Is Gushers Strawberry Splash And Tropical Fruit 6 Count Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Fruit Gushers
This page reviews Gushers Strawberry Splash And Tropical Fruit 6 Count by Fruit Gushers as a dessert. Its current score is 30/100, suggesting that it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Dried Corn Syrup.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes multiple sugars and corn syrup, indicating high sweetness and processed nature. Ingredients like carrageenan and artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5 & 6) raise concerns about synthetic additives and potential health implications, contributing to a low rating.
Main concern
High sugar content from multiple sources (sugar, corn syrup, fructose) raises concerns about excessive sweetness and potential health risks.
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 vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is a common antioxidant that can support overall health.
- Includes natural flavors, which may enhance taste without synthetic alternatives.
Concerns
- High sugar content from multiple sources (sugar, corn syrup, fructose) raises concerns about excessive sweetness and potential health risks.
- Carrageenan is included as a thickener, which has been associated with digestive issues in some individuals.
- Artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5 & 6) are present, which are synthetic additives linked to potential sensitivity and health concerns.
- Palm oil is used, which raises environmental sustainability concerns due to its production practices.
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this dessert and why it matters.
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Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a highly processed sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness of the product. Its high content raises concerns about excessive sugar intake and related health issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Corn Syrup safe in this dessert?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch, contributing to the product's high sugar content. Its use raises concerns about high fructose intake and its potential health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
-
Is Dried Corn Syrup safe in this dessert?
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 composition with potential health risks.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: dried corn syrup
-
Is Pear Puree Concentrate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Pear Puree Concentrate is used here as base. Pear puree concentrate adds some fruit content to the product, but its concentrated form may lack the benefits of whole fruit. It contributes to sweetness without significant nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: pear puree concentrate
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Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this dessert?
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 concerns about its health implications.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified corn starch
-
Is Fructose safe in this dessert?
Bad
Fructose is used here as sweetener. Fructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to high sugar levels in the product. Its presence raises concerns about excessive sugar consumption and related health risks.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: fructose
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, used as a thickener and sweetener. It is processed and can raise blood sugar levels, contributing to health concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
-
Is Palm Oil safe in this dessert?
Bad
Palm Oil is used here as base. Palm oil is a vegetable oil that raises environmental sustainability concerns due to its production practices. Its presence indicates a reliance on processed fats.
Role in formula: base
Original: palm oil
-
Is Cottonseed Oil safe in this dessert?
Medium
Cottonseed Oil is used here as base. Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil that is often used in processed foods. While it is a source of fat, it is highly processed and may raise health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: cottonseed oil
-
Is Glycerin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Glycerin is used here as solvent. Glycerin is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the product. While it is generally considered safe, its presence indicates a level of processing.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: glycerin
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Is Grape Juice Concentrate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Grape Juice Concentrate is used here as base. Grape juice concentrate adds some fruit flavor but is also concentrated, which may limit its nutritional benefits. It contributes to the overall sweetness of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: grape juice concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Grape Juice Concentrate
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Is Carrageenan safe in this dessert?
Bad
Carrageenan is used here as thickener. Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. It has been associated with digestive issues in some individuals, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: carrageenan
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this dessert?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to add tartness and preserve freshness. While it is generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant health benefits.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Monoglycerides safe in this dessert?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are emulsifiers that help blend ingredients. They are processed and may raise concerns about their health implications.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: monoglycerides
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Is Sodium Citrate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate is used to regulate acidity in the product. While it is generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant health benefits.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: sodium citrate
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Is Malic Acid safe in this dessert?
Medium
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is used to enhance flavor and acidity. It is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant health benefits.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: malic acid
-
Is Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid safe in this dessert?
Good
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant. Its inclusion supports overall health, although its concentration in this product may be limited.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: vitamin c (ascorbic acid)
Read the full ingredient profile for Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this dessert?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is used to enhance taste without synthetic alternatives. However, its vague nature raises questions about the specific sources and processing involved.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor
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Is Potassium Citrate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Potassium Citrate is used here as buffer. Potassium citrate is used to regulate acidity. While it is generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant health benefits.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: potassium citrate
-
Is Agar Agar safe in this dessert?
Medium
Agar Agar is used here as thickener. Agar-agar is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed. While it is generally safe, it is processed and may not provide significant health benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: agar-agar
-
Is Red 40 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Red 40 is used here as colorant. Red 40 is an artificial colorant derived from petroleum. Its use raises concerns about potential sensitivity issues and indicates a highly processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: red 40
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this dessert?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent that helps improve texture. While it is generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant health benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: xanthan gum
-
Is Blue 1 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Blue 1 is used here as colorant. Blue 1 is an artificial colorant derived from petroleum. Its presence raises concerns about potential sensitivity issues and indicates a highly processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: blue 1
-
Is Yellow 5 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Yellow 5 is used here as colorant. Yellow 5 is an artificial colorant that has been associated with hyperactivity in some children. Its use raises concerns about synthetic additives in the product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: yellow 5
-
Is Yellow 6 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Yellow 6 is used here as colorant. Yellow 6 is an artificial colorant that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Its presence indicates a reliance on synthetic additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: yellow 6
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: 2379659
More from this brand: Fruit Gushers products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert 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.