Is Apple Bourbon Pork Tenderloin Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Hormel
Hormel's Apple Bourbon Pork Tenderloin is reviewed here as a food. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes several processed ingredients like maltodextrin and sugar, which raise quality concerns. The presence of bourbon whiskey and natural flavors adds complexity but also potential synthetic elements.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like maltodextrin and sugar, which raise quality concerns. The presence of bourbon whiskey and natural flavors adds complexity but also potential synthetic elements.
Main concern
Maltodextrin is a processed ingredient that raises concerns about quality and safety.
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 bourbon whiskey, which adds a unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Natural applewood smoke powder contributes a distinct smoky flavor.
- Dried vinegar can enhance the overall taste and balance the sweetness.
- Onion and garlic powders provide depth and savory notes.
Concerns
- Maltodextrin is a processed ingredient that raises concerns about quality and safety.
- Multiple sugars, including brown sugar and regular sugar, indicate high sweetness levels.
- Natural flavors may contain undisclosed synthetic components.
- Yeast extract can be a source of glutamate, which some consumers prefer to avoid.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this food, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Pork Broth safe in this food?
Good
Pork Broth is used here as base. Pork broth serves as a flavorful base, providing depth to the dish. It is typically made from simmering pork bones and meat, contributing natural flavors.
Role in formula: base
Original: pork broth
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Is Brown Sugar safe in this food?
Medium
Brown Sugar is used here as sweetener. Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the dish. While it enhances flavor, it is a refined sugar that raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: brown sugar
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Is Tomato Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Tomato Powder is used here as flavor. Tomato powder provides a concentrated tomato flavor, enhancing the overall taste. However, it is a processed ingredient that may lack the freshness of whole tomatoes.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: tomato powder
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Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is essential for flavor enhancement and preservation. In moderation, it contributes to the overall taste without significant health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Sugar safe in this food?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is used to enhance sweetness in the dish. Its presence raises concerns about high sugar content, which can affect overall health.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Spices safe in this food?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices add complexity and depth to the flavor profile. They are natural ingredients that enhance taste without significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices
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Is Apple Juice Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Apple Juice Powder is used here as flavor. Apple juice powder provides a fruity flavor and sweetness. It is a processed ingredient that may not offer the same benefits as fresh fruit.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: apple juice powder [maltodextrin, apple juice solids]
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Is Applewood Smoke Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Applewood Smoke Powder is used here as flavor. Applewood smoke powder imparts a smoky flavor to the dish. It is derived from natural sources but is processed, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: applewood smoke powder [maltodextrin, natural applewood smoke flavor]
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Is Onion Powder safe in this food?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder adds a savory flavor to the dish. It is a dehydrated form of onion, retaining many of the flavor compounds without the moisture.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
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Is Garlic Powder safe in this food?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder enhances the savory profile of the dish. It is a concentrated form of garlic, providing flavor without the bulk of fresh garlic.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic powder
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Is Natural Flavors safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are used to enhance the overall taste. However, they can be derived from various sources, raising concerns about transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
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Is Tomato Flavor safe in this food?
Medium
Tomato Flavor is used here as flavor. Tomato flavor is a concentrated essence that enhances the tomato profile. Its processing raises questions about the quality compared to fresh tomatoes.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: tomato flavor [maltodextrin, tomato essence]
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Is Mustard Flour safe in this food?
Good
Mustard Flour is used here as flavor. Mustard flour adds a tangy flavor to the dish. It is a natural ingredient that contributes to the overall taste without significant concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: mustard flour
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Is Malic Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is used to enhance tartness and balance flavors. While it is naturally occurring, its addition raises concerns about processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: malic acid
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Is Bourbon Whiskey safe in this food?
Good
Bourbon Whiskey is used here as flavor. Bourbon whiskey adds a rich, complex flavor to the dish. It is a natural ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: bourbon whiskey
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Is Cultured Dextrose safe in this food?
Medium
Cultured Dextrose is used here as preservative. Cultured dextrose acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer. While it is derived from natural sources, its processing raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: cultured dextrose (contains maltodextrin)
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Is Dried Vinegar safe in this food?
Good
Dried Vinegar is used here as flavor. Dried vinegar adds acidity and flavor balance to the dish. It is a natural ingredient that enhances taste without significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: dried vinegar
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Is Soybean Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Soybean Oil is used here as fat. Soybean oil is used for moisture and texture. It is a refined oil that may raise concerns about processing and quality.
Role in formula: fat
Original: soybean oil
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Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract enhances umami flavor in the dish. While it adds depth, it can be a source of glutamate, which some consumers prefer to avoid.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: yeast extract
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Is Flavoring safe in this food?
Medium
Flavoring is used here as flavor. Flavoring is used to enhance the overall taste. Its vague nature raises concerns about the specific ingredients used.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: flavoring
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: 2435149
More from this brand: Hormel products in Zerotox
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