Is Bar Mix Sweet & Spicy Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Signature Select
Signature Select's Bar Mix Sweet & Spicy is reviewed here as a snack. 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 Sugar, Disodium Phosphate, Dextrose.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes honey roasted peanuts and cheddar cheese, which are good quality ingredients. However, the presence of multiple sugars, maltodextrin, and artificial flavors raises concerns about the overall quality and safety of the product, leading to a moderate rating.
Main concern
High sugar content from sugar and dextrose raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
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 honey roasted peanuts, providing a natural source of protein and healthy fats.
- Includes cheddar cheese, which adds flavor and a source of calcium.
- Natural spices and garlic powder contribute to flavor without synthetic additives.
- Presence of lactic acid and citric acid as natural acids helps in flavor enhancement.
Concerns
- High sugar content from sugar and dextrose raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
- Maltodextrin is a processed ingredient that can spike blood sugar levels.
- Artificial flavors may indicate a highly processed composition.
- Multiple sources of salt could contribute to high sodium levels.
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 snack, not just listed as a raw label.
-
Is Honey Roasted Peanuts safe in this snack?
Good
Honey Roasted Peanuts is used here as base. Honey roasted peanuts provide a natural source of protein and healthy fats, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: honey roasted peanuts
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness but raises concerns due to its high glycemic index and potential health implications when consumed in excess.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Honey safe in this snack?
Good
Honey is used here as sweetener. Honey is a natural sweetener that adds flavor and some beneficial properties, though it still contributes to the overall sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: honey
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used for texture and stability, but it can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this snack?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent that helps improve texture but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: xanthan gum
-
Is Seasoned Corn Sticks safe in this snack?
Medium
Seasoned Corn Sticks is used here as base. Seasoned corn sticks add crunch and flavor but may contain additives that contribute to overall processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: seasoned corn sticks
-
Is Cornmeal safe in this snack?
Good
Cornmeal is used here as base. Cornmeal is a whole grain ingredient that provides fiber and texture, contributing positively to the snack's composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: cornmeal
-
Is Soybean Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Soybean Oil is used here as base. Soybean oil is a common cooking oil that is often refined, raising some concerns about processing and potential allergens.
Role in formula: base
Original: soybean oil
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but excessive consumption can lead to health issues, making its presence a concern in this product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Cheddar cheese adds flavor and a source of calcium, contributing positively to the overall quality of the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: cheddar cheese
-
Is Milk safe in this snack?
Good
Milk is used here as base. Milk is a natural ingredient that provides calcium and protein, enhancing the nutritional profile of the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: milk
-
Is Cheese Cultures safe in this snack?
Good
Cheese Cultures is used here as base. Cheese cultures are beneficial for flavor development and contribute to the overall quality of the cheese used in the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: cheese cultures
-
Is Enzymes safe in this snack?
Medium
Enzymes is used here as enzyme. Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in texture and flavor development, though their presence may raise processing concerns.
Role in formula: enzyme
Original: enzymes
-
Is Annatto safe in this snack?
Medium
Annatto is used here as colorant. Annatto is a natural colorant used to enhance the appearance of cheese, but it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: annatto
-
Is Whey safe in this snack?
Good
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production that adds protein and contributes positively to the nutritional value of the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: whey
-
Is Buttermilk safe in this snack?
Good
Buttermilk is used here as base. Buttermilk adds flavor and moisture, enhancing the overall quality of the snack without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: base
Original: buttermilk
-
Is Disodium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Bad
Disodium Phosphate is used here as stabilizer. Disodium phosphate is a synthetic stabilizer that raises concerns about artificial additives in the product's composition.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: disodium phosphate
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is a natural acid that contributes to flavor and acts as a preservative, enhancing the product's safety profile.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: lactic acid
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative that enhances flavor and helps maintain product freshness, contributing positively to safety.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
-
Is Silicon Dioxide safe in this snack?
Medium
Silicon Dioxide is used here as anti-caking agent. Silicon dioxide is used to prevent clumping in powdered ingredients, though its presence may raise concerns about processing.
Role in formula: anti-caking agent
Original: silicon dioxide
-
Is Canola Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as base. Canola oil is a common cooking oil that is often refined, raising some concerns about processing and potential allergens.
Role in formula: base
Original: canola oil
-
Is Sesame Sticks safe in this snack?
