Is Gushers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
General Mills
Gushers is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for General Mills. 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 Corn Syrup, Sugar, Fructose affect the overall evaluation.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition of Gushers includes several synthetic additives such as corn syrup, sugar, and artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1). These ingredients indicate a highly processed product with significant quality concerns, particularly regarding the presence of artificial colors and sweeteners that may pose health risks.
Main concern
High in synthetic sweeteners like corn syrup and sugar, raising concerns about excessive sugar intake.
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 pear puree, which adds some fruit content to the product.
- Includes vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is a common antioxidant.
Concerns
- High in synthetic sweeteners like corn syrup and sugar, raising concerns about excessive sugar intake.
- Contains artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1), which are associated with potential sensitivity issues.
- Carrageenan is present, which has raised concerns regarding digestive health in some studies.
- Palm oil is included, 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 Corn Syrup safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener derived from corn. Its high fructose content raises concerns about excessive sugar intake and potential health risks associated with high sugar consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Corn Syrup
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a common sweetener that contributes to the overall high sugar content of this product. Excessive sugar intake is linked to various health issues, including obesity and diabetes.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Pear Puree safe in this snack?
Good
Pear Puree is used here as natural_extract. Pear puree is a natural fruit extract that adds some nutritional value to the product. It provides flavor and moisture, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Pear Puree
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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 the desired texture, it is a processed ingredient that raises some concerns about its health implications.
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 high sugar levels in the diet. Its presence raises concerns about potential health risks associated with excessive fructose consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Fructose
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch that acts as a thickener and filler. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
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 common ingredient in processed foods, but its production raises significant environmental sustainability concerns. Its presence in this product indicates a reliance on less sustainable fat sources.
Role in formula: oil_fat
Original: Palm and/or Palm Kernel 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 that is often used in processed foods. While it is a source of fat, it is also a refined oil that may not provide the same health benefits as less processed oils.
Role in formula: oil_fat
Original: Cottonseed Oil
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Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer derived from citrus fruits. It helps to balance the sweetness of the product and has a long history of safe use in food.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
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Is Glycerin safe in this snack?
Medium
Glycerin is used here as solvent. Glycerin is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the product. While it is generally considered safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not be appealing to all consumers.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Glycerin
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Is White Grape Juice Concentrate safe in this snack?
Good
White Grape Juice Concentrate is used here as natural_extract. White grape juice concentrate adds natural sweetness and flavor to the product. It contributes positively to the overall composition by providing some fruit-derived components.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: White Grape Juice Concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for White 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. While it is commonly used in food products, some studies have raised concerns about its potential digestive health effects.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Carrageenan
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Is Mono And Diglycerides safe in this snack?
Medium
Mono And Diglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Mono and diglycerides are emulsifiers that help blend ingredients in this product. They are derived from fats and oils but are processed ingredients that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Mono and Diglycerides
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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 this product. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not be appealing to all consumers.
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 contributes to the tart flavor of the product. It is commonly used in food but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Malic 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 and enhance flavor. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not be appealing to all consumers.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Potassium Citrate
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is a broad term that can encompass various flavoring agents derived from natural sources. Its vague nature raises questions about the specific components and their safety.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural Flavor
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Is Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant. Its inclusion in this product adds some nutritional value, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Read the full ingredient profile for Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid
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Is Agar Agar safe in this snack?
Medium
Agar Agar is used here as thickener. Agar-agar is a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed used as a thickener. While it is a natural ingredient, it is processed and may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Agar-Agar
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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 produced by fermentation. It helps improve texture but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Xanthan Gum
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Is Color Red 40 Yellow 5 Blue 1 safe in this snack?
Bad
Color Red 40 Yellow 5 Blue 1 is used here as colorant. Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are artificial colorants used to enhance the visual appeal of the product. These synthetic dyes are associated with potential sensitivity issues and indicate a highly processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Color (red 40, yellow 5, blue 1)
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: 2380115
More from this brand: General Mills products in Zerotox
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.