Is Gushers Flavor Mixers Fruit Flavored Snacks 6 Count Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Gushers Flavor Mixers Fruit Flavored Snacks 6 Count is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox. The product scores 30/100 in Zerotox, meaning it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sugar, Corn Syrup, Dried Corn Syrup affect the overall evaluation.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic additives such as artificial colors (Blue 1, Yellow 5, Red 40) and carrageenan, which raise quality concerns. The presence of sugar and corn syrup indicates high processing, contributing to a lower safety assessment.
Main concern
High sugar content from sugar and corn syrup raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
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 fruit puree (pear) which adds some natural flavor.
- Includes vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is a common antioxidant.
Concerns
- High sugar content from sugar and corn syrup raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
- Contains artificial colors (Blue 1, Yellow 5, Red 40) linked to potential sensitivity issues.
- Carrageenan is included, which has raised safety concerns regarding digestive health.
- Palm oil is present, which has environmental sustainability concerns.
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this snack.
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a highly processed sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness of the product. Its high presence raises concerns about excessive sugar intake and associated health risks.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Corn Syrup safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch, contributing to the product's sweetness. Its high glycemic index raises concerns about blood sugar spikes.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
-
Is Dried Corn Syrup safe in this snack?
Bad
Dried Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Dried corn syrup is a concentrated form of corn syrup, further increasing the sugar content. Its presence indicates a highly processed ingredient that may contribute to health concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: dried corn syrup
-
Is Pear Puree Concentrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Pear Puree Concentrate is used here as natural_extract. Pear puree concentrate adds some natural fruit flavor to the product. While it is a fruit-derived ingredient, its concentrated form may not provide the same benefits as whole fruit.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: pear puree concentrate
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Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this snack?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used as a thickening agent in this product. While it helps achieve desired texture, it is a processed ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified corn starch
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Is Fructose safe in this snack?
Bad
Fructose is used here as sweetener. Fructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to sweetness. Its high consumption is linked to various health issues, including metabolic concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: fructose
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, used as a thickener and filler. It is processed and can raise blood sugar levels, which is a concern for health.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
-
Is Palm Oil safe in this snack?
Bad
Palm Oil is used here as oil_fat. Palm oil is a vegetable oil that raises environmental sustainability concerns due to deforestation and habitat destruction associated with its production.
Role in formula: oil_fat
Original: palm oil
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Is Cottonseed Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Cottonseed Oil is used here as oil_fat. Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil used for texture. While it is a common ingredient, it is often refined and may contain residues from pesticides.
Role in formula: oil_fat
Original: cottonseed oil
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Is Glycerin safe in this snack?
Medium
Glycerin is used here as humectant. Glycerin is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the product. It is generally considered safe but is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: glycerin
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Is Grape Juice Concentrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Grape Juice Concentrate is used here as natural_extract. Grape juice concentrate adds flavor and sweetness. While it is fruit-derived, its concentrated form may not provide the same benefits as whole fruit.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: grape juice concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Grape Juice Concentrate
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Is Carrageenan safe in this snack?
Bad
Carrageenan is used here as thickener. Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. It has raised safety concerns regarding digestive health and inflammation.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: carrageenan
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Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to add tartness and preserve freshness. While it is naturally occurring, it is often produced through fermentation, raising some processing concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Monoglycerides safe in this snack?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are emulsifiers that help blend ingredients. They are derived from fats and can be processed, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: monoglycerides
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Is Sodium Citrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate is used to regulate acidity in the product. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: sodium citrate
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Is Malic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is a natural acid that adds tartness. It is generally safe but is often produced through fermentation, raising some processing concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: malic acid
-
Is Vitamin C safe in this snack?
Good
Vitamin C is used here as antioxidant. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that helps preserve freshness. Its presence is beneficial for overall quality.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: vitamin c (ascorbic acid)
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Is Potassium Citrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Potassium Citrate is used here as buffer. Potassium citrate is used to regulate acidity. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: potassium citrate
-
Is Agar Agar safe in this snack?
Medium
Agar Agar is used here as thickener. Agar-agar is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed. It is generally safe but can be processed, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: agar-agar
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is used to enhance taste. Its specific composition is often proprietary, raising some transparency concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor
-
Is Color Blue 1 Yellow 5 Red 40 safe in this snack?
Bad
Color Blue 1 Yellow 5 Red 40 is used here as colorant. Artificial colors (Blue 1, Yellow 5, Red 40) are synthetic dyes used for coloring. These are associated with potential sensitivity issues and indicate a highly processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: color (blue 1, yellow 5, and red 40)
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Is Xanthan Gum safe in this snack?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent derived from fermentation. While it is generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: xanthan gum
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: 2379529
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.