Is Au Gratin Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Chef's Cupboard
Chef's Cupboard's Au Gratin 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 ingredient review below focuses especially on Sodium Bisulfite, Silicon Dioxide, Mono And Diglycerides.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium bisulfite as a preservative and enriched wheat flour, which raises concerns about synthetic additives and processing. Ingredients like whey and cheddar cheese powder indicate dairy content, affecting quality perception.
Main concern
Sodium bisulfite is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns due to potential sensitivities.
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 flavors and spices, enhancing taste without artificial additives.
- Includes cheddar cheese powder, providing a rich flavor profile from dairy sources.
Concerns
- Sodium bisulfite is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns due to potential sensitivities.
- Enriched wheat flour indicates processing, which may detract from the overall ingredient quality.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
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 Dehydrated Potato Slices safe in this food?
Good
Dehydrated Potato Slices is used here as base. Dehydrated potato slices serve as the primary ingredient, providing a natural base for the dish. They retain essential nutrients despite the dehydration process.
Role in formula: base
Original: dehydrated potato slices
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Is Sodium Bisulfite safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Bisulfite is used here as preservative. Sodium bisulfite is used as a preservative to maintain freshness. However, it raises concerns due to potential allergic reactions and its synthetic nature.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sodium bisulfite
-
Is Enriched Wheat Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Enriched Wheat Flour is used here as base. Enriched wheat flour is a processed ingredient that adds texture but may contain additives that detract from overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this food?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a thickening agent derived from starch. While it improves texture, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about its impact on health.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
-
Is Corn Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Corn starch acts as a thickener in this product, providing a desirable texture. However, it is a refined ingredient that may not offer significant nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: corn starch
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a natural flavor enhancer that is essential for taste. It is used in moderation to balance flavors without raising significant health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this food?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder adds a natural flavor to the dish, contributing to its savory profile without the need for artificial flavorings.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
-
Is Whey safe in this food?
Medium
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a dairy byproduct that adds protein and flavor. However, it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Role in formula: base
Original: whey
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are derived from natural sources to enhance taste. Their specific composition is often proprietary, which can raise transparency concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
-
Is Cheddar Cheese Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Cheddar Cheese Powder is used here as flavor. Cheddar cheese powder provides a rich, cheesy flavor. However, it is processed and may contain additives that affect overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cheddar cheese powder (cheddar cheese [milk, salt, cultures, enzymes], milk solids, milkfat, phosphate salts)
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this food?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder is a natural flavoring agent that enhances the dish's taste profile without artificial additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic powder
-
Is Chicken Broth safe in this food?
Medium
Chicken Broth is used here as base. Chicken broth adds depth of flavor but may contain sodium and preservatives, which can affect health perceptions.
Role in formula: base
Original: chicken broth
-
Is Soybean Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Soybean Oil is used here as emulsifier. Soybean oil is used as an emulsifier to improve texture. However, it is a refined oil that may raise concerns about processing.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: soybean oil
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement, providing umami notes. It is processed and may not be suitable for all dietary preferences.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: yeast extract
-
Is Color safe in this food?
Medium
Color is used here as colorant. Color from annatto and turmeric extracts is used to enhance visual appeal. While natural, it indicates processing and may not be necessary.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: color (annatto extract, turmeric extract)
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used for flavor and preservation. It is a common ingredient in processed foods, raising questions about its necessity.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: lactic acid
-
Is Silicon Dioxide safe in this food?
Bad
Silicon Dioxide is used here as anti-caking agent. Silicon dioxide is an anti-caking agent that prevents clumping. Its synthetic nature raises concerns about its safety in food products.
Role in formula: anti-caking agent
Original: silicon dioxide
-
Is Spice safe in this food?
Good
Spice is used here as flavor. Spices contribute to flavor complexity and are generally considered beneficial for health when used in moderation.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spice
-
Is Mono And Diglycerides safe in this food?
Bad
Mono And Diglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Mono and diglycerides are emulsifiers that can be derived from animal fats or vegetable oils. Their presence raises concerns about sourcing and processing.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: mono and diglycerides
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: 3855993
More from this brand: Chef's Cupboard products in Zerotox
Similar products: food 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.