Is Farmhouse Thin-Sliced Sourdough Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Pepperidge Farm
Farmhouse Thin-Sliced Sourdough is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Pepperidge Farm. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Calcium Propionate, Sorbic Acid affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes enriched wheat flour and various additives like calcium propionate and sorbic acid as preservatives. While enriched flour provides some nutrients, the presence of synthetic preservatives and added sugars raises quality concerns, leading to a moderate rating.
Main concern
Contains calcium propionate and sorbic acid, synthetic preservatives that raise concerns about processed ingredients.
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
- Enriched wheat flour provides essential nutrients like niacin and iron, contributing positively to the product's nutritional profile.
- Fermented wheat flour may enhance flavor and texture, indicating a traditional sourdough process.
Concerns
- Contains calcium propionate and sorbic acid, synthetic preservatives that raise concerns about processed ingredients.
- Includes added sugar, which can contribute to health concerns related to excessive sugar intake.
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 snack.
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Is Enriched Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Wheat Flour is used here as base. Enriched wheat flour is the primary ingredient providing structure and some nutrients. However, the refining process removes fiber and other beneficial components, raising concerns about its overall health impact.
Role in formula: base
Original: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID)
-
Is Water safe in this snack?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental ingredient that hydrates the flour, enabling gluten development and fermentation, essential for bread texture and structure.
Role in formula: base
Original: WATER
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Is Yeast safe in this snack?
Good
Yeast is used here as natural_extract. Yeast is a natural leavening agent that ferments sugars, producing carbon dioxide and contributing to the bread's rise and texture.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: YEAST
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Is Fermented Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Fermented Wheat Flour is used here as natural_extract. Fermented wheat flour adds flavor complexity and may improve digestibility due to the fermentation process, which breaks down some gluten.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: FERMENTED WHEAT FLOUR
-
Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as emulsifier. Vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola) helps improve texture and moisture retention in the bread. However, the refining process may strip some beneficial properties.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: VEGETABLE OIL (SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA)
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness and to enhance browning during baking. Its presence raises concerns about excessive sugar consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
-
Is Calcium Propionate safe in this snack?
Bad
Calcium Propionate is used here as preservative. Calcium propionate is a synthetic preservative used to inhibit mold growth. While effective, its synthetic nature raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: CALCIUM PROPIONATE
-
Is Sorbic Acid safe in this snack?
Bad
Sorbic Acid is used here as preservative. Sorbic acid is another synthetic preservative that extends shelf life by preventing spoilage. Its inclusion indicates a highly processed product.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: SORBIC ACID
-
Is Mono And Diglycerides safe in this snack?
Medium
Mono And Diglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers that help maintain texture and moisture. They are derived from fats and can be synthetic, raising concerns about processing.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: MONOGLYCERIDES
-
Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate safe in this snack?
Medium
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is used here as emulsifier. Sodium stearoyl lactylate is an emulsifier that improves dough stability and volume. Its synthetic nature raises questions about ingredient quality.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE
Read the full ingredient profile for Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
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Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used for flavor enhancement and as a preservative. While naturally occurring, its addition indicates processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: CITRIC ACID
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Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is a natural emulsifier that helps blend ingredients and improve texture. However, it is processed and may raise concerns for those with soy allergies.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: SOY LECITHIN
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Is Whey safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a dairy byproduct that adds protein and improves texture. Its presence may pose allergen risks for individuals with dairy sensitivities.
Role in formula: base
Original: WHEY
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: 2374689
More from this brand: Pepperidge Farm products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , soy , dairy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.