Is Goldfish Colors Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Pepperidge Farms
Pepperidge Farms's Goldfish Colors is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Artificial Colors.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes enriched wheat flour and cheddar cheese, which are common in snack foods. However, the presence of artificial colors and sugar raises quality concerns, indicating a processed nature that affects the overall safety assessment.
Main concern
Contains sugar, which can contribute to high glycemic index 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 cheddar cheese, providing a source of flavor and richness.
- Includes spices and natural colorants like beet and turmeric extracts, which are less processed.
Concerns
- Contains sugar, which can contribute to high glycemic index concerns.
- Includes artificial colors, which are associated with potential sensitivity issues.
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.
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Is Enriched Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Wheat Flour is used here as base. Enriched wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and texture to the snack. However, its refined nature raises concerns about nutritional quality compared to whole grain alternatives.
Role in formula: base
Original: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID)
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Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as flavor. Cheddar cheese adds flavor and richness to the product. It is a natural ingredient, but its presence also indicates potential allergen concerns for those sensitive to dairy.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: CHEDDAR CHEESE ([CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], ANNATTO)
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Is Vegetable Oils safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oils is used here as base. Vegetable oils, including canola and sunflower, are used for texture and mouthfeel. While they are common in processed snacks, concerns about the health implications of refined oils persist.
Role in formula: base
Original: VEGETABLE OILS (CANOLA, SUNFLOWER AND/OR SOYBEAN)
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor in this snack. While necessary for taste, excessive sodium intake can be a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is included to enhance sweetness, which can contribute to higher glycemic index concerns. Its presence indicates a more processed composition.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
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Is Autolyzed Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Autolyzed Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Autolyzed yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement. While it can provide umami, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT
Read the full ingredient profile for Autolyzed Yeast Extract
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Is Artificial Colors safe in this snack?
Bad
Artificial Colors is used here as colorant. Artificial colors are included to enhance visual appeal. These synthetic additives are associated with potential sensitivity issues and indicate a highly processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: COLORS (BEET, HUITO AND WATERMELON JUICE CONCENTRATES; PAPRIKA AND TURMERIC EXTRACTS)
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: 2374667
More from this brand: Pepperidge Farms products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.