Is Cacao Bean Plant-Based Shake Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Koia
Cacao Bean Plant-Based Shake is one of the soft drink products analyzed by Zerotox for Koia. The product scores 70/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Natural Flavors affect the overall evaluation.
70 / 100
Why score is 70
The composition includes almond milk and a proprietary protein blend, but also contains evaporated cane sugar and natural flavors, raising quality concerns.
Main concern
Evaporated cane sugar raises concerns due to its processed nature and potential for high 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
- Almond milk provides a dairy-free base, contributing to a plant-based profile.
- The proprietary blend of brown rice, pea, and hemp proteins offers a diverse amino acid profile.
- Cocoa powder adds a rich flavor and is a natural source of antioxidants.
- Cinnamon is included for flavor and may have additional benefits.
Concerns
- Evaporated cane sugar raises concerns due to its processed nature and potential for high sweetness.
- Natural flavors are often vague and can include synthetic components, raising quality questions.
- Sunflower lecithin, while common, is a processed emulsifier that may not align with clean ingredient preferences.
- Gellan gum and locust bean gum are thickening agents that may indicate a more processed product.
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 soft drink.
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Is Water safe in this soft drink?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in almond milk, essential for hydration and texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
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Is Almonds safe in this soft drink?
Good
Almonds is used here as base. Almonds provide healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, contributing positively to the drink's profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: almonds
-
Is Brown Rice Protein safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Brown Rice Protein is used here as natural_extract. Brown rice protein is a plant-based protein source, but its processing may reduce some nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: brown rice protein
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Is Pea Protein safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Pea Protein is used here as natural_extract. Pea protein is a good source of plant protein, though it may have a slightly lower amino acid profile compared to animal proteins.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: pea protein
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Is Hemp Protein safe in this soft drink?
Good
Hemp Protein is used here as natural_extract. Hemp protein is rich in omega fatty acids and fiber, enhancing the nutritional value of the shake.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: hemp protein
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Is Cocoa Powder safe in this soft drink?
Good
Cocoa Powder is used here as flavor. Cocoa powder adds rich flavor and is a natural source of antioxidants, contributing positively to the drink.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cocoa powder
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Is Evaporated Cane Sugar safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Evaporated Cane Sugar is used here as sweetener. Evaporated cane sugar is a processed sweetener that can contribute to higher sugar content, raising concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: evaporated cane sugar
-
Is Monk Fruit Extract safe in this soft drink?
Good
Monk Fruit Extract is used here as sweetener. Monk fruit extract is a natural sweetener with no calories, providing sweetness without the sugar concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: monk fruit extract
-
Is Sunflower Lecithin safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Sunflower Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Sunflower lecithin is used to improve texture and stability, but it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: sunflower lecithin
-
Is Cocoa Extract safe in this soft drink?
Good
Cocoa Extract is used here as flavor. Cocoa extract enhances the chocolate flavor profile, contributing positively to taste without added sugars.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cocoa extract
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Is Vanilla Extract safe in this soft drink?
Good
Vanilla Extract is used here as flavor. Vanilla extract adds natural flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the shake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: vanilla extract
-
Is Cinnamon safe in this soft drink?
Good
Cinnamon is used here as flavor. Cinnamon is included for flavor and may have additional benefits, contributing positively to the drink's profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cinnamon
-
Is Sea Salt safe in this soft drink?
Good
Sea Salt is used here as flavor. Sea salt enhances flavor and can help balance sweetness, contributing to the overall taste experience.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sea salt
-
Is Locust Bean Gum safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Locust Bean Gum is used here as thickener. Locust bean gum is a thickening agent that improves texture but may indicate a more processed product.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: locust bean gum
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Is Gellan Gum safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Gellan Gum is used here as thickener. Gellan gum is used for texture and stability, but its presence suggests a level of processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: gellan gum
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Is Natural Flavors safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors can be derived from various sources, but their vague nature raises quality concerns regarding transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
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: 3480523
More from this brand: Koia products in Zerotox
Similar products: soft_drink in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: almonds
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.