Is Bens Original Long Grain & Wild Rice Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Bens Original Long Grain & Wild Rice is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes parboiled long grain rice and wild rice, but also contains several processed ingredients like yeast extract and natural flavors, raising quality concerns.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes parboiled long grain rice and wild rice, but also contains several processed ingredients like yeast extract and natural flavors, raising quality concerns.
Main concern
Contains yeast extract and autolyzed yeast, which are processed ingredients that may raise quality concerns.
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 whole wheat durum semolina in orzo, providing some whole grain benefits.
- Includes a variety of vegetables like onion, parsley, and spinach, contributing to flavor and nutrition.
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iron, enhancing nutritional value.
Concerns
- Contains yeast extract and autolyzed yeast, which are processed ingredients that may raise quality concerns.
- Natural flavors are included, which can be vague and may involve synthetic processing.
- Sugar is present, which is often added for flavor enhancement but raises concerns about unnecessary sweetness.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this food.
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Is Parboiled Long Grain Rice safe in this food?
Good
Parboiled Long Grain Rice is used here as base. Parboiled long grain rice serves as the primary ingredient, providing a good source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients.
Role in formula: base
Original: parboiled long grain rice
Read the full ingredient profile for Parboiled Long Grain Rice
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Is Wild Rice safe in this food?
Good
Wild Rice is used here as base. Wild rice adds a unique flavor and is a good source of fiber and antioxidants, enhancing the overall nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: wild rice
-
Is Whole Wheat Durum Semolina safe in this food?
Good
Whole Wheat Durum Semolina is used here as base. Whole wheat durum semolina in orzo contributes whole grain benefits, providing more fiber and nutrients compared to refined grains.
Role in formula: base
Original: orzo (whole wheat durum semolina)
Read the full ingredient profile for Whole Wheat Durum Semolina
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Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about its quality and source.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: yeast extract
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a common flavor enhancer, but excessive consumption can lead to health concerns, particularly in processed foods.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Onion safe in this food?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion adds flavor and contains beneficial compounds, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion*
-
Is Parsley safe in this food?
Good
Parsley is used here as flavor. Parsley is a natural herb that enhances flavor and provides vitamins and antioxidants, supporting a healthier profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: parsley*
-
Is Celery safe in this food?
Good
Celery is used here as flavor. Celery contributes flavor and is low in calories while providing some vitamins and minerals.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: celery
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Is Sugar safe in this food?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for flavor enhancement, but its presence raises concerns about unnecessary sweetness in the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
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Is Potassium Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Potassium Salt is used here as flavor. Potassium salt is used as a sodium alternative, which can be beneficial for those monitoring sodium intake, but it is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: potassium salt
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Is Spinach safe in this food?
Good
Spinach is used here as flavor. Spinach adds flavor and is rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing positively to the nutritional value.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spinach*
-
Is Garlic safe in this food?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic enhances flavor and is known for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic*
-
Is Torula Yeast safe in this food?
Medium
Torula Yeast is used here as flavor. Torula yeast is used for flavor enhancement but is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: torula yeast
-
Is Autolyzed Yeast safe in this food?
Medium
Autolyzed Yeast is used here as flavor. Autolyzed yeast is a flavor enhancer derived from yeast, but its processing may raise concerns about quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: autolyzed yeast
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are included for taste enhancement but can be vague in origin and may involve synthetic processing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
-
Is Mushroom safe in this food?
Good
Mushroom is used here as flavor. Mushroom adds umami flavor and is a source of nutrients, enhancing the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: mushroom*
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used for flavor balance and preservation, but it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
-
Is Spices safe in this food?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. A blend of spices like black pepper and rosemary enhances flavor and provides potential health benefits.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices (black pepper, sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, nutmeg)
-
Is Tomato safe in this food?
Good
Tomato is used here as flavor. Tomato contributes flavor and is a source of vitamins, enhancing the nutritional profile of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: tomato*
-
Is Carrot safe in this food?
Good
Carrot is used here as flavor. Carrot adds sweetness and is rich in vitamins, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: carrot*
-
Is Calcium Carbonate safe in this food?
Medium
Calcium Carbonate is used here as fortificant. Calcium carbonate is used to fortify the product with calcium, but it is a synthetic form that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: calcium (calcium carbonate)
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Is Iron Phosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Iron Phosphate is used here as fortificant. Iron phosphate is included to fortify the product with iron, but its synthetic nature may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: iron (iron phosphate)
-
Is Niacinamide safe in this food?
Medium
Niacinamide is used here as fortificant. Niacinamide is a synthetic form of vitamin B3 used for fortification, which may raise concerns about its processing.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: vitamin b3 (niacinamide)
-
Is Thiamine Mononitrate safe in this food?
Medium
Thiamine Mononitrate is used here as fortificant. Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 used for fortification, raising concerns about its quality.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: vitamin b1 (thiamine mononitrate)
-
Is Folic Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Folic Acid is used here as fortificant. Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 used for fortification, which may raise concerns about its processing.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: folic acid
-
Is Calcium Silicate safe in this food?
Medium
Calcium Silicate is used here as anti-caking agent. Calcium silicate is used to prevent clumping but is a synthetic additive that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: anti-caking agent
Original: calcium silicate
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Is Natural Smoke Flavor safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Smoke Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural smoke flavor is used for taste enhancement but can be vague in origin and may involve synthetic processing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural smoke flavor
-
Is Turmeric safe in this food?
Good
Turmeric is used here as colorant. Turmeric is a natural colorant that adds color and has potential health benefits, enhancing the product's quality.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: türmeric (color)
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: 3238088
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.