Is Goldfish Mega Bites Cheddar Fort Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Goldfish
Goldfish's Goldfish Mega Bites Cheddar Fort 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 composition includes enriched wheat flour and vegetable oils, which are common in processed snacks. Cheddar cheese adds flavor but also introduces dairy, while additives like maltodextrin and autolyzed yeast extract raise concerns about processing. Overall, the presence of several synthetic and processed ingredients lowers the quality rating.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes enriched wheat flour and vegetable oils, which are common in processed snacks. Cheddar cheese adds flavor but also introduces dairy, while additives like maltodextrin and autolyzed yeast extract raise concerns about processing. Overall, the presence of several synthetic and processed ingredients lowers the quality rating.
Main concern
Contains maltodextrin, a processed carbohydrate that may raise glycemic 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, which provides flavor and a source of calcium.
- Includes spices and onion powder, contributing to a more complex flavor profile.
Concerns
- Contains maltodextrin, a processed carbohydrate that may raise glycemic concerns.
- Includes autolyzed yeast extract, which is a flavor enhancer associated with high processing.
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 lower nutritional value compared to whole grains.
Role in formula: base
Original: Enriched wheat flour
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil (soybean, canola, and/or sunflower) is used for texture and moisture. While these oils are common, their refined nature may raise concerns about health implications associated with high omega-6 fatty acid intake.
Role in formula: base
Original: Vegetable oil (soybean, canola and/or sunflower)
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Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as flavor. Cheddar cheese adds flavor and a source of calcium. Its presence indicates a more natural ingredient compared to synthetic flavor enhancers, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cheddar cheese (milk, bacterial culture, salt, enzymes, annatto)
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Is Seasoning safe in this snack?
Medium
Seasoning is used here as flavor. The seasoning mix includes maltodextrin and various spices, enhancing flavor. However, maltodextrin is a processed ingredient that may raise glycemic concerns, impacting the overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Seasoning (maltodextrin, lactic acid, paprika, spices [contains celery], onion powder, calcium lactate, tricalcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, calcium stearate, calcium silicate)
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a common flavor enhancer that also acts as a preservative. Its inclusion is standard in snack foods, contributing to taste without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
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Is Oat Hull Fibre safe in this snack?
Good
Oat Hull Fibre is used here as base. Oat hull fibre is a source of dietary fiber, contributing to texture and potentially aiding in digestive health. Its presence is a positive aspect of the ingredient list.
Role in formula: base
Original: Oat hull fibre
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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 as a flavor enhancer, providing umami. However, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for those sensitive to MSG-like compounds.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Autolyzed yeast extract
Read the full ingredient profile for Autolyzed Yeast Extract
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is included for sweetness, which is common in snack foods. Its presence raises concerns about added sugars in the diet, impacting overall health.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Yeast safe in this snack?
Good
Yeast is used here as base. Yeast is a natural ingredient that aids in leavening, contributing to the texture of the snack. It is generally considered safe and beneficial in baked goods.
Role in formula: base
Original: Yeast
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Is Ammonium Bicarbonate safe in this snack?
Medium
Ammonium Bicarbonate is used here as leavening agent. Ammonium bicarbonate is a leavening agent that helps the snack rise. While it is effective, it is a synthetic compound that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: Ammonium bicarbonate
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Is Monocalcium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Medium
Monocalcium Phosphate is used here as leavening agent. Monocalcium phosphate is another leavening agent that helps create texture. It is a processed ingredient that may not align with clean eating preferences.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: Monocalcium phosphate
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Is Baking Soda safe in this snack?
Medium
Baking Soda is used here as leavening agent. Baking soda is a common leavening agent that contributes to the texture of baked goods. While generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: Baking soda
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: 2374899
More from this brand: Goldfish products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , celery
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.