Medium
Sesame Sticks is used here as base. Sesame sticks add crunch and flavor but may contain additives that contribute to overall processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: sesame sticks
-
Is Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour is a common ingredient that provides structure but may raise concerns for those with gluten sensitivities.
Role in formula: base
Original: wheat flour
-
Is Sesame Seeds safe in this snack?
Good
Sesame Seeds is used here as base. Sesame seeds are a natural source of healthy fats and protein, contributing positively to the nutritional profile of the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: sesame seeds
-
Is Beet Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Beet Powder is used here as colorant. Beet powder is a natural colorant that adds visual appeal and some nutritional benefits without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: beet powder
-
Is Turmeric safe in this snack?
Good
Turmeric is used here as colorant. Turmeric is a natural spice that adds color and flavor, contributing positively to the overall quality of the snack.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: turmeric
-
Is Mustard safe in this snack?
Medium
Mustard is used here as flavor. Mustard adds flavor but may raise concerns for those with mustard allergies, impacting the product's safety profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: mustard
-
Is Pretzels safe in this snack?
Medium
Pretzels is used here as base. Pretzels add crunch and flavor but may contain additives that contribute to overall processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: pretzels
-
Is Enriched Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Wheat Flour is used here as base. Enriched wheat flour is a processed ingredient that provides structure but raises concerns about nutrient loss during processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: enriched wheat flour
-
Is Niacin safe in this snack?
Good
Niacin is used here as nutrient. Niacin is a B vitamin that contributes to the nutritional value of the snack, supporting overall health.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: niacin
-
Is Reduced Iron safe in this snack?
Good
Reduced Iron is used here as nutrient. Reduced iron is added as a nutrient to enhance the product's iron content, contributing positively to its nutritional profile.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: reduced iron
-
Is Thiamine Mononitrate safe in this snack?
Good
Thiamine Mononitrate is used here as nutrient. Thiamine mononitrate is a B vitamin that supports energy metabolism, enhancing the overall nutritional value of the snack.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: thiamine mononitrate
-
Is Riboflavin safe in this snack?
Good
Riboflavin is used here as nutrient. Riboflavin is a B vitamin that contributes to energy production and overall health, enhancing the nutritional profile of the snack.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: riboflavin
-
Is Folic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Folic Acid is used here as nutrient. Folic acid is a B vitamin that supports cell division and overall health, contributing positively to the snack's nutritional value.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: folic acid
-
Is Malt safe in this snack?
Medium
Malt is used here as flavor. Malt adds flavor but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: malt
-
Is Yeast safe in this snack?
Medium
Yeast is used here as flavor. Yeast is used for flavor development but may raise concerns for those with yeast sensitivities.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: yeast
-
Is Baking Soda safe in this snack?
Medium
Baking Soda is used here as leavening agent. Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps with texture but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: baking soda
-
Is Honey Mustard Pretzel Pieces safe in this snack?
Medium
Honey Mustard Pretzel Pieces is used here as base. Honey mustard pretzel pieces add flavor and crunch but may contain additives that contribute to overall processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: honey mustard pretzel pieces
-
Is Honey Mustard Seasoning safe in this snack?
Medium
Honey Mustard Seasoning is used here as flavor. Honey mustard seasoning adds flavor but may contain artificial ingredients that raise concerns about processing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: honey mustard seasoning
-
Is Dextrose safe in this snack?
Bad
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar that contributes to the overall sweetness of the product, raising concerns about high sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: dextrose
-
Is Vinegar safe in this snack?
Good
Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Vinegar is a natural acid that enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, contributing positively to the product's safety profile.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: vinegar
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder adds flavor and has potential health benefits, contributing positively to the overall quality of the snack.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic powder
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder enhances flavor and adds some nutritional benefits, contributing positively to the overall quality of the snack.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
-
Is Spices safe in this snack?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices add flavor and complexity to the product without synthetic additives, enhancing the overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices
-
Is Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika is a natural spice that adds color and flavor, contributing positively to the overall quality of the snack.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are used to enhance taste but may be derived from various sources, raising some concerns about transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
-
Is Cajun Corn Sticks safe in this snack?
Medium
Cajun Corn Sticks is used here as base. Cajun corn sticks add flavor and crunch but may contain additives that contribute to overall processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: cajun corn sticks
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: 2392211
More from this brand: Signature Select products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: peanut , milk , wheat , soy , sesame
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.