Healthy Food Guideby KarbCoach

Healthy Food Guide by KarbCoach

Philadelphia Plant-Based Chive & Onion Non-Dairy Spread: Food Integrity analysis

Updated 2026-10-17 · Philadelphia

Quick answer

Lower integrity

Philadelphia plant-based chive & onion non-dairy spread received a Food Integrity Score of 42 out of 100 (lower integrity). This reflects ultra-processed and high additive load. This is a texture-and-shelf-life project more than a simple recipe, with coconut oil and faba bean protein doing the heavy lifting alongside several thickeners and a preservative. It's fine as an occasional spread, but it isn't something to rely on often if you prefer minimal formulations. Main considerations include multiple gums and modified starch used for texture, natural flavor is a vague undisclosed flavor system, and synthetic preservative for shelf life. Simpler options: Choose a spread made with recognizable dairy or simple whole-food ingredients; make a quick chive and onion spread at home with plain yogurt or avocado.

Food Integrity Score 42/100

What stood out on the label?

  • Ultra-processed
  • High additive load
  • Transparency: Low

What to watch?

  • Multiple gums and modified starch used for texture
  • Natural flavor is a vague undisclosed flavor system
  • Synthetic preservative for shelf life

Simpler options to consider

  • Choose a spread made with recognizable dairy or simple whole-food ingredients
  • Make a quick chive and onion spread at home with plain yogurt or avocado

You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.

Source data, GTIN, and Healthy Food Guide analysis details

Product facts

Product
Philadelphia Plant-Based Chive & Onion Non-Dairy Spread
Category
Produce (source: Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads)
GTIN / UPC
00021000081448
Serving size
28 g (2 Tbsp (28g))
Source data — ingredients
Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
Healthy Food Guide analysis
Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
Data last verified

Food Integrity results

Plant-Based Chive & Onion Non-Dairy Spread

Philadelphia

Lower integrity

Warning Signs

Modified potato starch, xanthan, carob bean, and guar gums, plus sorbic acid, make this a heavily engineered spread.

Consider This

Gums, modified starch, a natural flavor system, and preservatives are typical of factory-formulated dairy-free spreads.

Good Substitutes

Mash fresh chives and onion into plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a simple, homemade-style spread.

Overall Assessment

Lower integrity

This is a texture-and-shelf-life project more than a simple recipe, with coconut oil and faba bean protein doing the heavy lifting alongside several thickeners and a preservative. It's fine as an occasional spread, but it isn't something to rely on often if you prefer minimal formulations.

Key Highlights

What stood out

  • Multiple gums and modified starch used for texture
  • Natural flavor is a vague undisclosed flavor system
  • Synthetic preservative for shelf life

Family Watchlist

Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.

  • Xanthan gum — Gum thickener/stabilizer
  • Carob bean gum — Gum thickener/stabilizer
  • Guar gum — Gum thickener/stabilizer
  • Natural flavor — Vague flavor system
  • Sorbic acid as a preservative — Synthetic preservative

Highest concern ingredients

  • Xanthan gum (7/10) — Fermentation-derived thickener used for texture stability.
  • Natural flavor (7/10) — Vague flavor system with undisclosed components.
  • Sorbic acid as a preservative (7/10) — Synthetic preservative used for shelf life.

Better choice tips

  • Choose a spread made with recognizable dairy or simple whole-food ingredients.
  • Make a quick chive and onion spread at home with plain yogurt or avocado.

Ingredients

Ingredient list

WATER, COCONUT OIL, MODIFIED POTATO STARCH, FABA BEAN PROTEIN, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, DRIED CHIVES, DRIED ONION, XANTHAN GUM, CAROB BEAN GUM, GUAR GUM, LACTIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR, CITRIC ACID, SORBIC ACID AS A PRESERVATIVE

Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.

Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.

  1. Xanthan gumConcern 7/10 — Higher concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Thickener

    Processing category

    Synthetic / man-made

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Gums are texture and stability helpers, not common kitchen ingredients.

    Additional note

    Fermentation-derived gum used as a thickener and stabilizer.

    Family watchlist

    Gum thickener/stabilizer

  2. Natural flavorConcern 7/10 — Higher concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term

    What this is

    Vague ingredient

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Natural flavor is a broad label covering undisclosed flavor compounds.

    Additional note

    Vague flavor system with undisclosed components.

    Family watchlist

    Vague flavor system

  3. Sorbic acid as a preservativeConcern 7/10 — Higher concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Preservative

    Processing category

    Synthetic / man-made

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Preservatives are shelf-life helpers that some users prefer to avoid.

