Is Chives & Onions Non-Dairy Cream Cheese Alternative Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Open Nature
Open Nature's Chives & Onions Non-Dairy Cream Cheese Alternative is reviewed here as a dairy. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Natural Flavor.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
This product contains modified starches and natural flavors, which indicate processing and raise quality concerns. The presence of coconut oil and potato protein adds to its composition complexity.
Main concern
Modified starches (potato and corn) are processed ingredients that may raise concerns about their impact on overall quality and digestibility.
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
- Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that can provide a creamy texture, contributing positively to the product's mouthfeel.
- Potato protein offers a source of plant-based protein, enhancing the nutritional profile of this non-dairy alternative.
Concerns
- Modified starches (potato and corn) are processed ingredients that may raise concerns about their impact on overall quality and digestibility.
- Natural flavor is a vague term that can encompass various additives, which may obscure the true nature of the flavoring agents used.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this dairy, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Water safe in this dairy?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this product, providing moisture and aiding in texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
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Is Coconut Oil safe in this dairy?
Medium
Coconut Oil is used here as base. Coconut oil is a plant-derived fat that contributes to creaminess but is high in saturated fat, raising some health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Coconut Oil
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Is Modified Starch safe in this dairy?
Medium
Modified Starch is used here as thickener. Modified starch from potato is used as a thickening agent, which can improve texture but may raise concerns about processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Modified Starch (Potato)
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Is Modified Starch safe in this dairy?
Medium
Modified Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch serves a similar function as a thickener, contributing to the product's consistency while raising processing concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Modified Corn Starch
-
Is Salt safe in this dairy?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, but excessive consumption can be a health concern.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
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Is Potato Protein safe in this dairy?
Good
Potato Protein is used here as base. Potato protein adds nutritional value and contributes to the product's protein content, supporting its plant-based profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Potato Protein
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Is Onions safe in this dairy?
Good
Onions is used here as flavor. Onions provide natural flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste profile of the cream cheese alternative.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onions
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Is Chives safe in this dairy?
Good
Chives is used here as flavor. Chives add a mild onion flavor and are a source of vitamins, contributing positively to the product's flavor and nutritional profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Chives
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Is Rowanberry Extract safe in this dairy?
Medium
Rowanberry Extract is used here as flavor. Rowanberry extract is used for flavoring, but its specific effects and safety in this context are less well-documented.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Rowanberry Extract
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this dairy?
Bad
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is a broad term that can include various additives, raising concerns about transparency and potential allergens.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural Flavor
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: 3323754
More from this brand: Open Nature products in Zerotox
Similar products: dairy in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.