Is Benecol Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Minerva
This page reviews Benecol by Minerva as a food. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Potassium Sorbate, Flavoring Agents.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes potassium sorbate as a synthetic preservative and modified starch, raising concerns about processed ingredients. However, plant stanols and vitamins A and D contribute positively to the overall quality.
Main concern
Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about the use of artificial 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 plant stanols (6.7%), which are known for their potential cholesterol-lowering effects.
- Includes vitamins A and D, which are beneficial for overall health and support nutritional needs.
- Plant-based oils provide a source of fats, contributing to the product's texture and mouthfeel.
- The presence of natural emulsifiers aids in maintaining product stability and consistency.
Concerns
- Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about the use of artificial additives.
- Modified starch is a processed ingredient that may not align with clean eating preferences.
- The inclusion of palm oil and palm kernel oil raises sustainability concerns regarding sourcing.
- The presence of artificial flavors may detract from the overall natural quality of the product.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this food and why it matters.
-
Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this product, providing hydration and a medium for other ingredients.
Role in formula: base
Original: Νερό
-
Is Plant Oils safe in this food?
Medium
Plant Oils is used here as base. Plant oils, including soybean and palm oil, contribute to the fat content and texture but raise concerns about processing and sustainability.
Role in formula: base
Original: Φυτικά έλαια (πλιέλαιο, αραβοσιτέλαιο σε μεταβαλλόμενες αναλογίες και φυσικά λίπη (φοινικέλαιο, φοινικοπυρηνέλαιο σε μεταβαλλόμενες αναλογίες))
-
Is Plant Stanols safe in this food?
Good
Plant Stanols is used here as natural_extract. Plant stanols are included for their potential cholesterol-lowering properties, contributing positively to heart health.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Φυτικές στανόλες (6,7%)
-
Is Whey safe in this food?
Medium
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a dairy-derived ingredient that adds protein but may not be suitable for those avoiding animal products.
Role in formula: base
Original: Ορός γάλακτος
-
Is Plant Derived Monoglycerides safe in this food?
Medium
Plant Derived Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. These emulsifiers help stabilize the product but are processed ingredients that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Γαλακτωματοποιητές φυτικά μονογλυκερίδια λιπαρών οξέων
-
Is Modified Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Modified Starch is used here as thickener. Modified starch is used to improve texture and stability but is a processed ingredient that may not align with clean eating.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: τροποποιημένο άμυλο
-
Is Potassium Sorbate safe in this food?
Bad
Potassium Sorbate is used here as preservative. Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life, raising concerns about artificial additives in food.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: συντήρητικό: σορβικό κάλιο
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used for acidity regulation and flavor enhancement but is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Μέσα οξίνισης: γαλακτικό οξύ
-
Is Flavoring Agents safe in this food?
Bad
Flavoring Agents is used here as flavor. Flavoring agents are included to enhance taste but may detract from the product's natural quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Αρωματικές ύλες
-
Is Vitamin A safe in this food?
Good
Vitamin A is used here as natural_extract. Vitamin A is essential for vision and immune function, contributing positively to the product's nutritional profile.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Βιταμίνες Α
-
Is Vitamin D safe in this food?
Good
Vitamin D is used here as natural_extract. Vitamin D supports bone health and immune function, enhancing the product's overall nutritional value.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Βιταμίνες D
-
Is Beta Carotene safe in this food?
Medium
Beta Carotene is used here as colorant. Beta-carotene is used as a colorant and provides some antioxidant properties, but it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Χρωστική: Β-καροτένιο
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: 3967320
More from this brand: Minerva 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.