Is Cheez-It Extra Toasty Cheddar Jack Snack Crackers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kellogg
Cheez-It Extra Toasty Cheddar Jack Snack Crackers is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Kellogg. The product scores 45/100 in Zerotox, meaning it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Monosodium Glutamate, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 affect the overall evaluation.
45 / 100
Why score is 45
The ingredient list reveals several synthetic additives, including artificial colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6) and flavor enhancers (disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate). These raise significant quality concerns.
Main concern
Presence of artificial colors like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 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 enriched flour, which adds some vitamins and minerals.
Concerns
- Presence of artificial colors like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 raises concerns about synthetic additives.
- Monosodium glutamate and other flavor enhancers may indicate excessive processing.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this snack.
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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 inclusion of TBHQ for freshness indicates a processed nature, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: vegetable oil (high oleic soybean, soybean, palm, and/or canola 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, though it is processed cheese, which may contain additives.
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 Monosodium Glutamate safe in this snack?
Bad
Monosodium Glutamate is used here as flavor. Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that can lead to concerns about processed food consumption and potential sensitivities.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: monosodium glutamate
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Is Yellow 5 safe in this snack?
Bad
Yellow 5 is used here as colorant. Yellow 5 is an artificial color that raises safety concerns due to potential allergic reactions and its synthetic nature.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: yellow 5
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Is Yellow 6 safe in this snack?
Bad
Yellow 6 is used here as colorant. Yellow 6 is another artificial color linked to various health concerns, including hyperactivity in children.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: yellow 6
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: 2401391
More from this brand: Kellogg 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.