Is Cran-Raspberry Oat & Flax Bars Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Schwartz Brothers Bakery
Cran-Raspberry Oat & Flax Bars is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Schwartz Brothers Bakery. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Caramel Color affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate as preservatives, which raise concerns about synthetic additives. The presence of sugar and caramel color also indicates a processed nature, affecting overall quality.
Main concern
Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are synthetic preservatives that raise quality concerns.
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 rolled oats and organic flax seeds, which are good sources of fiber and nutrients.
- Dried cranberries and raspberries provide natural fruit flavors and some vitamins.
- Brown sugar and whole wheat flour contribute to a more complex carbohydrate profile.
- Cinnamon adds flavor and may have some beneficial properties.
Concerns
- Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are synthetic preservatives that raise quality concerns.
- High sugar content from added sugars and fruit can lead to excessive sweetness.
- Caramel color is an artificial colorant that may not be desirable for all consumers.
- Contains butter and whole eggs, which may not align with vegan or dairy-free diets.
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.
-
Is Water safe in this snack?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as a solvent and base for the raspberry filling, contributing to moisture content.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
-
Is Raspberries safe in this snack?
Good
Raspberries is used here as natural_extract. Raspberries provide natural flavor and some vitamins, enhancing the fruit content of the bars.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: raspberries
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness but raises concerns about high sugar content in the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Modified Food Starch safe in this snack?
Medium
Modified Food Starch is used here as thickener. Modified food starch is used as a thickening agent in the filling, which may raise concerns about processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified food starch
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer, contributing to the tartness of the filling.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
-
Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this snack?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative used to prevent spoilage, raising concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sodium benzoate
-
Is Potassium Sorbate safe in this snack?
Bad
Potassium Sorbate is used here as preservative. Potassium sorbate is another synthetic preservative that helps extend shelf life but may not be desirable for all consumers.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: potassium sorbate
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as base. Salt enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, contributing to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: salt
-
Is Caramel Color safe in this snack?
Bad
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color is an artificial colorant that may raise concerns about synthetic additives in the product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: caramel color
-
Is Brown Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Brown Sugar is used here as sweetener. Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture but contributes to the overall sugar content of the bars.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: brown sugar
-
Is Enriched Unbleached Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Unbleached Flour is used here as base. Enriched unbleached flour provides structure but is a refined ingredient that may lack some nutrients.
Role in formula: base
Original: enriched unbleached flour
Read the full ingredient profile for Enriched Unbleached Flour
-
Is Rolled Oats safe in this snack?
Good
Rolled Oats is used here as base. Rolled oats are a whole grain that adds fiber and nutrients, contributing positively to the product's quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: rolled oats
-
Is Dried Cranberries safe in this snack?
Medium
Dried Cranberries is used here as natural_extract. Dried cranberries add natural sweetness and flavor but often contain added sugars, raising concerns.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: dried cranberries
-
Is Butter safe in this snack?
Medium
Butter is used here as base. Butter adds richness and flavor but is a source of saturated fat, which may be a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: butter
-
Is Whole Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Whole Wheat Flour is used here as base. Whole wheat flour is a whole grain that provides more fiber and nutrients compared to refined flours.
Role in formula: base
Original: whole wheat flour
-
Is Canola Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as base. Canola oil is a common cooking oil that is often refined, raising some concerns about processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: canola oil
-
Is Organic Flax Seeds safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Flax Seeds is used here as natural_extract. Organic flax seeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, contributing positively to the product's quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: organic flax seeds
-
Is Coconut safe in this snack?
Medium
Coconut is used here as natural_extract. Coconut adds flavor and texture but is high in saturated fat, which may be a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: coconut
-
Is Whole Eggs safe in this snack?
Medium
Whole Eggs is used here as base. Whole eggs provide protein and richness but are animal-derived, which may not suit all dietary preferences.
Role in formula: base
Original: whole eggs
-
Is Cinnamon safe in this snack?
Good
Cinnamon is used here as natural_extract. Cinnamon adds flavor and may have some beneficial properties, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: cinnamon
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: 3408626
More from this brand: Schwartz Brothers Bakery products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.