Is Fruit Gushers Tropical Safe? Ingredient Analysis
General Mills
Fruit Gushers Tropical is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for General Mills. The product scores 30/100 in Zerotox, meaning it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Corn Syrup, Sugar, Fructose affect the overall evaluation.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic additives such as corn syrup, sugar, and artificial flavors, which indicate a highly processed product. The presence of artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5) raises safety concerns due to potential sensitivity issues. Overall, the high number of processed ingredients contributes to a low quality rating.
Main concern
High levels of corn syrup and sugar contribute to excessive sweetness and raise quality 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 fruit juice concentrates like grape and apple juice, which provide some natural flavoring.
- Includes citric acid and ascorbic acid, which can act as preservatives and enhance flavor.
Concerns
- High levels of corn syrup and sugar contribute to excessive sweetness and raise quality concerns.
- Artificial flavors and colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5) are synthetic additives associated with potential health risks.
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this snack.
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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 sugar content raises concerns about excessive sweetness and potential health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Corn Syrup
-
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. Its high levels can lead to health concerns related to sugar consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Pear Puree safe in this snack?
Good
Pear Puree is used here as base. Pear puree is a natural ingredient that adds fruit flavor and moisture to the product. It is minimally processed and contributes positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: Pear Puree
-
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 desired texture, it is a processed ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Modified Corn Starch
-
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 levels in processed foods raise concerns about sugar intake and potential health effects.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Fructose
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, used to improve texture. It is processed and can raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Maltodextrin
-
Is Palm Oil safe in this snack?
Bad
Palm Oil is used here as base. Palm oil is a highly processed fat that raises environmental and health concerns. Its presence indicates a less favorable quality profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Palm Oil
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer derived from citrus fruits. It contributes positively to the product's safety and quality.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
-
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 serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Sodium Citrate
-
Is Grape Juice Concentrate safe in this snack?
Good
Grape Juice Concentrate is used here as base. Grape juice concentrate adds natural sweetness and flavor to the product. It is a minimally processed ingredient that enhances the overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Grape Juice Concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Grape Juice Concentrate
-
Is Malic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is a natural acid that enhances flavor and acts as a preservative. While it is derived from fruits, it is processed and raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Malic Acid
-
Is Ascorbic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a natural antioxidant that helps preserve freshness. Its presence is beneficial for product quality and safety.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Ascorbic Acid
-
Is Monoglycerides safe in this snack?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are used as emulsifiers to improve texture and stability. They are processed ingredients that raise some quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Monoglycerides
-
Is Potassium Citrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Potassium Citrate is used here as buffer. Potassium citrate is used to regulate acidity in the product. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Potassium Citrate
-
Is Apple Juice safe in this snack?
Good
Apple Juice is used here as base. Apple juice is a natural ingredient that adds flavor and sweetness. It is minimally processed and contributes positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: Apple Juice
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this snack?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent derived from fermentation. While it helps improve texture, it is processed and raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Xanthan Gum
-
Is Artificial Flavor safe in this snack?
Bad
Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Artificial flavor is a synthetic ingredient used to enhance taste. Its presence indicates a highly processed composition and raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Artificial Flavor
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Is Color Red 40 Blue 1 Yellow 5 safe in this snack?
Bad
Color Red 40 Blue 1 Yellow 5 is used here as colorant. Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5 are synthetic colorants used to enhance appearance. These artificial colors are associated with potential sensitivity issues and indicate a processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Color (red 40, blue 1, yellow 5)
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: 2379801
More from this brand: General Mills products in Zerotox
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.