Is Fruit Gushers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Fruit Gushers is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 30/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Corn Syrup, Sugar, Fructose.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition of Fruit Gushers includes several synthetic additives such as corn syrup, sugar, and artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6). These ingredients indicate a highly processed product with significant quality concerns, particularly regarding the presence of artificial flavors and colors that may pose health risks.
Main concern
High in synthetic additives like corn syrup and sugar, raising concerns about excessive sweetness and potential health impacts.
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 grape juice concentrate, which provides some natural flavoring.
- Includes vitamin C (ascorbic acid), an essential nutrient that can contribute to overall health.
Concerns
- High in synthetic additives like corn syrup and sugar, raising concerns about excessive sweetness and potential health impacts.
- Contains artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6) linked to sensitivity issues and potential health risks.
- Carrageenan is present, which has been associated with digestive concerns in some individuals.
- Palm oil is included, raising environmental sustainability concerns.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this snack, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Corn Syrup safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener derived from corn starch. Its high fructose content raises concerns about excessive sugar intake and potential health impacts.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Corn Syrup
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a common sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness of the product. High sugar consumption is linked to various health issues, including obesity and dental problems.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Pear Puree safe in this snack?
Good
Pear Puree is used here as natural_extract. Pear puree is a natural ingredient that adds flavor and moisture to the product. It contributes some nutritional value, although its presence is minimal compared to the sugars.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Pear Puree
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Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this snack?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used as a thickening agent in this product. While it helps achieve the desired texture, it is a processed ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Modified Corn Starch
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Is Fructose safe in this snack?
Bad
Fructose is used here as sweetener. Fructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to sweetness. Its high consumption is associated with various health issues, including metabolic concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Fructose
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, used as a thickener and filler. It is processed and can raise blood sugar levels, which is a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Maltodextrin
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Is Palm Oil safe in this snack?
Bad
Palm Oil is used here as oil_fat. Palm oil is a widely used vegetable oil that raises environmental sustainability concerns due to deforestation and habitat destruction associated with its production.
Role in formula: oil_fat
Original: Palm Oil
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Is Cottonseed Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Cottonseed Oil is used here as oil_fat. Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil that is often used in processed foods. It is refined and may contain residues from pesticides, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: oil_fat
Original: Cottonseed Oil
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Is Glycerin safe in this snack?
Medium
Glycerin is used here as solvent. Glycerin is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the product. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Glycerin
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Is Grape Juice Concentrate safe in this snack?
Good
Grape Juice Concentrate is used here as natural_extract. Grape juice concentrate adds natural flavor and some nutritional value to the product. It is a preferable alternative to artificial flavorings.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Grape Juice Concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Grape Juice Concentrate
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Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to provide tartness and preserve freshness. While it is naturally occurring, it is often produced synthetically, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
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Is Carrageenan safe in this snack?
Bad
Carrageenan is used here as thickener. Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. It has been associated with digestive issues in some individuals, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Carrageenan
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Is Monoglycerides safe in this snack?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are used as emulsifiers to maintain product consistency. They are derived from fats and can be processed, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Monoglycerides
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Is Sodium Citrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate is used to regulate acidity in the product. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Sodium Citrate
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Is Malic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is used to enhance tartness in the product. It is naturally occurring but can be synthesized, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Malic Acid
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Is Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant. Its inclusion adds some nutritional value to the product, although it is present in small amounts.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Read the full ingredient profile for Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid
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Is Natural And Artificial Flavor safe in this snack?
Bad
Natural And Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural and artificial flavors are used to enhance taste. The presence of artificial flavors raises concerns about synthetic additives in the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural and Artificial Flavor
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural And Artificial Flavor
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Is Potassium Citrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Potassium Citrate is used here as buffer. Potassium citrate is used to regulate acidity and enhance flavor. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Potassium Citrate
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Is Agar Agar safe in this snack?
Medium
Agar Agar is used here as thickener. Agar-agar is a plant-based thickening agent derived from seaweed. While it is natural, it is processed and may not be suitable for all consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Agar-Agar
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Is Xanthan Gum safe in this snack?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent produced by fermentation. It is generally recognized as safe but is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Xanthan Gum
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Is Color Red 40 Blue 1 Yellows 5 6 safe in this snack?
Bad
Color Red 40 Blue 1 Yellows 5 6 is used here as colorant. Artificial colors such as Red 40 and Yellow 5 & 6 are used to enhance visual appeal. These synthetic dyes are associated with potential sensitivity issues and health risks.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Color (red 40, blue 1, yellows 5 & 6)
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: 2379931
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.