Is Goldfish Old Bay Seasoned Crackers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Goldfish
Goldfish Old Bay Seasoned Crackers is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Goldfish. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes enriched wheat flour and vegetable oils, which are common in snack foods. However, the presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial flavoring raises concerns about synthetic additives. Overall, the mix of ingredients indicates a moderate quality assessment due to these factors.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes enriched wheat flour and vegetable oils, which are common in snack foods. However, the presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial flavoring raises concerns about synthetic additives. Overall, the mix of ingredients indicates a moderate quality assessment due to these factors.
Main concern
Contains monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer that may raise concerns for individuals sensitive to additives.
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
- Enriched wheat flour provides essential nutrients like niacin and iron, contributing positively to the overall nutritional profile.
- Old Bay seasoning adds a unique flavor profile, enhancing the taste experience without excessive artificial ingredients.
Concerns
- Contains monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer that may raise concerns for individuals sensitive to additives.
- Includes corn maltodextrin and modified corn starch, which are processed ingredients that may indicate lower quality.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this snack.
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Is Enriched Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Wheat Flour is used here as base. Enriched wheat flour is a processed ingredient that provides essential nutrients like niacin and iron. However, its refined nature raises concerns about the overall healthiness of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID)
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Is Canola Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as base. Canola oil is a common vegetable oil used for frying and baking. While it is a source of fat, its processing raises some concerns about quality compared to less refined oils.
Role in formula: base
Original: VEGETABLE OILS (CANOLA, SUNFLOWER AND/OR SOYBEAN)
-
Is Old Bay Seasoning safe in this snack?
Medium
Old Bay Seasoning is used here as flavor. Old Bay seasoning is a blend of spices that enhances flavor. However, it contains additives like corn maltodextrin and sodium diacetate, which may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: OLD BAY SEASONING (SALT, SPICES, CELERY, CORN MALTODEXTRIN, PAPRIKA [COLOR], MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SODIUM DIACETATE, YEAST EXTRACT, GARLIC POWDER, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, CITRIC ACID, VINEGAR SOLIDS, EXTRACTIVES OF PAPRIKA, DISODIUM INOSINATE AND GUANYLATE, NATURAL FLAVOR)
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a natural mineral that enhances flavor in food. Its presence is common in snack foods, contributing to taste without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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Is Nonfat Milk safe in this snack?
Medium
Nonfat Milk is used here as base. Nonfat milk is a dairy product that adds flavor and texture. However, it may pose allergen risks for individuals with dairy sensitivities.
Role in formula: base
Original: NONFAT MILK
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness but raises concerns about excessive consumption and its impact on health, especially in processed snacks.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
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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 crackers rise. It is generally safe but indicates processing in the product.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: BAKING SODA
-
Is Monocalcium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Medium
Monocalcium Phosphate is used here as leavening agent. Monocalcium phosphate is a leavening agent that helps create a light texture in baked goods. Its presence indicates processing and raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE
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Is Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika is a natural colorant derived from peppers, contributing to the product's color without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: PAPRIKA
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Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder is a natural flavoring agent that enhances taste without the concerns associated with synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ONION POWDER
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: 2374680
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.