Is Flamin' Hot Flavored Popcorn Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Smartfood Cheetos
Smartfood Cheetos's Flamin' Hot Flavored Popcorn is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 45/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Monosodium Glutamate, Artificial Color Red 40 Lake Yellow 6 Lake Yellow 6 Yellow 5, Corn Syrup Solids.
45 / 100
Why score is 45
The composition includes several synthetic additives like monosodium glutamate and artificial colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5), raising significant quality concerns. The presence of whey and cheddar cheese indicates dairy content, which may not suit all consumers.
Main concern
Contains artificial colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5) which are synthetic and raise 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 popcorn, a whole grain, which can be a source of fiber.
- Includes cheddar cheese, providing a flavor profile that appeals to cheese lovers.
Concerns
- Contains artificial colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5) which are synthetic and raise safety concerns.
- Monosodium glutamate is included as a flavor enhancer, which may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
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.
-
Is Popcorn safe in this snack?
Good
Popcorn is used here as base. Popcorn serves as the primary ingredient, providing a whole grain base that can contribute to dietary fiber intake.
Role in formula: base
Original: POPCORN
-
Is Vegetable Oil Canola Corn And Or Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil Canola Corn And Or Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oils are used for cooking, but their refined nature raises concerns about processing and potential trans fats.
Role in formula: base
Original: VEGETABLE OIL (CANOLA, CORN, AND/OR SUNFLOWER OIL)
-
Is Corn Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Corn Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Corn maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used for texture, but it may raise concerns due to its high glycemic index.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: CORN MALTODEXTRIN
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement, but it can be a source of glutamates, which may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: YEAST EXTRACT
-
Is Potassium Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Potassium Salt is used here as flavor. Potassium salt is used as a sodium alternative, but its health implications depend on individual dietary needs.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: POTASSIUM SALT
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but excessive consumption can lead to health issues, making moderation important.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as flavor. Cheddar cheese adds flavor and richness, but it contains dairy, which may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES)
-
Is Monosodium Glutamate safe in this snack?
Bad
Monosodium Glutamate is used here as flavor. Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that can cause sensitivity in some individuals, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE
-
Is Whey safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey is used here as flavor. Whey is a dairy byproduct that adds protein and flavor but may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: WHEY
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used for flavor and preservation, but it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: CITRIC ACID
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder adds natural flavor and is a common seasoning, contributing positively to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ONION POWDER
-
Is Whey Protein Concentrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey Protein Concentrate is used here as flavor. Whey protein concentrate adds protein content but may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE
Read the full ingredient profile for Whey Protein Concentrate
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is used for sweetness but contributes to empty calories and raises concerns about excessive consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
-
Is Artificial Color Red 40 Lake Yellow 6 Lake Yellow 6 Yellow 5 safe in this snack?
Bad
Artificial Color Red 40 Lake Yellow 6 Lake Yellow 6 Yellow 5 is used here as colorant. Artificial colors are synthetic additives that can raise health concerns, particularly for hyperactivity in children.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: ARTIFICIAL COLOR (RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, YELLOW 6, YELLOW 5)
-
Is Corn Syrup Solids safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Syrup Solids is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup solids are a processed sweetener that can contribute to high glycemic responses and raise health concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: CORN SYRUP SOLIDS
-
Is Buttermilk safe in this snack?
Good
Buttermilk is used here as flavor. Buttermilk adds a creamy flavor and is a natural dairy product, contributing positively to the taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: BUTTERMILK
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder is a natural flavoring agent that adds depth to the taste and has potential health benefits.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: GARLIC POWDER
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are derived from natural sources but can be vague in terms of processing and quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL FLAVORS
-
Is Sodium Diacetate safe in this snack?
Bad
Sodium Diacetate is used here as preservative. Sodium diacetate is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about artificial additives in food products.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: SODIUM DIACETATE
-
Is Disodium Inosinate safe in this snack?
Bad
Disodium Inosinate is used here as flavor. Disodium inosinate is a flavor enhancer that is synthetic and may raise concerns about artificial additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DISODIUM INOSINATE
-
Is Disodium Guanylate safe in this snack?
Bad
Disodium Guanylate is used here as flavor. Disodium guanylate is another synthetic flavor enhancer that raises concerns about the use of artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DISODIUM GUANYLATE
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: 2410465
More from this brand: Smartfood Cheetos 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.