Is Brach's Large Conversation Hearts Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Brach's
Brach's Large Conversation Hearts is one of the dessert products analyzed by Zerotox for Brach's. The product scores 30/100 in Zerotox, meaning it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sugar, Corn Syrup, Dextrose affect the overall evaluation.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic additives such as artificial colors (Blue 2, Red 40 Lake) and sweeteners (sugar, corn syrup). These raise significant quality concerns due to their processed nature.
Main concern
Presence of multiple artificial colors (e.g., Red 40 Lake) raises concerns about synthetic 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 glycerin, which helps maintain moisture in the product.
- Includes citric acid, a natural acidulant that can enhance flavor.
Concerns
- Presence of multiple artificial colors (e.g., Red 40 Lake) raises concerns about synthetic additives.
- High sugar content from sugar and corn syrup indicates a highly processed composition.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this dessert.
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Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a highly processed sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness of the product but raises concerns about excessive sugar consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Corn Syrup safe in this dessert?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a processed sweetener that adds sweetness but lacks nutritional value and raises concerns about high sugar intake.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
-
Is Dextrose safe in this dessert?
Bad
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar derived from starch, used for sweetness but contributes to high sugar content without nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: dextrose
-
Is Glycerin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Glycerin is used here as humectant. Glycerin is used to retain moisture in the product, which can improve texture but is a synthetic compound.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: glycerin
-
Is Gelatin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Gelatin is used here as stabilizer. Gelatin is a gelling agent derived from animal sources, used for texture but raises concerns for vegetarians and vegans.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: gelatin
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this dessert?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural acid that enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, generally considered safe.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
-
Is Tragacanth Gum safe in this dessert?
Medium
Tragacanth Gum is used here as thickener. Tragacanth gum is a natural thickening agent that helps improve texture but is processed.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: tragacanth gum
-
Is Artificial And Natural Flavors safe in this dessert?
Bad
Artificial And Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. These flavors can be synthetic or derived from natural sources, raising concerns about the quality and safety of flavoring agents.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: artificial and natural flavors
Read the full ingredient profile for Artificial And Natural Flavors
-
Is Blue 2 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Blue 2 is used here as colorant. Blue 2 is a synthetic dye used for coloring, which raises concerns about artificial additives in food products.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: blue 2
-
Is Red 40 Lake safe in this dessert?
Bad
Red 40 Lake is used here as colorant. Red 40 Lake is a synthetic colorant that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: red 40 lake
-
Is Red 3 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Red 3 is used here as colorant. Red 3 is an artificial colorant that has been linked to health concerns, contributing to the product's overall risk.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: red 3
-
Is Yellow 5 Lake safe in this dessert?
Bad
Yellow 5 Lake is used here as colorant. Yellow 5 Lake is a synthetic dye associated with allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: yellow 5 lake
-
Is Yellow 6 Lake safe in this dessert?
Bad
Yellow 6 Lake is used here as colorant. Yellow 6 Lake is a synthetic colorant that may cause allergic reactions, contributing to the product's risk profile.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: yellow 6 lake
-
Is Blue 1 Lake safe in this dessert?
Bad
Blue 1 Lake is used here as colorant. Blue 1 Lake is a synthetic dye that raises concerns about artificial additives and potential health effects.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: blu 1 lake
-
Is Blue 2 Lake safe in this dessert?
Bad
Blue 2 Lake is used here as colorant. Blue 2 Lake is another synthetic colorant that contributes to the product's overall risk due to artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: blue 2 lake
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: 3197222
More from this brand: Brach's products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , egg , peanut , wheat , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.