Is Blackcurrant Jam Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Woolworths Select
Woolworths Select's Blackcurrant Jam 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 Sugar, Calcium Chloride.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sugar and pectin as gelling agents, which are common in jams. However, the presence of E509 raises concerns about synthetic additives, impacting the overall quality rating.
Main concern
High sugar content 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 whole blackcurrants (55%), providing natural fruit content.
- Pectin is a natural gelling agent, contributing to the jam's texture.
- Citric acid acts as an acidity regulator, enhancing flavor balance.
- Reconstituted blackcurrants add to the fruitiness of the jam.
Concerns
- High sugar content raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
- E509 (calcium chloride) is a synthetic firming agent, which may be viewed negatively.
- Reconstituted fruit may indicate lower quality compared to fresh.
- Limited natural preservatives may affect shelf life.
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 Sugar safe in this food?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is used to sweeten the jam, but its high content raises concerns about excessive sweetness and potential health impacts.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Blackcurrants safe in this food?
Good
Blackcurrants is used here as base. Blackcurrants (55%) provide natural fruit flavor and color, contributing positively to the jam's overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: reconstituted and whole blackcurrants
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Is Pectin safe in this food?
Good
Pectin is used here as stabilizer. Pectin is a natural gelling agent that helps achieve the desired consistency in jams, indicating a quality ingredient.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: gelling agent (pectin)
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Is Citric Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to regulate acidity, enhancing flavor but may raise concerns as a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acidity regular (citric acid)
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Is Calcium Chloride safe in this food?
Bad
Calcium Chloride is used here as firming agent. Calcium chloride (E509) is a synthetic firming agent that may raise quality concerns due to its artificial nature.
Role in formula: firming agent
Original: firming agent (E509)
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: 4251306
More from this brand: Woolworths Select products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
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