Is Goldfish Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar Baked Snack Crackers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Pepperidge Farm
Pepperidge Farm's Goldfish Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar Baked Snack Crackers 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 Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavor.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes enriched wheat flour and cheddar cheese, which are common in snack products. However, the presence of additives like autolyzed yeast extract and natural flavor raises concerns about processing and quality. Overall, the mix of good and medium ingredients leads to a moderate rating.
Main concern
Contains autolyzed yeast extract, a processed ingredient that may 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 cheddar cheese, providing a source of flavor and some dairy content.
- Includes spices and natural colorants like paprika extract, which are less processed than artificial alternatives.
Concerns
- Contains autolyzed yeast extract, a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
- Natural flavor is vague and can indicate the presence of synthetic components.
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 crackers. However, the enrichment process involves refining, which can strip away some natural nutrients.
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 some nutritional value, being a source of calcium and protein. Its inclusion indicates a more traditional approach to flavoring compared to synthetic alternatives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: CHEDDAR CHEESE (ICULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES)
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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 snacks, the processing of these oils can raise concerns about quality and health implications.
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 and is essential for taste. Its presence is typical in snack foods, contributing to the overall flavor profile without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as flavor. Sugar is included in small amounts to balance flavors. While it contributes to taste, its presence in processed snacks can raise concerns about overall sugar intake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SUGAR
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Is Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement, providing umami notes. However, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers due to its synthetic nature.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: YEAST EXTRACT
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Is Whey safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey is used here as flavor. Whey is a dairy byproduct that adds flavor and protein. Its inclusion indicates a dairy component, but it may pose allergen risks for sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: WHEY
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Is Corn Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Corn Flour is used here as base. Corn flour contributes to the texture of the crackers. While it is a common ingredient, its processing can raise questions about quality compared to whole grain alternatives.
Role in formula: base
Original: CORN FLOUR
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Is Autolyzed Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Bad
Autolyzed Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Autolyzed yeast extract is a flavor enhancer derived from yeast. It is processed and may contain glutamates, raising concerns about its synthetic nature and potential health implications.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT
Read the full ingredient profile for Autolyzed Yeast Extract
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Bad
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is a vague term that can encompass a variety of substances, some of which may be synthetic. Its inclusion raises questions about transparency and ingredient sourcing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL FLAVOR
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: 2374669
More from this brand: Pepperidge Farm 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.