Is Cheez-It Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kellanova
Cheez-It is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Kellanova. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Flavourings, Cat Fibre, Sugar affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like maltodextrin and emulsifiers, which raise quality concerns. The presence of synthetic colors and preservatives further impacts the safety assessment.
Main concern
Includes maltodextrin, a processed ingredient that raises concerns about quality.
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 powder and buttermilk powder, which provide flavor and texture.
- Includes spices like oregano and chili, adding natural flavor elements.
- Uses lactic acid and citric acid as acids, which are common in food products.
- Contains raising agents that contribute to the texture of the snack.
Concerns
- Includes maltodextrin, a processed ingredient that raises concerns about quality.
- Contains artificial colors like curcumin and annatto, which may pose safety questions.
- Presence of emulsifiers like lecithins indicates a level of processing that may affect quality.
- Sugar is included, which is often viewed negatively in processed snacks.
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 Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and texture to the snack. It is a staple in many baked goods.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat flour
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is used for frying and adds moisture. While it is a vegetable oil, its processing raises some concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: sunflower oil
-
Is Starch safe in this snack?
Medium
Starch is used here as thickener. Starch acts as a thickening agent, contributing to the texture. It is often derived from corn or potatoes and is processed.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: starch
-
Is Dehydrated Potatoes safe in this snack?
Good
Dehydrated Potatoes is used here as base. Dehydrated potatoes provide flavor and texture, adding a natural component to the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: dehydrated potatoes
-
Is Lactose safe in this snack?
Medium
Lactose is used here as flavor. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, contributing to flavor. It is a processed ingredient that may cause issues for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: lactose (milk)
-
Is Whey Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey Powder is used here as flavor. Whey powder adds protein and flavor but is a processed dairy ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: whey powder {milk)
-
Is Cheese Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Cheese Powder is used here as flavor. Cheese powder enhances flavor but is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cheese powder {milk) (0.6%)
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a common seasoning that enhances flavor. It is essential for taste but should be consumed in moderation.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder adds a natural flavor component, enhancing the overall taste profile of the snack.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
-
Is Buttermilk Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Buttermilk Powder is used here as flavor. Buttermilk powder contributes to flavor and texture but is a processed dairy ingredient.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: buttermilk powder (milk)
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement but is a processed ingredient that may not be well-received by all consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: yeast extract
-
Is Flavourings safe in this snack?
Bad
Flavourings is used here as flavor. Flavourings are often synthetic and can raise concerns about quality and safety due to their ambiguous nature.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: flavourings
-
Is Spices safe in this snack?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices like chili add natural flavor and complexity to the product, enhancing its taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices (chilli)
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used for flavor and preservation but is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acids (lactic acid)
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid serves as a flavor enhancer and preservative but is a synthetic ingredient that raises some safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acids (citric acid)
-
Is Calcium Lactate safe in this snack?
Medium
Calcium Lactate is used here as acidity regulator. Calcium lactate is used to regulate acidity but is a processed ingredient that may not be well understood by consumers.
Role in formula: acidity regulator
Original: acidity regulator {calcium lactate)
-
Is Paprika Extract safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is a natural colorant that adds visual appeal without the concerns associated with synthetic colors.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: colour {paprika extract)
-
Is Oregano safe in this snack?
Good
Oregano is used here as flavor. Oregano is a natural herb that enhances flavor and adds a healthful component to the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: herbs {oregano)
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used for texture but raises concerns about its quality and processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
-
Is Cheese safe in this snack?
Medium
Cheese is used here as flavor. Cheese adds flavor and richness but is a processed dairy ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cheese (milk) (4.2%)
-
Is Cat Fibre safe in this snack?
Bad
Cat Fibre is used here as other. Cat fibre is an unusual ingredient that raises questions about its purpose and safety in food products.
Role in formula: other
Original: cat fibre
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is included for sweetness but is often viewed negatively in processed snacks due to health concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Raising Agents safe in this snack?
Medium
Raising Agents is used here as leavening agent. Raising agents like ammonium carbonates contribute to texture but are processed ingredients that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: raising agents (ammonium carbonates)
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid serves as a flavor enhancer and preservative but is a synthetic ingredient that raises some safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acids (citric acid)
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used for flavor and preservation but is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acids (lactic acid)
-
Is Lecithins safe in this snack?
Medium
Lecithins is used here as emulsifier. Lecithins are used to stabilize the product but are processed ingredients that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: emulsifiers (lecithins)
-
Is Curcumin safe in this snack?
Bad
Curcumin is used here as colorant. Curcumin is a synthetic colorant that raises safety concerns due to its artificial nature.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: colours (curcumin)
-
Is Annatto Norbixin safe in this snack?
Bad
Annatto Norbixin is used here as colorant. Annatto norbixin is an artificial colorant that may pose safety questions due to its synthetic origin.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: annatto norbixin
-
Is Paprika Extract safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is a natural colorant that adds visual appeal without the concerns associated with synthetic colors.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika extract
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: 3948033
More from this brand: Kellanova products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , gluten , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.