Is Brach's Mellowcreme Autumn Mix Candy Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Brach's Mellowcreme Autumn Mix Candy is reviewed here as a dessert. Zerotox gives it 30/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sugar, Corn Syrup, Confectioner S Glaze.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic additives such as artificial flavors and colors (Yellow 6, Red 40), raising significant quality concerns. The presence of hydrogenated palm kernel oil and gelatin further indicates a highly processed product.
Main concern
Presence of hydrogenated palm kernel oil raises concerns about trans fats and processing.
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, a natural sweetener that adds flavor and may provide some trace nutrients.
- Includes cocoa powder, which can contribute to flavor and has some antioxidant properties.
Concerns
- Presence of hydrogenated palm kernel oil raises concerns about trans fats and processing.
- Multiple artificial colors (Yellow 6, Red 40) and flavors indicate a highly processed composition.
- Gelatin is derived from animal sources, which may not be suitable for vegetarians.
- Confectioner's glaze (shellac) is a synthetic coating that raises quality concerns.
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 dessert, not just listed as a raw label.
-
Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a highly processed sweetener that contributes to the overall calorie content without nutritional benefits.
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 can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and lacks nutritional value.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
-
Is Confectioner S Glaze safe in this dessert?
Bad
Confectioner S Glaze is used here as coating. Confectioner's glaze (shellac) is a synthetic coating used for shine, raising concerns about its origin and processing.
Role in formula: coating
Original: confectioner's glaze (shellac)
-
Is Salt safe in this dessert?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but excessive consumption can lead to health issues; its role here is primarily for taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Cocoa Powder safe in this dessert?
Good
Cocoa Powder is used here as flavor. Cocoa powder adds flavor and may provide some antioxidants, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cocoa powder
-
Is Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil safe in this dessert?
Bad
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil is used here as fat. Hydrogenated palm kernel oil is a processed fat that may contain trans fats, raising health concerns.
Role in formula: fat
Original: hydrogenated palm kernel oil
Read the full ingredient profile for Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
-
Is Gelatin safe in this dessert?
Bad
Gelatin is used here as thickener. Gelatin is derived from animal sources, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and raising ethical concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: gelatin
-
Is Dextrose safe in this dessert?
Bad
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar that can contribute to rapid increases in blood sugar levels, similar to other sugars.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: dextrose
-
Is Honey safe in this dessert?
Good
Honey is used here as sweetener. Honey is a natural sweetener that may offer trace nutrients and a unique flavor profile compared to refined sugars.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: honey
-
Is Artificial Flavor safe in this dessert?
Bad
Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Artificial flavoring is a synthetic additive that can raise concerns about the quality and safety of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: artificial flavor
-
Is Sesame Oil safe in this dessert?
Medium
Sesame Oil is used here as flavor. Sesame oil adds flavor and may provide some health benefits, but its processing level can vary.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sesame oil
-
Is Yellow 6 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Yellow 6 is used here as colorant. Yellow 6 is an artificial colorant that raises concerns about synthetic additives and potential health effects.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: yellow 6
-
Is Yellow 5 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Yellow 5 is used here as colorant. Yellow 5 is another artificial colorant linked to various health concerns, including allergic reactions.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: yellow 5
-
Is Red 3 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Red 3 is used here as colorant. Red 3 is an artificial colorant that has been associated with health concerns, raising quality issues.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: red 3
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is a common emulsifier that helps blend ingredients but may raise concerns for those with soy allergies.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: soy lecithin
-
Is Blue 1 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Blue 1 is used here as colorant. Blue 1 is an artificial colorant that can raise concerns about synthetic additives and potential health effects.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: blue 1
-
Is Red 40 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Red 40 is used here as colorant. Red 40 is an artificial colorant linked to various health concerns, including hyperactivity in children.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: red 40
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: 3197167
Similar products: dessert in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: soy , sesame
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.