Is Gushers Sweet & Fiery Fruit Flavored Snacks 6 Count Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Gushers Sweet & Fiery Fruit Flavored Snacks 6 Count is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 30/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sugar, Corn Syrup, Dried Corn Syrup.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic additives such as artificial colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, Blue 1) and carrageenan, which raise quality concerns. The presence of palm oil and high sugar content further indicates a highly processed product, contributing to the low rating due to potential health implications.
Main concern
High sugar content from sugar and corn syrup raises health 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 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 health concerns.
- Contains multiple artificial colors (Yellow 5, Red 40) linked to sensitivity issues.
- Carrageenan is included, which may cause digestive concerns for some individuals.
- Palm oil is present, raising environmental sustainability issues.
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 Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a highly processed sweetener that contributes to the overall high sugar content of this snack. Excessive sugar intake is associated with various health risks, including obesity and dental issues.
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 high sugar content. Its use raises concerns about excessive sugar consumption and its associated health risks.
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
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Is Pear Puree Concentrate safe in this snack?
Good
Pear Puree Concentrate is used here as natural_extract. Pear puree concentrate is a natural fruit ingredient that adds flavor and some nutritional value. Its inclusion is a positive aspect, although it is present in a small quantity compared to sugars.
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 is derived from corn, its modification raises concerns about processing and potential digestive issues.
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 alongside other sugars raises concerns about overall sugar intake.
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 polysaccharide used as a thickener and filler. It is derived from starch and can raise blood sugar levels, contributing to health concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
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Is Palm Oil safe in this snack?
Bad
Palm Oil is used here as oil_fat. Palm oil is a highly processed fat that raises environmental sustainability concerns due to its production methods. Its presence indicates a less desirable ingredient choice.
Role in formula: oil_fat
Original: palm 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 is generally recognized as safe and adds a tangy flavor to the product.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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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, concerns exist regarding its processing and potential health implications.
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. While it is generally safe, its presence indicates a level of processing that may not align with clean ingredient preferences.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: glycerin
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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 been associated with digestive issues in some individuals, raising concerns about its inclusion in food products.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: carrageenan
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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 is a natural sweetener that adds flavor and some nutritional value. Its presence is a positive aspect, although it is used in small amounts.
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 Monoglycerides safe in this snack?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are emulsifiers that help blend ingredients. While they are derived from fats, their processing raises concerns about the overall quality of the product.
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 as a buffering agent to maintain pH levels. While it is generally safe, its presence indicates a level of processing that may not align with clean ingredient preferences.
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 to the product. While it is derived from fruits, its processing raises concerns about the overall quality of the ingredient.
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 as a buffering agent and may help regulate acidity. Its presence indicates a level of processing that may not align with clean ingredient preferences.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: potassium citrate
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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 antioxidant that helps protect the product from oxidation. Its inclusion is beneficial for maintaining freshness and adds nutritional value.
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 plant-based thickening agent derived from seaweed. While it is natural, its processing raises concerns about the overall quality of the ingredient.
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 a broad term that can encompass various flavoring agents derived from natural sources. Its vague nature raises concerns about transparency in ingredient sourcing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor
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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 through fermentation. While it is generally safe, its processing raises concerns about the overall quality of the ingredient.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: xanthan gum
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Is Color Yellows 5 6 Red 40 Blue 1 safe in this snack?
Bad
Color Yellows 5 6 Red 40 Blue 1 is used here as colorant. Artificial colors such as Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, and Blue 1 are synthetic dyes used to enhance the product's appearance. These additives are associated with potential sensitivity issues and indicate a highly processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: color (yellows 5 & 6, red 40, 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: 2379470
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.