Is Devil Food Mix Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Betty Crocker
Betty Crocker's Devil Food Mix is reviewed here as a food. Zerotox gives it 60/100 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 Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Propylene Glycol Esters Of Fatty Acids, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like modified corn starch and emulsifiers, which raise quality concerns. The presence of potassium sorbate as a preservative also indicates a level of processing.
Main concern
Contains potassium sorbate, a synthetic preservative that raises safety 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 cocoa powder, which adds flavor and is a natural ingredient.
- No artificial colors or flavors, indicating a focus on more natural composition.
- Includes thickeners like xanthan gum, which can improve texture.
- Vegetable oil is used, which is a common alternative to saturated fats.
Concerns
- Contains potassium sorbate, a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns.
- Modified corn starch is a processed ingredient with potential quality implications.
- Emulsifiers like mono- and diglycerides may raise concerns about processing.
- Presence of raising agents indicates reliance on chemical leavening.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this food, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Wheat Flour safe in this food?
Good
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient providing structure and texture to the cake mix. It is a staple in baking and generally considered safe.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat flour
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Is Sugar safe in this food?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is used for sweetness and flavor enhancement. While common in baking, excessive consumption raises health concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder safe in this food?
Good
Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder is used here as flavor. Cocoa powder adds chocolate flavor to the mix. The fat-reduced version indicates a lower fat content while retaining flavor.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: fat-reduced cocoa powder
Read the full ingredient profile for Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder
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Is Sodium Bicarbonate safe in this food?
Medium
Sodium Bicarbonate is used here as raising agent. Sodium bicarbonate acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise. It is effective but can lead to an overly alkaline taste if not balanced.
Role in formula: raising agent
Original: sodium bicarbonate
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Is Calcium Phosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Calcium Phosphate is used here as raising agent. Calcium phosphate is used as a leavening agent. It is generally safe but indicates a reliance on chemical additives.
Role in formula: raising agent
Original: calcium phosphate
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Is Sodium Aluminum Phosphate safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Aluminum Phosphate is used here as raising agent. Sodium aluminum phosphate is a synthetic leavening agent that raises concerns due to its aluminum content, which may pose health risks.
Role in formula: raising agent
Original: sodium aluminum phosphate
Read the full ingredient profile for Sodium Aluminum Phosphate
-
Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used for texture and stability. While it improves consistency, it is a processed ingredient with potential quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified corn starch
-
Is Propylene Glycol Esters Of Fatty Acids safe in this food?
Bad
Propylene Glycol Esters Of Fatty Acids is used here as emulsifier. This synthetic emulsifier helps blend ingredients but raises concerns about its safety and potential health effects.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: propylene glycol esters of fatty acids
Read the full ingredient profile for Propylene Glycol Esters Of Fatty Acids
-
Is Mono And Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids safe in this food?
Medium
Mono And Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids is used here as emulsifier. These emulsifiers help maintain texture and prevent separation. They are derived from fats but can be processed, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: mono and diglycerides of fatty acids
Read the full ingredient profile for Mono And Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids
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Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate safe in this food?
Medium
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is used here as emulsifier. Sodium stearoyl lactylate is used to improve dough stability. While it is effective, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: sodium stearoyl lactylate
Read the full ingredient profile for Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
-
Is Vegetable Oil safe in this food?
Good
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil is used for moisture and texture. It is a common alternative to saturated fats and generally considered safe.
Role in formula: base
Original: vegetable oil
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Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness in baked goods. It is a common ingredient in cooking and baking.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this food?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a natural thickener that improves texture. While generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: xanthan gum
-
Is Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose is used here as thickener. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose is a synthetic thickener that raises concerns about its safety and potential health effects.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: sodium carboxymethylcellulose
Read the full ingredient profile for Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose
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Is Potassium Sorbate safe in this food?
Bad
Potassium Sorbate is used here as preservative. Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life. It raises concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential health effects.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: potassium sorbate
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this food?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as food acid. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is commonly used in food products and is generally considered safe.
Role in formula: food acid
Original: citric 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: 4252608
More from this brand: Betty Crocker products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , gluten , egg , milk , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.