Is American Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kraft Singles
American is one of the dairy products analyzed by Zerotox for Kraft Singles. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sodium Phosphate, Modified Food Starch affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes cheddar cheese and milk, which are natural dairy products, but also contains modified food starch and sodium phosphate, which are processed ingredients. The presence of natamycin as a mold inhibitor raises some concerns about synthetic additives, contributing to a moderate rating due to mixed ingredient quality.
Main concern
Modified food starch is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about additives.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains cheddar cheese, a natural dairy product that provides flavor and texture.
- Includes milk, which is a source of calcium and contributes to the overall dairy profile.
- Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor that helps maintain product freshness.
- Vitamin D3 is included, which can support calcium absorption.
Concerns
- Modified food starch is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about additives.
- Sodium phosphate is a synthetic ingredient that can indicate a highly processed composition.
- Whey protein concentrate is a processed dairy ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
- The presence of lactic acid and other additives suggests a level of processing that may detract from natural quality.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this dairy.
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Is Milk safe in this dairy?
Good
Milk is used here as base. Milk serves as the primary ingredient, providing essential nutrients and a creamy texture. Its natural composition supports the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: milk
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this dairy?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Cheddar cheese is made from milk and cheese culture, contributing flavor and texture. It is a natural dairy product that enhances the overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: cheddar cheese (milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes)
-
Is Whey safe in this dairy?
Medium
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production, providing protein but is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers. Its presence indicates some level of processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: whey
-
Is Milk Protein Concentrate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Milk Protein Concentrate is used here as base. Milk protein concentrate is a processed form of milk that increases protein content. While it adds nutritional value, it raises concerns about processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: milk protein concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Milk Protein Concentrate
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Is Milkfat safe in this dairy?
Good
Milkfat is used here as base. Milkfat contributes to the creaminess and flavor of the cheese. It is a natural component of dairy that enhances the product's quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: milkfat
-
Is Calcium Phosphate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Calcium Phosphate is used here as stabilizer. Calcium phosphate is used to enhance texture and stability. While it provides calcium, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: calcium phosphate
-
Is Sodium Phosphate safe in this dairy?
Bad
Sodium Phosphate is used here as stabilizer. Sodium phosphate is a synthetic ingredient used for emulsification. Its presence indicates a highly processed composition and raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: sodium phosphate
-
Is Modified Food Starch safe in this dairy?
Bad
Modified Food Starch is used here as thickener. Modified food starch is a processed thickening agent that may raise concerns about additives and processing. Its inclusion suggests a less natural composition.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: contains less than 2% of modified food starch
-
Is Whey Protein Concentrate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Whey Protein Concentrate is used here as base. Whey protein concentrate is a processed dairy ingredient that increases protein content. While beneficial for protein intake, it indicates processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: whey protéin concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Whey Protein Concentrate
-
Is Salt safe in this dairy?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and acts as a preservative. It is a natural ingredient that contributes to the overall taste of the cheese.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this dairy?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used for flavor and preservation. While it is a natural byproduct of fermentation, its presence indicates some processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: lactic acid
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Is Annatto Extract safe in this dairy?
Medium
Annatto Extract is used here as colorant. Annatto extract is a natural colorant derived from seeds. It is used to enhance the visual appeal of the cheese but is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: annatto
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Is Paprika Extract safe in this dairy?
Medium
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is a natural colorant that adds color to the cheese. While it is derived from a natural source, it is still processed.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika extract (color)
-
Is Natamycin safe in this dairy?
Good
Natamycin is used here as preservative. Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor that helps maintain product freshness. Its use indicates a focus on quality and safety in preservation.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor)
-
Is Enzymes safe in this dairy?
Medium
Enzymes is used here as flavor. Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in curd formation. While they are natural, their processing raises some concerns about ingredient quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: enzymes
-
Is Cheese Culture safe in this dairy?
Good
Cheese Culture is used here as natural_extract. Cheese culture is a natural ingredient that contributes to flavor and texture development. Its presence supports the overall quality of the cheese.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: cheese culture
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Is Vitamin D3 safe in this dairy?
Good
Vitamin D3 is used here as fortifier. Vitamin D3 is added to enhance nutritional value, supporting calcium absorption. Its inclusion is beneficial for overall health.
Role in formula: fortifier
Original: vitamin d3
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2390297
More from this brand: Kraft Singles products in Zerotox
Similar products: dairy in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.