Is Goldfish Crisps Light & Airy Cheddar Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Goldfish
Goldfish Crisps Light & Airy Cheddar is a snack from Goldfish. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Sugar, Corn Maltodextrin.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients such as enriched flour and canola oil, which raise quality concerns. Additionally, the presence of sugar and artificial flavors indicates a highly processed product. However, the inclusion of cheddar cheese and cultured milk adds some natural elements to the mix.
Main concern
Includes sugar, which raises concerns about added sweeteners in a snack product.
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 some natural dairy content.
- Includes onion powder and garlic powder, which are natural flavor enhancers.
- Utilizes cultured milk, contributing to a more complex flavor profile.
- Contains niacin and riboflavin, which are beneficial vitamins.
Concerns
- Includes sugar, which raises concerns about added sweeteners in a snack product.
- Contains canola oil, a highly processed oil that may have health implications.
- Presence of artificial flavors and maltodextrin indicates a processed composition.
- Enriched flour is a refined ingredient, which may lack the nutritional benefits of whole grains.
Who should avoid this product?
This snack may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Potatoes safe in this snack?
Good
Potatoes is used here as base. Potatoes serve as the primary ingredient, providing a natural base for the snack. They are minimally processed and contribute carbohydrates.
Role in formula: base
Original: potatoes
-
Is Enriched Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Flour is used here as base. Enriched flour is a refined ingredient that has been processed to remove bran and germ, which reduces its nutritional value. It is often fortified with vitamins but lacks the fiber of whole grains.
Role in formula: base
Original: enriched flour
-
Is Niacin safe in this snack?
Good
Niacin is used here as base. Niacin is a B vitamin that is often added to processed foods to enhance nutritional value. It plays a role in energy metabolism and is beneficial in moderate amounts.
Role in formula: base
Original: niacin
-
Is Reduced Iron safe in this snack?
Medium
Reduced Iron is used here as base. Reduced iron is a form of iron added to foods to prevent deficiency. While it is beneficial, its presence in processed snacks raises questions about the overall quality of the ingredients.
Role in formula: base
Original: reduced iron
-
Is Thiamine Mononitrate safe in this snack?
Good
Thiamine Mononitrate is used here as base. Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 added to enhance nutritional content. It supports energy metabolism and is generally safe in food products.
Role in formula: base
Original: thiamine mononitrate
-
Is Riboflavin safe in this snack?
Good
Riboflavin is used here as base. Riboflavin is a B vitamin that contributes to energy production and is often added to processed foods to improve nutritional value. Its presence is a positive aspect of the composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: riboflavin
-
Is Folic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Folic Acid is used here as base. Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, important for cell division and overall health. Its addition enhances the nutritional profile of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: folic acid
-
Is Canola Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as base. Canola oil is a highly processed oil that is often used in snacks for its neutral flavor. While it is low in saturated fat, concerns about its processing and potential health effects exist.
Role in formula: base
Original: canola oil
-
Is Cornstarch safe in this snack?
Medium
Cornstarch is used here as base. Cornstarch is a processed carbohydrate used as a thickener and stabilizer. It is derived from corn and raises concerns about its processing and nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: cornstarch
-
Is Whey safe in this snack?
Good
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and adds protein to the snack. It is a natural ingredient that contributes to the overall nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: whey
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor but can contribute to excessive sodium intake. Its presence is common in snack foods, raising concerns about overall health implications.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added to enhance sweetness but raises concerns about added sugars in snacks, which can contribute to health issues when consumed in excess.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Cheddar cheese adds flavor and some nutritional value, including calcium and protein. It is a natural ingredient that enhances the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: cheddar cheese
-
Is Cultured Milk safe in this snack?
Good
Cultured Milk is used here as base. Cultured milk is a fermented dairy product that contributes beneficial bacteria and flavor. Its presence indicates a more natural composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: cultured milk
-
Is Enzymes safe in this snack?
Medium
Enzymes is used here as flavor. Enzymes are used to enhance flavor and texture in processed foods. While they can improve quality, their presence indicates a level of processing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: enzymes
-
Is Skim Milk safe in this snack?
Good
Skim Milk is used here as base. Skim milk is a low-fat dairy ingredient that adds protein and calcium. It is a natural component that contributes positively to the nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: skim milk
-
Is Yeast safe in this snack?
Good
Yeast is used here as base. Yeast is a natural ingredient used for fermentation and flavor development. It is generally safe and contributes positively to the product's quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: yeast
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder is a natural flavor enhancer that adds depth to the taste profile. It is minimally processed and contributes positively to flavor.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder is a natural ingredient that enhances flavor. It is minimally processed and adds beneficial compounds to the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic powder
-
Is Baking Soda safe in this snack?
Medium
Baking Soda is used here as leavening agent. Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the product rise. While it is safe in small amounts, its presence indicates processing.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: baking soda
-
Is Corn Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Corn Flour is used here as base. Corn flour is a finely ground corn product used for texture. It is processed and raises concerns about nutritional value compared to whole grains.
Role in formula: base
Original: corn flour
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is a processed oil used for texture and flavor. While it is low in saturated fat, concerns about its processing exist.
Role in formula: base
Original: sunflower oil
-
Is Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients. It is derived from soy or egg and raises concerns about processing and potential allergens.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: lecithin
-
Is Buttermilk safe in this snack?
Good
Buttermilk is used here as base. Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that adds flavor and beneficial bacteria. Its presence indicates a more natural composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: buttermilk
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is a broad term for flavoring agents derived from natural sources. While it can enhance taste, it raises questions about processing and transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor
-
Is Torula Yeast safe in this snack?
Medium
Torula Yeast is used here as flavor. Torula yeast is a flavor enhancer derived from yeast. It is processed and raises concerns about the overall quality of the ingredient list.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: torula yeast
-
Is Monocalcium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Medium
Monocalcium Phosphate is used here as leavening agent. Monocalcium phosphate is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise. Its presence indicates processing and raises questions about ingredient quality.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: monocalcium phosphate
-
Is Corn Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Corn maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate used as a thickener. It raises concerns about its nutritional value and processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: corn maltodextrin
-
Is Autolyzed Yeast safe in this snack?
Medium
Autolyzed Yeast is used here as flavor. Autolyzed yeast is a flavor enhancer derived from yeast. Its processing raises concerns about ingredient quality and transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: autolyzed yeast
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is a flavor enhancer that can contribute umami taste. Its processing raises questions about the overall quality of the ingredient list.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: yeast extract
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer derived from citrus fruits. While it is generally safe, its presence indicates processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
-
Is Paprika Extract safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is a natural colorant derived from peppers. It adds color and flavor without synthetic additives, contributing positively to the product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika extract
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is a natural acid used for flavor and preservation. While it is generally safe, its presence indicates processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: lactic acid
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: 2374664
More from this brand: Goldfish 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.