A new snack from Trader Joe's is causing unintended digestive issues for customers, with many reporting severe gas and diarrhea after consuming the product. The Sweet & Sour Gummy Worms Candies, marketed as a zero-sugar version of a classic treat, contain a surprisingly high amount of fiber that has caught consumers off guard.
High Fiber Content Surprises Customers
According to a Reddit post from a Trader Joe's employee, each serving of the gummies contains 14 grams of fiber and only 35 calories. With approximately five servings per bag, consuming the entire package means ingesting roughly 70 grams of fiber. For context, a serving of prunes—known for their digestive benefits—contains just three grams of fiber.
One Reddit user commented, "I ate the whole bag high not realizing how much fiber was in these. I have been pooping for three days now!" Another employee shared, "Mate at my store ate a whole bag and had to go home to use the bathroom. Per his own words it was pretty bad."
Customer Reactions and Warnings
Customers have expressed frustration over the lack of clear labeling. One person noted, "To me it seems a bit irresponsible to not label these as high fiber or something if the label is correct. There’s over 2 days worth of fiber in the whole bag and it’s such a small bag that it would be super easy to just eat the whole thing in one sitting."
Trader Joe's employees have begun warning shoppers about the potential side effects. One worker said, "I’ve been warning customers about this if they buy one. A few people thanked me for pointing that out and put it back."
Recommended Fiber Intake
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends consuming 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories, equating to about 25 to 28 grams daily for women and 28 to 34 grams for men. Natural sources of fiber include raspberries, black beans, pears with skin, and avocados.
When contacted by The Independent, Trader Joe's did not comment on the reactions to the gummies. The product continues to be available in stores, leaving customers to discover its potent effects on their own.
