Is Couscous Cup Safe? Ingredient Analysis
El Tequito
This page reviews Couscous Cup by El Tequito as a food. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Sugar, Hydrolyzed Protein, Caramel.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes 51% durum wheat semolina couscous and various vegetables. However, the presence of palm oil and sugar raises quality concerns, impacting the overall rating.
Main concern
Contains palm oil, which raises sustainability concerns despite being certified.
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
- High content of couscous (51%) provides a substantial base for this product, indicating a focus on grain.
- Inclusion of red beans and lentils adds plant-based protein, enhancing nutritional value.
- Vegetable ingredients like tomato and bell pepper contribute to flavor and variety in the mix.
Concerns
- Contains palm oil, which raises sustainability concerns despite being certified.
- Sugar is present, which may not align with health-conscious choices.
- Hydrolyzed protein may indicate processing that could affect ingredient quality.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this food and why it matters.
-
Is Durum Wheat Semolina safe in this food?
Good
Durum Wheat Semolina is used here as base. Durum wheat semolina serves as the primary ingredient, providing a solid carbohydrate base for the couscous cup. Its quality is generally high, contributing to the product's structure.
Role in formula: base
Original: sémola de trigo duro
-
Is Red Beans safe in this food?
Good
Red Beans is used here as base. Red beans add protein and fiber, enhancing the nutritional profile of the product. They are a natural ingredient that supports overall health.
Role in formula: base
Original: alubias rojas
-
Is Tomato safe in this food?
Good
Tomato is used here as flavor. Tomato contributes flavor and moisture to the couscous cup, while also providing vitamins and antioxidants, which are beneficial for health.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: tomate
-
Is Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Starch is used here as thickener. Starch is used as a thickening agent in the product, which can improve texture but may raise concerns about processing and quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: almidón
-
Is Lentils safe in this food?
Good
Lentils is used here as base. Lentils are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, contributing positively to the product's nutritional value and overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: lentejas
-
Is Bell Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Bell Pepper is used here as flavor. Bell pepper adds flavor and color to the product, while also providing vitamins and antioxidants, enhancing the overall health profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: pimiento
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor but should be consumed in moderation. Its presence indicates a need for careful consideration of sodium intake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sal
-
Is Sugar safe in this food?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is included, which can contribute to excessive caloric intake and may not align with health-conscious dietary choices.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: azúcar
-
Is Garlic safe in this food?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic is a natural flavor enhancer that also offers potential health benefits, contributing positively to the product's overall profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ajo
-
Is Hydrolyzed Protein safe in this food?
Bad
Hydrolyzed Protein is used here as flavor. Hydrolyzed protein is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about quality and sourcing, potentially impacting the product's overall integrity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: proteina hidrolizada
-
Is Sustainable Palm Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Sustainable Palm Oil is used here as fat. Sustainable palm oil is included, which addresses some environmental concerns but still raises questions about the impact of palm oil production.
Role in formula: fat
Original: grasa de palma sostenible certificada
-
Is Smoked Chipotle safe in this food?
Good
Smoked Chipotle is used here as flavor. Smoked chipotle adds a unique flavor profile to the product, enhancing its taste while being a natural ingredient.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: chile chipotle ahumado
-
Is Spices safe in this food?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices contribute to the overall flavor complexity of the product, enhancing its appeal without compromising quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: especias
-
Is Caramel safe in this food?
Bad
Caramel is used here as colorant. Caramel is an artificial colorant that may raise concerns about processing and potential health implications.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: caramelo
-
Is Aromatic Plants safe in this food?
Good
Aromatic Plants is used here as flavor. Aromatic plants enhance flavor and contribute to the product's overall sensory experience, supporting a natural ingredient profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: plantas aromáticas
-
Is Rapeseed Oil safe in this food?
Good
Rapeseed Oil is used here as base. Rapeseed oil is a natural oil that can provide healthy fats, contributing positively to the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: aceite de nabina
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: 3898347
More from this brand: El Tequito products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: egg , peanut , almond , milk , celery , mustard
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.