Is Brown Butter & Sea Salt Kettle Corn Flavored Popcorn Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Smartfood
Brown Butter & Sea Salt Kettle Corn Flavored Popcorn is a snack from Smartfood. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Corn Syrup, Sugar, Natural Flavors.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
This popcorn contains several processed ingredients like corn syrup and sugar, which raise quality concerns. The presence of artificial flavors and preservatives further impacts its safety profile.
Main concern
Corn syrup and sugar are highly processed sweeteners that contribute to a less favorable nutritional profile.
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 rosemary extract and ascorbic acid, which serve as antioxidants, potentially enhancing shelf life.
- Includes buttermilk and whey, providing a creamy flavor profile that complements the popcorn.
Concerns
- Corn syrup and sugar are highly processed sweeteners that contribute to a less favorable nutritional profile.
- Natural flavors may include synthetic components, raising concerns about ingredient transparency.
Who should avoid this product?
This snack may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
-
Is Popcorn safe in this snack?
Good
Popcorn is used here as base. Popcorn serves as the primary ingredient, providing a whole grain base that is generally considered a healthy snack option.
Role in formula: base
Original: POPCORN
-
Is Corn Syrup safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that can contribute to excessive sugar intake and raises concerns about its health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: CORN SYRUP
-
Is Canola Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as base. Canola oil is a common cooking oil that is often refined, which may raise concerns about processing and quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: CANOLA OIL
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a refined sweetener that can lead to health issues when consumed in excess, impacting the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
-
Is Corn Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Corn Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Corn maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used as a thickener, which may raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: CORN MALTODEXTRIN
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients, but it is often derived from genetically modified soybeans, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: SOY LECITHIN
-
Is Water safe in this snack?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental ingredient that serves as a solvent in the formulation, contributing to the overall texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: WATER
-
Is Soybean Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Soybean Oil is used here as base. Soybean oil is a common cooking oil that is often refined, which may raise concerns about processing and quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: SOYBEAN OIL
-
Is Sea Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Sea Salt is used here as flavor. Sea salt is a natural flavor enhancer that adds taste without the health concerns associated with synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SEA SALT
-
Is Brown Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Brown Sugar is used here as sweetener. Brown sugar is a less refined sweetener that retains some molasses, but it still contributes to high sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: BROWN SUGAR
-
Is Butter safe in this snack?
Medium
Butter is used here as flavor. Butter adds a rich flavor but is high in saturated fat, which can raise health concerns when consumed in excess.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: BUTTER (CREAM, SALT)
-
Is Carob Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Carob Powder is used here as flavor. Carob powder is a natural flavoring agent that can provide a chocolate-like taste without the caffeine found in cocoa.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: CAROB POWDER
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is often refined and may raise concerns about processing, but it is a common cooking oil.
Role in formula: base
Original: SUNFLOWER OIL
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this snack?
Bad
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors can be derived from various sources, including synthetic processes, raising concerns about ingredient transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL FLAVORS
-
Is Potassium Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Potassium Salt is used here as flavor. Potassium salt is often used as a sodium alternative, but its health implications can vary based on individual dietary needs.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: POTASSIUM SALT
-
Is Buttermilk safe in this snack?
Good
Buttermilk is used here as flavor. Buttermilk adds a creamy flavor and is a natural dairy product, contributing positively to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: BUTTERMILK
-
Is Molasses safe in this snack?
Medium
Molasses is used here as sweetener. Molasses is a less refined sweetener that contains some nutrients, but it still contributes to the overall sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: MOLASSES
-
Is Whey safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey is used here as flavor. Whey is a dairy byproduct that adds flavor and protein but may raise concerns for those with lactose intolerance.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: WHEY
-
Is Rosemary Extract safe in this snack?
Good
Rosemary Extract is used here as antioxidant. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that helps preserve freshness and quality, contributing positively to the product's safety.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: ROSEMARY EXTRACT (ANTIOXIDANT)
-
Is Ascorbic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. Ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant that helps prevent spoilage and maintain product quality over time.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: ASCORBIC ACID (ANTIOXIDANT)
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: 2410463
More from this brand: Smartfood products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack 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.