Is Au Gratin Casserole Potatoes Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Betty Crocker
Au Gratin Casserole Potatoes is a food from Betty Crocker. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Monoglycerides.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients such as maltodextrin and modified whey, which raise quality concerns. Additionally, the presence of sodium phosphate and monoglycerides indicates a reliance on synthetic additives, impacting the overall safety assessment.
Main concern
Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
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 natural ingredients like garlic and onion, which contribute flavor without synthetic intervention.
- Includes cheddar and blue cheese, providing a source of dairy flavor and texture.
Concerns
- Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
- Modified whey is a processed dairy ingredient that may not be suitable for all consumers, particularly those with sensitivities.
Who should avoid this product?
This food may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this food so the page answers more than a simple label list.
-
Is Potatoes safe in this food?
Good
Potatoes is used here as base. Potatoes serve as the primary ingredient, providing a natural source of carbohydrates and fiber. Their inclusion supports the dish's overall texture and flavor profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Potatoes*
-
Is Corn Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Corn starch acts as a thickening agent in this product, helping to achieve the desired consistency. While generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Corn Starch
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this food?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as sweetener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate derived from starch, used to enhance texture and stability. It can raise blood sugar levels, which is a concern for some individuals.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Maltodextrin
-
Is Enriched Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Enriched Flour is used here as base. Enriched flour is a refined grain product that provides structure to the dish. While it adds texture, the refining process removes some nutrients, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Enriched Flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish, making it more palatable. It is a common ingredient that contributes to taste without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Modified Whey safe in this food?
Medium
Modified Whey is used here as emulsifier. Modified whey is a processed dairy ingredient that helps improve texture and stability. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with dairy sensitivities.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Modified Whey
-
Is Garlic safe in this food?
Good
Garlic is used here as natural_extract. Garlic is a natural flavoring agent that adds depth to the dish. Its inclusion is beneficial for flavor without introducing synthetic additives.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Garlic*
-
Is Onion safe in this food?
Good
Onion is used here as natural_extract. Onion contributes a savory flavor to the casserole, enhancing its overall taste profile. It is a natural ingredient that supports the dish's quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Onion*
-
Is Potassium Phosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Potassium Phosphate is used here as buffer. Potassium phosphate is used to regulate acidity and improve texture. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Potassium Phosphate
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this food?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Cheddar cheese adds creaminess and flavor to the dish. It is a natural dairy product that enhances the overall quality of the casserole.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cheddar Cheese (milk, salt, cultures, enzymes)
-
Is Vegetable Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as emulsifier. Vegetable oil is used for moisture and texture. While it is a common ingredient, the type of oil can vary, and concerns about processing may arise.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Vegetable Oil (canola, high oleic soybean and/or sunflower oil)
-
Is Buttermilk safe in this food?
Good
Buttermilk is used here as base. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and moisture to the dish. It is a natural dairy ingredient that contributes positively to the overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Buttermilk
-
Is Coconut Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Coconut Oil is used here as emulsifier. Coconut oil is used for texture and flavor. While it is a natural fat, its high saturated fat content raises some health considerations.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Coconut Oil
-
Is Leek safe in this food?
Good
Leek is used here as natural_extract. Leek provides a mild onion-like flavor, enhancing the dish's complexity. It is a natural ingredient that supports the overall quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Leek*
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is used to enhance the overall taste of the dish. However, the specific sources are often undisclosed, which can raise transparency concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural Flavor
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used to regulate acidity and enhance flavor. While it is derived from fermentation, its processing raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Lactic Acid
-
Is Blue Cheese safe in this food?
Good
Blue Cheese is used here as base. Blue cheese adds a distinct flavor and creaminess to the dish. It is a natural dairy product that enhances the overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Blue Cheese (milk, salt, cultures, enzymes)
-
Is Monoglycerides safe in this food?
Bad
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are synthetic emulsifiers that help maintain texture. Their presence raises concerns about the reliance on processed ingredients.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Monoglycerides
-
Is Calcium Lactate safe in this food?
Medium
Calcium Lactate is used here as buffer. Calcium lactate is used to provide calcium and regulate acidity. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Calcium Lactate
-
Is Sodium Phosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Sodium Phosphate is used here as buffer. Sodium phosphate is used to regulate acidity and improve texture. Its presence indicates a reliance on synthetic additives, which can lower the overall quality assessment.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Sodium Phosphate
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used to enhance flavor and provide umami. While it is derived from yeast, it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Yeast Extract
-
Is Color safe in this food?
Medium
Color is used here as colorant. Color (annatto extract) is used to enhance the visual appeal of the dish. While derived from natural sources, it is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Color (annatto extract)
-
Is Silicon Dioxide safe in this food?
Medium
Silicon Dioxide is used here as antimicrobial. Silicon dioxide is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a synthetic additive that raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: antimicrobial
Original: Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent)
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: 2380048
More from this brand: Betty Crocker products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.