Is Extra Salty Licorice Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Mars Norge As
Extra Salty Licorice is a snack from Mars Norge As. It has a Zerotox safety score of 30/100, which means it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Aspartame, Acesulfame K, E171.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame K, along with artificial colors such as E171. These ingredients raise significant quality and safety concerns.
Main concern
Presence of aspartame and acesulfame K, both artificial sweeteners linked to health 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 xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol that can be beneficial for dental health.
- Includes antioxidants like E320, which can help in preserving freshness.
Concerns
- Presence of aspartame and acesulfame K, both artificial sweeteners linked to health concerns.
- E171 is an artificial colorant that raises safety concerns due to potential health risks.
Who should avoid this product?
This snack may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Xylitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Xylitol is used here as sweetener. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in this product. While it has dental benefits, it can cause digestive issues in some individuals.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: XYLITOL
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Is Sorbitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Sorbitol is used here as sweetener. Sorbitol is another sugar alcohol that serves as a sweetener and humectant. It can also lead to digestive discomfort when consumed in large amounts.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SORBITOL
-
Is Mannitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Mannitol is used here as sweetener. Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used for its sweetening properties. It may cause gastrointestinal issues in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: MANNITOL
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Is Aspartame safe in this snack?
Bad
Aspartame is used here as sweetener. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that has been associated with various health concerns, including headaches and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: ASPARTAM
-
Is Acesulfame K safe in this snack?
Bad
Acesulfame K is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame K is an artificial sweetener that may pose health risks, including potential links to cancer, raising concerns about its safety.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: ACESULFAM K
-
Is Gum Base safe in this snack?
Medium
Gum Base is used here as base. Gum base is a mixture of natural and synthetic materials used to create the chewy texture. Its quality can vary based on the source.
Role in formula: base
Original: GUMMIBASE
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Is Ammonium Chloride safe in this snack?
Medium
Ammonium Chloride is used here as flavor. Ammonium chloride is used for its salty flavor in licorice. While generally recognized as safe, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: AMMONIUMKLORID
-
Is E414 safe in this snack?
Medium
E414 is used here as emulsifier. E414, or acacia gum, is a natural emulsifier that helps maintain texture. It is generally considered safe but can cause allergic reactions in some.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: FORTYKNINGSMIDDEL E414
-
Is Flavors safe in this snack?
Medium
Flavors is used here as flavor. Flavors are added to enhance taste. The specific composition is often proprietary, raising concerns about transparency and potential allergens.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: AROMAER
-
Is E422 safe in this snack?
Medium
E422 is used here as humectant. E422, or glycerol, is used to retain moisture. While generally safe, it can be derived from animal sources, raising concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: FUKTIGHETSBEVARENDE MIDDEL E422
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier. While it is generally safe, it can cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to soy.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: SOJABØNNELECITIN
-
Is E171 safe in this snack?
Bad
E171 is used here as colorant. E171 is a synthetic colorant that has raised health concerns, particularly regarding its potential carcinogenic effects.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: FARGESTOF E171
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Is E903 safe in this snack?
Medium
E903 is used here as glazing agent. E903, or carnauba wax, is used for glazing. It is generally safe but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: glazing agent
Original: OVERFLATEMIDDEL E903
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: 3819060
More from this brand: Mars Norge As products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.