Is Chicle Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Wrigley S Extra
Chicle is a snack from Wrigley S Extra. 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 Natural And Artificial Flavors, Aspartame, Acesulfame K.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several synthetic additives like aspartame and acesulfame K, which raise quality concerns. The presence of BHT as a preservative also indicates a processed nature.
Main concern
Aspartame and acesulfame K are artificial sweeteners that may raise health concerns for some consumers.
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 glycerol, which helps maintain moisture and texture in the gum.
- Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that provides sweetness with fewer calories than sugar.
Concerns
- Aspartame and acesulfame K are artificial sweeteners that may raise health concerns for some consumers.
- BHT is a synthetic preservative that has raised safety concerns in some studies.
Who should avoid this product?
This snack may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
-
Is Sorbitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Sorbitol is used here as sweetener. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used for sweetness and moisture retention in this gum. While it has fewer calories than sugar, excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sorbitol
-
Is Gum Base safe in this snack?
Medium
Gum Base is used here as base. Gum base is a blend of natural and synthetic materials that provide the chewiness of the gum. Its composition can vary, raising questions about quality and safety.
Role in formula: base
Original: gum base
-
Is Glycerol safe in this snack?
Good
Glycerol is used here as base. Glycerol is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the gum, contributing to its texture and chewiness. It is generally recognized as safe.
Role in formula: base
Original: glycerol
-
Is Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate safe in this snack?
Medium
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate is used here as sweetener. This ingredient is a processed sweetener derived from starch. It provides sweetness but may raise concerns due to its processing.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: hydrogenated starch hydrolysate
Read the full ingredient profile for Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
-
Is Natural And Artificial Flavors safe in this snack?
Bad
Natural And Artificial Flavors is used here as flavor. These flavors enhance the taste of the gum but can be derived from synthetic sources, raising concerns about transparency and quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural and artificial flavors
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural And Artificial Flavors
-
Is Aspartame safe in this snack?
Bad
Aspartame is used here as sweetener. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that provides sweetness without calories. However, it has been linked to various health concerns, leading to scrutiny.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: aspartame
-
Is Malic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is used to provide tartness and enhance flavor. While it is naturally occurring, its addition raises questions about overall ingredient quality.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: malic acid
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier to blend ingredients. While generally safe, it may cause issues for those with soy allergies.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: soy lecithin
-
Is Mannitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Mannitol is used here as sweetener. Mannitol is another sugar alcohol that provides sweetness. It can cause digestive discomfort in large amounts, which is a consideration for consumers.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: mannitol
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is generally recognized as safe and adds a tart flavor to the gum.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
-
Is Acesulfame K safe in this snack?
Bad
Acesulfame K is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame K is an artificial sweetener that provides sweetness without calories. Its safety has been debated, raising concerns among consumers.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: acesulfame k
-
Is Hydroxylated Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Hydroxylated Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. This modified form of soy lecithin serves as an emulsifier. While it aids in ingredient blending, it may raise concerns for those avoiding modified ingredients.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: hydroxylated soy lecithin
Read the full ingredient profile for Hydroxylated Soy Lecithin
-
Is Bht safe in this snack?
Bad
Bht is used here as preservative. BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to maintain freshness. Its safety has been questioned, leading to concerns about its use in food products.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: bht (to maintain freshness)
-
Is Colors Red 40 Lake Red 40 safe in this snack?
Bad
Colors Red 40 Lake Red 40 is used here as colorant. These artificial colors are used to enhance the visual appeal of the gum. Their safety has been debated, raising concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: colors (red 40 lake, red 40)
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: 3360914
More from this brand: Wrigley S Extra products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.