Is Crunchy Cheezmos Cowboy Cheddar Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Lesser Evil
Lesser Evil's Crunchy Cheezmos Cowboy Cheddar is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 75/100 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 Lactic Acid.
75 / 100
Why score is 75
The composition includes organic ingredients like organic cheddar cheese and organic avocado oil, but also contains organic flavor and nonfat dry milk, which raise some quality concerns.
Main concern
Contains organic flavor, which may involve processing and lacks transparency.
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 organic cheddar cheese, providing a natural cheese flavor.
- Uses organic avocado oil, a healthier fat option compared to many alternatives.
- Includes organic buttermilk, adding a creamy texture and flavor.
- Organic ingredients indicate a commitment to higher quality sourcing.
Concerns
- Contains organic flavor, which may involve processing and lacks transparency.
- Includes nonfat dry milk, which is a processed dairy ingredient.
- Organic yeast extract may raise concerns for some consumers due to processing.
- Presence of lactic acid, a synthetic ingredient, indicates some processing.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
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 Organic Milled Corn safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Milled Corn is used here as base. Organic milled corn serves as the primary ingredient, providing the base for the snack. Its organic status indicates minimal processing and a focus on quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: ORGANIC MILLED CORN
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Is Organic Avocado Oil safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Avocado Oil is used here as base. Organic avocado oil is a healthy fat source, contributing to the snack's texture and flavor while being minimally processed.
Role in formula: base
Original: ORGANIC AVOCADO OIL
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Is Organic Tapioca Solids safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Tapioca Solids is used here as thickener. Organic tapioca solids act as a thickener, providing texture. While derived from a natural source, it is processed and may raise some concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: ORGANIC TAPIOCA SOLIDS
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Is Organic Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Cheddar Cheese is used here as flavor. Organic cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor and is made from organic milk, cultures, and enzymes, indicating a focus on quality dairy.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ORGANIC CHEDDAR CHEESE (ORGANIC MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES)
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Is Sea Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Sea Salt is used here as flavor. Sea salt enhances flavor and is a natural mineral, contributing to the overall taste without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SEA SALT
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Is Organic Buttermilk safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Buttermilk is used here as flavor. Organic buttermilk adds creaminess and flavor, derived from organic sources, supporting the product's quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ORGANIC BUTTERMILK
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Is Organic Flavor safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Flavor is used here as flavor. Organic flavor is used to enhance taste but may involve processing, raising questions about transparency in sourcing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ORGANIC FLAVOR
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Is Organic Butter safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Butter is used here as base. Organic butter, made from organic cream, adds richness and flavor, supporting the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: ORGANIC BUTTER (ORGANIC CREAM, SALT)
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Is Organic Annatto Extract safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Annatto Extract is used here as colorant. Organic annatto extract is a natural colorant derived from seeds, used to enhance the visual appeal without synthetic dyes.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: ORGANIC ANNATTO EXTRACT
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic Annatto Extract
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Is Organic Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Organic yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement but is processed, which may raise quality concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ORGANIC YEAST EXTRACT
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Is Organic Nonfat Dry Milk safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Nonfat Dry Milk is used here as base. Organic nonfat dry milk is a processed dairy ingredient that contributes to texture and flavor but raises concerns about processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: ORGANIC NONFAT DRY MILK
Read the full ingredient profile for Organic Nonfat Dry Milk
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Is Lactic Acid safe in this snack?
Bad
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is a synthetic ingredient used for acidity and preservation, indicating a level of processing that may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: LACTIC ACID
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: 3491543
More from this brand: Lesser Evil products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.