Many of you know I’ve been slow cooking a lot lately, using V8 Low Sodium Vegetable Juice in lieu of broth. Last night I made the happy discovery that Trader Joe’s sells its own brand of low sodium vegetable juice, Garden Patch!
Not only is Garden Patch comparable to V8, it actually contains 5 mg LESS sodium per cup (135 mg vs. 140 mg).
A quick online search yielded the following consumer review pitting the two against each other:
V8 Low Sodium Vegetable Juice VS. Trader Joe’s Low Sodium Garden Patch
AND THE WINNER IS…..
In taste, the reviewer preferred the fresh lemon kick of Trader Joe’s Low-Sodium Garden Patch.
In terms of nutrition, V8 contains higher levels of Vitamins A, C, and iron than Garden Patch, but V8 also has more sugar and 300 mg more potassium.
Bottom line: Depending upon your needs, you may need to choose one over the other. Flavor? Nutrition? Hmmmmm…..
As for me, I already love the tomato-y richness of V8. But being a super fan of lemon, I must say I’m STOKED to try out the new guy. TJ’s Garden Patch! BRING IT ON!
Now.. I’m off to slow cook something. HAPPY WEEKEND, EVERYONE!
Just as an aside:
Here in Maine, a 2-quart bottle of Garden Patch sells for $3.49. A good value in its own right, but even better when used as a substitute for commercial low-sodium vegetable broths, many of which sell for $2, $3, even $4 per quart.
V8 Low Sodium Vegetable Juice sells for $5.69 for 2-64 oz. bottles at BJs. An even better value in terms of price, but you do need an annual ($50) membership to shop there.
Decisions, decisions…….
I recently discovered a delicious vegetable juice that beats those mentioned above: R.W. Knudsen Very Vegie. Sodium is only 35mg per 8 oz serving. There are two versions so be sure to get the low sodium one, but this is so yummy! http://www.rwknudsenfamily.com/products/very-veggie/very-veggie-low-sodium
Of course, when I say “beats those mentioned”, I mean in terms of sodium levels. I do want to try the TJ juice since I’m a huge fan of lemon and add it to almost everything. Very Vegie is nice and tomatoey – a good blend of flavors imo.
March 8th was so long ago. Miss your posts.