Is Cheddar Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Pepperidge Farm
This page reviews Cheddar Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers by Pepperidge Farm as a snack. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes enriched wheat flour, cheddar cheese, and vegetable oils. While the cheddar cheese provides flavor, the presence of autolyzed yeast extract and added sugars raises concerns about processed ingredients, impacting the overall quality and safety assessment.
Main concern
Autolyzed yeast extract is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
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 cheddar cheese, which adds flavor and a source of calcium.
- Enriched wheat flour provides some essential nutrients like niacin and iron.
- Includes spices like paprika and onion powder for added taste.
- Yeast contributes to the leavening process, enhancing texture.
Concerns
- Autolyzed yeast extract is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
- Added sugars can contribute to excessive sweetness and processed nature.
- Vegetable oils may include refined oils, which are less desirable.
- Contains salt, which can be a concern for those monitoring sodium intake.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this snack and why it matters.
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Is Enriched Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Wheat Flour is used here as base. Enriched wheat flour is the primary ingredient providing structure and texture to the crackers. While it offers some essential nutrients, the refining process may strip away beneficial components, raising concerns about its overall nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (FLOUR NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN FOLIC ACID)
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Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as flavor. Cheddar cheese adds flavor and a source of calcium to the product. It is derived from cultured milk, which indicates a natural fermentation process, contributing positively to the overall quality of the snack.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: CHEDDAR CHEESE ((CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES), ANNATTO)
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Is Vegetable Oils safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oils is used here as base. Vegetable oils, including canola, sunflower, and soybean oils, are used for texture and moisture. While they provide necessary fats, the refining process may diminish their nutritional benefits, raising concerns about their overall health impact.
Role in formula: base
Original: VEGETABLE OILS (CANOLA OIL, SUNFLOWER OIL, SOYBEAN OIL)
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor in the crackers but can contribute to high sodium intake. Monitoring salt levels is important for overall health, especially for individuals with dietary restrictions.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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Is Yeast safe in this snack?
Good
Yeast is used here as base. Yeast is used for leavening, contributing to the texture of the crackers. It is a natural ingredient that helps create a light and airy structure, supporting the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: YEAST
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added to enhance sweetness in the crackers. While it contributes to flavor, excessive sugar can lead to health concerns, particularly in processed snacks.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
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Is Autolyzed Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Bad
Autolyzed Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Autolyzed yeast extract is a processed ingredient that enhances flavor. However, it raises concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential for containing MSG, which some consumers prefer to avoid.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT
Read the full ingredient profile for Autolyzed Yeast Extract
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Is Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika is a natural colorant that adds visual appeal and flavor to the crackers. It is derived from ground peppers and contributes positively to the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: PAPRIKA
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Is Spices safe in this snack?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices, including celery and onion powder, enhance the flavor profile of the crackers. They are natural ingredients that contribute positively to the overall taste without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SPICES CELERY ONION POWDER
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Is Monocalcium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Medium
Monocalcium Phosphate is used here as leavening agent. Monocalcium phosphate is a leavening agent that helps the crackers rise. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about overall composition quality.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE
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Is Baking Soda safe in this snack?
Medium
Baking Soda is used here as leavening agent. Baking soda is used as a leavening agent to create a light texture in the crackers. While it is effective, it is a processed ingredient that may not align with clean eating preferences.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: BAKING SODA
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: 2374666
More from this brand: Pepperidge Farm products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.