Is Creamy Mac & Cheese Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Costa Coffee
Creamy Mac & Cheese is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Costa Coffee. The product scores 70/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes several processed ingredients like wheat flour and cornflour, which raise concerns about quality. The presence of multiple cheeses indicates a rich flavor but also adds to the processed nature of the product.
70 / 100
Why score is 70
The composition includes several processed ingredients like wheat flour and cornflour, which raise concerns about quality. The presence of multiple cheeses indicates a rich flavor but also adds to the processed nature of the product.
Main concern
Contains multiple processed ingredients like cornflour and wheat flour, which may 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 whole milk and cheddar cheese, providing a creamy texture and flavor.
- Includes parsley, which adds a natural herb flavor and visual appeal.
Concerns
- Contains multiple processed ingredients like cornflour and wheat flour, which may raise quality concerns.
- Includes caramelised sugar and colorants, indicating a level of artificial processing.
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 food.
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Is Cooked Macaroni Pasta safe in this food?
Medium
Cooked Macaroni Pasta is used here as base. Cooked macaroni pasta serves as the main component, providing carbohydrates. The use of durum wheat semolina indicates a quality grain, but the cooking process may reduce some nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cooked Macaroni Pasta (29%) (Water, Durum Wheat Semolina)
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Is Whole Milk safe in this food?
Good
Whole Milk is used here as base. Whole milk contributes to the creaminess and richness of the dish, providing essential fats and nutrients without significant processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whole Milk
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Is Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese safe in this food?
Good
Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. This cheese adds flavor and creaminess, being a natural dairy product. Its quality is generally high, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese (Milk) (20%)
-
Is Double Cream safe in this food?
Good
Double Cream is used here as base. Double cream enhances the richness and mouthfeel of the dish, being a natural dairy product that adds flavor without artificial additives.
Role in formula: base
Original: Double Cream (Milk)
-
Is Ciabatta Style Breadcrumb safe in this food?
Medium
Ciabatta Style Breadcrumb is used here as thickener. Breadcrumbs provide texture and bulk to the dish. However, they are processed and may contain additives like salt and oil, which can raise concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Ciabatta Style Breadcrumb (Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin (B3), Thiamin (B1)), Yeast, Salt, Olive Oil)
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Is Red Leicester Cheese safe in this food?
Good
Red Leicester Cheese is used here as base. Red Leicester cheese adds flavor and color, being a natural dairy product. Its inclusion enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
Role in formula: base
Original: Red Leicester Cheese (Red Leicester Cheese (Milk), Colour (Carotenes))
-
Is Cornflour safe in this food?
Medium
Cornflour is used here as thickener. Cornflour acts as a thickening agent, providing texture. However, it is a processed ingredient that may not offer significant nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Cornflour
-
Is Wheat Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as thickener. Wheat flour is used for texture and binding. Its processing raises concerns about the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium carbonate, Iron, Niacin (B3), Thiamin (B1))
-
Is Dijon Mustard safe in this food?
Medium
Dijon Mustard is used here as flavor. Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor to the dish. While it enhances taste, it is a processed ingredient that may contain additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Dijon Mustard (Water, Mustard Seeds, Spirit Vinegar, Salt)
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Is Paprika Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is used for coloring and flavoring. While it is natural, its processing raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Colour (Paprika Extract)
-
Is Turmeric Extract safe in this food?
Good
Turmeric Extract is used here as colorant. Turmeric extract is a natural colorant that also provides some health benefits. Its inclusion is a positive aspect of the product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Turmeric 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: 3941751
More from this brand: Costa Coffee products in Zerotox
Similar products: food 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.