Is Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Betty Crocker
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a food from Betty Crocker. 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 Color, Sodium Bisulfite.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients such as maltodextrin and modified whey, which raise quality concerns. Sodium bisulfite as a preservative may also be problematic for some consumers. However, the presence of cheddar cheese and garlic adds some natural flavor elements.
Main concern
Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may raise glycemic 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, providing a source of flavor and richness.
- Includes garlic, which is a natural ingredient that enhances taste.
- Potatoes serve as a primary ingredient, offering a familiar base.
- Natural flavor components contribute to the overall taste profile.
Concerns
- Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may raise glycemic concerns.
- Modified whey is a processed dairy ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
- Sodium bisulfite is a synthetic preservative that can cause sensitivity in some individuals.
- Presence of artificial color raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Who should avoid this product?
This food 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 food so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Potatoes safe in this food?
Good
Potatoes is used here as base. Potatoes are the main ingredient, providing a natural and familiar base for the dish. They are minimally processed and contribute to the overall texture and flavor.
Role in formula: base
Original: Potatoes
-
Is Corn Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Corn starch is used as a thickening agent in this product. While it is derived from a natural source, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Corn Starch
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this food?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that serves as a thickener and stabilizer. It can raise glycemic index concerns due to its rapid absorption in the body.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Maltodextrin
-
Is Enriched Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Enriched Flour is used here as base. Enriched flour is a refined ingredient that provides structure to the dish. However, its processing raises concerns about nutritional value compared to whole grains.
Role in formula: base
Original: Enriched Flour
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Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a common seasoning that enhances flavor. It is a natural mineral and is essential for taste, though excessive consumption can be a concern.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Modified Whey safe in this food?
Medium
Modified Whey is used here as emulsifier. Modified whey is a processed dairy ingredient that acts as an emulsifier. While it adds creaminess, its processing may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Modified Whey
-
Is Garlic safe in this food?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic is a natural ingredient that enhances flavor and adds depth to the dish. It is minimally processed and contributes beneficial compounds.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic
-
Is Onion safe in this food?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion is a natural ingredient that adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile. It is minimally processed and contributes positively to taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion
-
Is Potassium Phosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Potassium Phosphate is used here as buffer. Potassium phosphate is used as a buffering agent in this product. While it helps maintain pH balance, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Potassium Phosphate
-
Is Vegetable Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as emulsifier. Vegetable oil is used for texture and moisture. However, the type of oil can vary, and some may have health implications depending on processing.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Vegetable Oil
-
Is Whey safe in this food?
Medium
Whey is used here as emulsifier. Whey is a dairy ingredient that adds creaminess and protein. Its processing may not appeal to all consumers, but it contributes to texture.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Whey
-
Is Spice safe in this food?
Good
Spice is used here as flavor. Spice is a general term that indicates the use of various flavoring agents. It adds complexity to the flavor profile without specific concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Spice
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this food?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as flavor. Cheddar cheese is a natural ingredient that provides flavor and richness. It is minimally processed and contributes positively to the overall taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cheddar Cheese
-
Is Monoglycerides safe in this food?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are used as emulsifiers to improve texture. They are derived from fats but are processed, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Monoglycerides
-
Is Nonfat Milk safe in this food?
Medium
Nonfat Milk is used here as base. Nonfat milk is a dairy ingredient that adds creaminess without fat. Its processing may not appeal to all consumers, but it contributes to texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: Nonfat Milk
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. While it is derived from fermentation, its processing raises some concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Lactic Acid
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Is Blue Cheese safe in this food?
Good
Blue Cheese is used here as flavor. Blue cheese is a natural ingredient that adds a distinct flavor profile. It is minimally processed and contributes positively to the overall taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Blue Cheese
-
Is Calcium Lactate safe in this food?
Medium
Calcium Lactate is used here as stabilizer. Calcium lactate is used as a stabilizer in this product. While it provides calcium, its processing may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Calcium Lactate
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used to enhance flavor. While it can provide umami, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Yeast Extract
-
Is Color safe in this food?
Bad
Color is used here as colorant. Color is a vague term that indicates the presence of artificial colorants. These synthetic additives raise quality concerns regarding processing.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Color
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is a processed ingredient that enhances taste. While derived from natural sources, its processing raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural Flavor
-
Is Sodium Phosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Sodium Phosphate is used here as buffer. Sodium phosphate is used as a buffering agent. While it helps maintain pH balance, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Sodium Phosphate
-
Is Silicon Dioxide safe in this food?
Medium
Silicon Dioxide is used here as anti-caking agent. Silicon dioxide is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping. While it is generally recognized as safe, its synthetic nature raises some concerns.
Role in formula: anti-caking agent
Original: Silicon Dioxide
-
Is Sodium Bisulfite safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Bisulfite is used here as preservative. Sodium bisulfite is a synthetic preservative used to maintain freshness. It can cause sensitivity in some individuals and raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Freshness Preserved By Sodium Bisulfite
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: 2380082
More from this brand: Betty Crocker products in Zerotox
Similar products: food 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.