Is Cheez-It Cheesy Taco Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Cheez-It
Cheez-It Cheesy Taco is a snack from Cheez-It. 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 Monosodium Glutamate, Corn Syrup Solids, Sugar.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The ingredient composition includes enriched flour and various flavorings, but also contains several additives like monosodium glutamate and corn syrup solids, raising quality concerns.
Main concern
Contains monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer that raises concerns about synthetic additives.
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 cheese made with skim milk, providing some dairy content.
- Includes natural spices like paprika and cumin, enhancing flavor without artificial additives.
Concerns
- Contains monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer that raises concerns about synthetic additives.
- Includes corn syrup solids and sugar, indicating the presence of refined sugars in the product.
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.
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Is Enriched Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Flour is used here as base. Enriched flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure. However, its refined nature raises concerns about nutritional quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin B1 [thiamin mononitrate], vitamin B2 [riboflavin], folic acid)
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil is used for texture and moisture. The presence of TBHQ as a preservative raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: base
Original: vegetable oil (soybean, palm, canola and/or high oleic soybean oil with TBHQ for freshness)
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Is Cheese Made With Skim Milk safe in this snack?
Good
Cheese Made With Skim Milk is used here as base. This ingredient adds flavor and some nutritional value, derived from skim milk, which is lower in fat compared to whole milk cheese.
Role in formula: base
Original: cheese made with skim milk (skim milk, whey protein, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, annatto extract color)
Read the full ingredient profile for Cheese Made With Skim Milk
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor in this product, but excessive consumption can raise health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Monosodium Glutamate safe in this snack?
Bad
Monosodium Glutamate is used here as flavor. Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that can cause sensitivity in some individuals, raising concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: monosodium glutamate
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Is Corn Syrup Solids safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Syrup Solids is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup solids are a form of added sugar, contributing to sweetness but raising concerns about refined sugars in the diet.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup solids
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and health issues if consumed in large amounts.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
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Is Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika is used here as natural_extract. Paprika adds color and flavor, derived from natural sources, contributing positively to the product's composition.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: paprika
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Is Buttermilk safe in this snack?
Good
Buttermilk is used here as base. Buttermilk adds flavor and moisture, derived from dairy, enhancing the overall taste profile of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: buttermilk
-
Is Chili Pepper safe in this snack?
Good
Chili Pepper is used here as natural_extract. Chili pepper contributes heat and flavor, derived from natural sources, enhancing the product's taste without artificial additives.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: chili pepper
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Is Cumin safe in this snack?
Good
Cumin is used here as natural_extract. Cumin adds a distinct flavor profile, derived from natural sources, contributing positively to the overall taste.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: cumin
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Is Oregano safe in this snack?
Good
Oregano is used here as natural_extract. Oregano is a natural herb that enhances flavor, contributing positively to the product's taste without artificial additives.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: oregano
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Is Paprika Extract Color safe in this snack?
Medium
Paprika Extract Color is used here as colorant. Paprika extract color is used for visual appeal, derived from natural sources, but its processing raises some concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika extract color
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: 2401523
More from this brand: Cheez-It 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.