Is Falafel Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Albert Heijn
This page reviews Falafel by Albert Heijn as a food. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Potassium Acetate.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes dehydrated chickpeas and various vegetables, but also contains preservatives like E261 and E330, raising quality concerns.
Main concern
Contains E261 (potassium acetate), 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 50% dehydrated chickpeas, a good source of plant protein and fiber.
- Includes vegetables like zucchini and onion, contributing to overall nutrition.
- Spices such as cumin and coriander add flavor without artificial additives.
Concerns
- Contains E261 (potassium acetate), a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns.
- E330 (citric acid) is used as an acidulant, which may indicate processing.
- Wheat flour is present, which may not be suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this food and why it matters.
-
Is Dehydrated Chickpeas safe in this food?
Good
Dehydrated Chickpeas is used here as base. Dehydrated chickpeas provide a high protein and fiber base for this product, supporting its nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: gehydrateerde kikkererwten
-
Is Zucchini safe in this food?
Good
Zucchini is used here as natural_extract. Zucchini adds moisture and nutrients, enhancing the overall quality of the falafel.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: courgette
-
Is Onion safe in this food?
Good
Onion is used here as natural_extract. Onion contributes flavor and antioxidants, improving the product's health profile.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: ui
-
Is Wheat Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour serves as a binding agent but may pose issues for those with gluten intolerance.
Role in formula: base
Original: tarwebloem
-
Is Cumin safe in this food?
Good
Cumin is used here as flavor. Cumin is a natural spice that enhances flavor without synthetic additives, supporting quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: komijn
-
Is Coriander safe in this food?
Good
Coriander is used here as flavor. Coriander adds a distinct flavor profile and is a natural ingredient, contributing positively.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: koriander
-
Is Garlic safe in this food?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic is a natural flavor enhancer with potential health benefits, improving the product's appeal.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: knoflook
-
Is Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Pepper is used here as flavor. Pepper adds spiciness and flavor without artificial components, supporting overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: peper
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is a common cooking oil but is refined, which may raise some health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: zonnebloemolie
-
Is Parsley safe in this food?
Good
Parsley is used here as natural_extract. Parsley adds freshness and is a natural ingredient, enhancing the product's quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: peterselie
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is essential for flavor but should be consumed in moderation, raising some health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: zout
-
Is Potassium Acetate safe in this food?
Bad
Potassium Acetate is used here as preservative. Potassium acetate is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: E261
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to regulate acidity but is a processed ingredient, which may indicate lower quality.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: E330
-
Is Yeast safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast is used here as fermentation. Yeast is used for leavening but is a processed ingredient, which may not align with clean eating principles.
Role in formula: fermentation
Original: gist
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: 4219191
More from this brand: Albert Heijn products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: gluten
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.