    Additional note

    Synthetic preservative used for shelf life.

    Family watchlist

    Synthetic preservative

  4. Modified potato starchConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernModified starchWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Modified starch

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Modified starches are texture engineering inputs rather than kitchen staples.

    Additional note

    Chemically modified starch used for thickening and texture.

    Family watchlist

    Modified starch texture helper

View all 14 ingredient assessments
  1. Carob bean gumConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Thickener

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Added gums signal texture engineering.

    Additional note

    Plant gum used as a thickener and stabilizer.

    Family watchlist

    Gum thickener/stabilizer

  2. Guar gumConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Thickener

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Added gums signal texture engineering.

    Additional note

    Plant gum used as a thickener and stabilizer.

    Family watchlist

    Gum thickener/stabilizer

  3. Coconut oilConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined oilWatchlist

    What this is

    Refined oil

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Refined coconut oil is an industrial fat used for texture and mouthfeel.

    Additional note

    Refined fat source used for spreadable texture.

    Family watchlist

    Refined oil fat source

  4. Faba bean proteinConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernIsolated protein

    What this is

    Isolated protein

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Isolated proteins signal formulation rather than whole-food ingredients.

    Additional note

    Isolated plant protein used to build body and structure.

  5. Lactic acidConcern 4/10 — Mild concernAcidulantAdditive

    What this is

    Acidulant

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Acidulants are formulation helpers for flavor and shelf stability.

    Additional note

    Acidulant used for tang and stability.

  6. Citric acidConcern 3/10 — Mild concernAcidulantAdditive

    What this is

    Acidulant

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Citric acid is a common acidulant used in formulated foods.

    Additional note

    Acidulant used for tartness and preservation support.

  7. Contains less than 2% of saltConcern 1/10 — Very low concernVague ingredientVague label term

    What this is

    Vague ingredient

    Processing category

    Unknown / not listed

    Main concern area

    Transparency

    Why it matters

    Grouped minor ingredients are not individually disclosed.

    Additional note

    Vague grouping of minor seasonings with unspecified salt type.

  8. WaterConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Plain water is a simple base ingredient.

    Additional note

    Basic base ingredient with no concern.

  9. Dried chivesConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Dried chives are a recognizable herb.

    Additional note

    Dehydrated herb used for flavor.

  10. Dried onionConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Dried onion is a recognizable vegetable.

    Additional note

    Dehydrated vegetable used for flavor.

Food Integrity reflects ingredient formulation patterns only and is not a medical safety rating. 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.

  • Heart-Healthy Eating

    Watch-outs

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Ingredients often higher in saturated fat (Mentions "coconut oil". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Minimally Processed Eating

    Watch-outs

    Dietary 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 (Ultra-processed)

    This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.

    See more for this goal

  • Whole-Food Focused Eating

    Watch-outs

    Dietary 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 (Ultra-processed)

    This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.

    See more for this goal

  • Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods

    Watch-outs

    Dietary 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 (Ultra-processed)

    This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.

    See more for this goal

  • Mediterranean-Style Eating

    Watch-outs

    Dietary Patterns

    For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Ingredients often higher in saturated fat (Mentions "coconut oil". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Paleo-Style Eating

    Watch-outs

    Dietary Patterns

    For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "bean". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

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.

Personalize this analysis

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 Philadelphia Plant-Based Chive & Onion Non-Dairy Spread highly processed?

Food Integrity lists processing level as Ultra-processed. 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?

Philadelphia Plant-Based Chive & Onion Non-Dairy Spread shows about 0g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.

Does it contain added sugar?

Philadelphia Plant-Based Chive & Onion Non-Dairy Spread: 0g added sugar per serving. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.

What helped the Longevity Score?

Key positives called out in the analysis include: Contains faba bean protein; Real dried chives and onion; Zero sugar per serving.

What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?

Key concerns noted include: Coconut oil is high in saturated fat (6g); Multiple gums and modified starch; Several additives and preservative (sorbic acid).

Who might evaluate this product differently?

People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same produce differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.

Other published analyses in Produce, selected from the same Healthy Food Guide catalog.

Source data and Healthy Food Guide analysis

  1. Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
  2. Healthy Food Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
  3. How the Longevity Score is calculated
  4. How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
  5. Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
  6. Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
  7. 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.

Sources, citations & safety

See how this item lines up with your goals

Healthy Food Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.

Set your goals in KarbCoach

Also available in the app

Download on the App StoreGet it onGoogle Play