Is Chewy Granola Bar S'mores Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kodiak Cakes
Chewy Granola Bar S'mores is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Kodiak Cakes. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes several processed ingredients like tapioca syrup and cane sugar, which raise quality concerns. The presence of carrageenan as a thickener also indicates potential issues with synthetic additives.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like tapioca syrup and cane sugar, which raise quality concerns. The presence of carrageenan as a thickener also indicates potential issues with synthetic additives.
Main concern
Tapioca syrup and cane sugar are high in refined sugars, raising concerns about excessive sweetness.
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 100% whole grain rolled oats, providing a good source of fiber and whole grains.
- Whey protein crisps contribute protein content, supporting a balanced snack option.
- Almond butter adds healthy fats and flavor, enhancing the overall nutritional profile.
- Semisweet chocolate chips provide a familiar taste, appealing to consumers.
Concerns
- Tapioca syrup and cane sugar are high in refined sugars, raising concerns about excessive sweetness.
- Carrageenan is included as a thickener, which has raised safety concerns in some studies.
- The use of multiple oils (sunflower, canola, soybean) may indicate lower quality fats in the product.
- Natural flavors are present, which can be vague and may include synthetic components.
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 Whole Grain Rolled Oats safe in this snack?
Good
Whole Grain Rolled Oats is used here as base. Whole grain rolled oats serve as the primary ingredient, providing fiber and essential nutrients. Their inclusion supports a healthier snack option.
Role in formula: base
Original: 100% whole grain rolled oats
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Is Tapioca Syrup safe in this snack?
Medium
Tapioca Syrup is used here as sweetener. Tapioca syrup is a processed sweetener that adds sweetness but lacks nutritional benefits, raising concerns about excessive sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: tapioca syrup
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Is Whey Protein Crisps safe in this snack?
Good
Whey Protein Crisps is used here as base. Whey protein crisps provide a source of protein, enhancing the nutritional value of the snack. They are derived from dairy, contributing to protein intake.
Role in formula: base
Original: whey protein crisps (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, tapioca starch)
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Is Pea Protein With Rice Starch safe in this snack?
Good
Pea Protein With Rice Starch is used here as base. Pea protein combined with rice starch offers a plant-based protein source, appealing to those seeking alternative protein options.
Role in formula: base
Original: pea protein with rice starch
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Is Whole Grain Brown Rice safe in this snack?
Good
Whole Grain Brown Rice is used here as base. Whole grain brown rice adds fiber and essential nutrients, contributing positively to the overall composition of the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: 100% whole grain brown rice
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Is Semisweet Chocolate Chips safe in this snack?
Medium
Semisweet Chocolate Chips is used here as flavor. Semisweet chocolate chips enhance flavor but contain added sugars and fats, which may detract from the overall healthiness of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: semisweet chocolate chips (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, dextrose, sunflower and/or soy lecithin)
Read the full ingredient profile for Semisweet Chocolate Chips
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Is Marshmallows safe in this snack?
Medium
Marshmallows is used here as flavor. Marshmallows add sweetness and texture but are primarily made of sugar and additives, raising concerns about their nutritional value.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: marshmallows (tapioca syrup, cane sugar, water, tapioca starch, carrageenan, soy protein, natural flavor)
-
Is Cane Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Cane Sugar is used here as sweetener. Cane sugar is a refined sweetener that contributes to the overall sugar content, raising concerns about excessive sweetness in the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: cane sugar
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Is Almond Butter safe in this snack?
Good
Almond Butter is used here as base. Almond butter provides healthy fats and protein, enhancing the nutritional profile of the snack while adding flavor.
Role in formula: base
Original: almond butter
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Is Soluble Tapioca Fiber safe in this snack?
Medium
Soluble Tapioca Fiber is used here as fiber. Soluble tapioca fiber is added for texture and fiber content, but its processing raises questions about its overall health benefits.
Role in formula: fiber
Original: soluble tapioca fiber
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Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is a common cooking oil that may contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can be less favorable in high amounts.
Role in formula: base
Original: sunflower and/or canola and/or soybean oil
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is used to enhance taste but can be vague in terms of composition, potentially including synthetic components.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor in the product, and its inclusion is common in snack foods to balance sweetness.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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: 3400656
More from this brand: Kodiak Cakes products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: almond
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.