PAPRIKA EXTRACTConcern 3/10 — Mild concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Used to enhance color.
Additional note
Concentrated colorant.
Family watchlist
Color additive.
TAMARI (WATER, SOYBEANS, SALT, SUGAR)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernSoy sauce analog
What this is
Soy sauce analog
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Normal fermentation.
Additional note
Fermented soy sauce analog.
LIME JUICE CONCENTRATEConcern 2/10 — Very low concernFlavor enhancer
What this is
Flavor enhancer
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Flavor concentrate.
Additional note
Concentrated citrus liquid.
CHIPOTLE CHILI POWDERConcern 2/10 — Very low concernSimple spice
What this is
Simple spice
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Normal dried spice.
Additional note
Dried spiced powder.
ANCHO CHILI POWDERConcern 2/10 — Very low concernSimple spice
What this is
Simple spice
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Normal spice ingredient.
Additional note
Dried spice variant.
PAPRIKAConcern 2/10 — Very low concernSimple spice
What this is
Simple spice
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Flavoring agent.
Additional note
Ground spice powder.
DISTILLED VINEGARConcern 1/10 — Very low concernAcidity agent
What this is
Acidity agent
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Standard processing.
Additional note
Common acidity adjuster.
JALAPENO PUREE (JALAPENO PEPPERS, SALT, ACETIC ACID)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernPepper puree
What this is
Pepper puree
Processing category
Processed
Why it matters
Mild acidity.
Additional note
Processed pepper blend.
WATERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple liquid
What this is
Simple liquid
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Base ingredient.
Additional note
Base liquid; no concerns.
SEA SALTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Normal seasoning.
Additional note
Basic seasoning.
CILANTROConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernFresh herb
What this is
Fresh herb
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Whole food herb.
Additional note
Simple herb.
GARLICConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Traditional spice.
Additional note
Whole food seasoning.
ONIONConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Basic ingredient.
Additional note
Common vegetable.
This score assesses food integrity based on ingredient analysis. It is not a health or safety assessment. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Vegetarian
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "onion". See ingredients for details.)
Vegan
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "onion". See ingredients for details.)
Plant-Based
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "onion". See ingredients for details.)
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (High processing)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (High processing)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (High processing)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Added-sugar cues (Mentions "sugar", "cane", "cane sugar". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Spike Stability
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Heart-Healthy Eating
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
GLP-1 Eating Support
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Sugar Lifestyle
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Appetite & Portion Awareness
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Workout Recovery
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Strength & Protein Focus
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Pescatarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low-Carb Lifestyle
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Keto-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Gluten Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Healthy Fat Focus
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Understanding the Food Integrity analysis
What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates
The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.
Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter
Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.
Who may prioritize Food Integrity
Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.
How Food Integrity differs from Longevity
Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.
Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too
The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Great Value Carne Asada Fajita Marinade, Carne Asada highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as High processing. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Great Value Carne Asada Fajita Marinade, Carne Asada shows about 0g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Great Value Carne Asada Fajita Marinade, Carne Asada: 1g added sugar per serving; sweetener signals include cane sugar. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: Limited added sugar; Contains natural spices.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: Moderate sodium; Contains soybean oil.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same seasoning mixes, salts, marinades & tenderizers differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Food Quality Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Food Quality Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Food Quality Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
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