Is Cobra Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Takis
Takis's Cobra is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 45/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Monosodium Glutamate, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Red 40 Lake.
45 / 100
Why score is 45
The ingredient analysis reveals several synthetic additives, including monosodium glutamate and artificial flavors, which raise quality and safety concerns. The presence of palm oil also contributes to the low rating.
Main concern
Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that raises concerns about synthetic additives and potential sensitivities.
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 corn flour, a base ingredient that provides texture and is a staple in many snacks.
- Includes natural extracts like paprika extract, which can enhance flavor without synthetic additives.
Concerns
- Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that raises concerns about synthetic additives and potential sensitivities.
- The use of artificial flavors and colors, such as Red 40 Lake, indicates a highly processed composition with quality concerns.
- Palm oil is present, which is often linked to environmental issues and health concerns related to saturated fats.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this snack, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Corn Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Corn Flour is used here as base. Corn flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and texture to the snack. It is a common base in many snack foods.
Role in formula: base
Original: CORN FLOUR (PROCESSED WITH LIME)
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil, which may include palm, soybean, or canola oil, is used for frying. The type of oil can affect health and environmental impact.
Role in formula: base
Original: VEGETABLE OIL (PALM AND/OR SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL)
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as stabilizer. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate used as a thickener or filler. While it is derived from starch, it is processed and may raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: MALTODEXTRIN
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a common seasoning that enhances flavor. In moderation, it is generally considered safe.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer derived from citrus fruits. It is widely used in food products.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: CITRIC ACID
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Is Monosodium Glutamate safe in this snack?
Bad
Monosodium Glutamate is used here as flavor. Monosodium glutamate is a synthetic flavor enhancer that can cause sensitivities in some individuals. Its presence raises concerns about artificial additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE
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Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this snack?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used as a thickening agent. While derived from corn, its modification process raises questions about its naturalness.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: MODIFIED CORN STARCH
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Is Sucrose safe in this snack?
Medium
Sucrose is used here as sweetener. Sucrose is a common sugar used for sweetness. Its presence indicates added sugars, which can be a concern for health-conscious consumers.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUCROSE
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Is Natural And Artificial Flavors safe in this snack?
Bad
Natural And Artificial Flavors is used here as flavor. The inclusion of both natural and artificial flavors raises concerns about the quality and safety of flavoring agents used in the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural And Artificial Flavors
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Is Acetic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Acetic Acid is used here as acidulant. Acetic acid is used for flavoring and preservation. While it is a natural component of vinegar, its concentrated form may raise concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: ACETIC ACID
-
Is Chili Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Chili Powder is used here as flavor. Chili powder adds spice and flavor to the product. It is a natural ingredient that can enhance the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: CHILI POWDER
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Is Spices safe in this snack?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices contribute to the flavor complexity of the snack. They are natural ingredients that can enhance taste without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SPICES
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Is Garlic Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder is a natural flavoring agent that adds depth to the taste. It is commonly used in savory snacks.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: GARLIC POWDER
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Is Red 40 Lake safe in this snack?
Bad
Red 40 Lake is used here as colorant. Red 40 Lake is an artificial colorant that raises concerns about synthetic additives and potential health effects.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: RED 40 LAKE
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Is Silicon Dioxide safe in this snack?
Medium
Silicon Dioxide is used here as anti-caking agent. Silicon dioxide is used to prevent clumping in powdered ingredients. While generally recognized as safe, it is a synthetic additive.
Role in formula: anti-caking agent
Original: SILICON DIOXIDE
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Is Disodium Inosinate safe in this snack?
Bad
Disodium Inosinate is used here as flavor. Disodium inosinate is a flavor enhancer that is often derived from fish or meat sources, raising concerns for vegetarians and health-conscious consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DISODIUM INOSINATE
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Is Disodium Guanylate safe in this snack?
Bad
Disodium Guanylate is used here as flavor. Disodium guanylate is another flavor enhancer that can raise concerns about synthetic additives and potential sensitivities.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DISODIUM GUANYLATE
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Is Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for its savory flavor. While it can enhance taste, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: YEAST EXTRACT
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Is Paprika Extract safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is a natural colorant that adds color and flavor. It is derived from peppers and is generally considered safe.
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: 3427224
More from this brand: Takis products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack 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.