Is Cereal Bar Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Costa
Costa's Cereal Bar is reviewed here as a snack. 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 Bht, Artificial Flavor.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic additives like BHT and artificial flavors, raising significant quality concerns. The presence of multiple processed ingredients indicates a highly processed product.
Main concern
Contains BHT, a synthetic antioxidant that raises safety concerns due to potential health risks.
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 moisture.
- Includes rice flour, which can provide a gluten-free option for some consumers.
Concerns
- Contains BHT, a synthetic antioxidant that raises safety concerns due to potential health risks.
- Includes artificial flavors, which are synthetic and may pose quality issues.
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 snack, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and texture. However, it is a refined grain, which may raise concerns about nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: Harina de Trigo
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Is Corn Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Corn Flour is used here as base. Corn flour adds texture and contributes to the overall carbohydrate content. It is processed, which may affect its nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Harina de Maíz
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is used for sweetness but is a refined ingredient that can contribute to health concerns when consumed in excess.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Azúcar
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Is Glucose safe in this snack?
Medium
Glucose is used here as sweetener. Glucose is a simple sugar that provides quick energy but raises concerns due to its processed nature and potential impact on blood sugar levels.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Glucosa
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Is Rice Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Rice Flour is used here as base. Rice flour is gluten-free and adds texture, but it is also a refined ingredient, which may limit its nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: base
Original: Harina de Arroz
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as stabilizer. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used for texture and stability, but it raises concerns due to its high glycemic index.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Maltodextrina
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil is used for moisture and texture but may include palm oil, which raises environmental and health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Aceite Vegetal (Palma, Cartamo y Girasol con Antioxidante BHT)
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Is Bht safe in this snack?
Bad
Bht is used here as preservative. BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to prolong shelf life but raises safety concerns due to potential health risks associated with synthetic additives.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Antioxidante BHT
-
Is Honey safe in this snack?
Good
Honey is used here as sweetener. Honey is a natural sweetener that adds flavor and moisture, contributing positively to the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Miel de Abejas
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Is Whole Milk Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Whole Milk Powder is used here as base. Whole milk powder adds creaminess and flavor but is a dairy product that may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Role in formula: base
Original: Leche Entera en Polvo
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Is Skim Milk Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Skim Milk Powder is used here as base. Skim milk powder provides protein and flavor but is also a dairy product, which may pose issues for some consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: Leche Descremada en Polvo
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Is Glycerin safe in this snack?
Medium
Glycerin is used here as stabilizer. Glycerin is used to retain moisture and improve texture but is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Glicerina (Estabilizante)
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Is Fractionated Palm And Palm Kernel Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Fractionated Palm And Palm Kernel Oil is used here as base. These oils are used for texture and moisture but raise concerns due to their saturated fat content and environmental impact.
Role in formula: base
Original: Aceite de Palma y Palmiste Fraccionado (con Antioxidante BHT)
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Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is used to improve texture and stability but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for those with soy allergies.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Lecitina de Soya (Emulsionante)
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Is Calcium Carbonate safe in this snack?
Medium
Calcium Carbonate is used here as antiaglomerant. Calcium carbonate is used to prevent clumping but is a synthetic additive that may not contribute positively to the product's quality.
Role in formula: antiaglomerant
Original: Carbonato de Calcio (Antiaglomerante)
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Is Gelatin safe in this snack?
Medium
Gelatin is used here as stabilizer. Gelatin is used for texture and stability but is an animal-derived ingredient, which may not be suitable for vegetarians.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Gelatina
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as base. Salt is used for flavor enhancement and is a natural mineral, contributing positively to the overall flavor profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Sal
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Is Tricalcium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Medium
Tricalcium Phosphate is used here as leavening agent. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a leavening agent but is a synthetic additive that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: Fosfato Tricálcico (Leudante)
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Is Mono And Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids safe in this snack?
Medium
Mono And Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids is used here as emulsifier. These emulsifiers improve texture but are processed ingredients that may raise concerns about their origin and health effects.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Mono y Diglicéridos de Ácidos Grasos (Emulsionante)
Read the full ingredient profile for Mono And Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids
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Is Artificial Flavor safe in this snack?
Bad
Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Artificial flavoring is used to enhance taste but raises concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential health implications.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Saborizante Artificial
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: 4107156
More from this brand: Costa products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: gluten , milk , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.