Is Gushers Tropical Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Gushers
This page reviews Gushers Tropical by 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: Corn Syrup, Sugar, Fructose.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition of Gushers Tropical includes several synthetic additives such as corn syrup, sugar, and artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6). These ingredients indicate a highly processed product with significant quality concerns, particularly regarding the presence of artificial colors and sweeteners that may raise health issues.
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 grape juice concentrate, which adds a fruit-derived flavor component.
- 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 multiple artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6), which are associated with potential health risks.
- Carrageenan is present, which has been linked to digestive issues in some individuals.
- Palm oil is included, raising environmental sustainability concerns.
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 Corn Syrup safe in this dessert?
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 consumption and potential health risks associated with high glycemic index sweeteners.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Corn Syrup
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Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a common sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness of the product. Its high intake is linked to various health issues, including obesity and dental problems.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Pear Puree safe in this dessert?
Good
Pear Puree is used here as base. Pear puree is a natural fruit ingredient that adds flavor and moisture to the product. It contributes some nutritional value, although its presence is minimal compared to the overall sugar content.
Role in formula: base
Original: Pear Puree
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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 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 dessert?
Bad
Fructose is used here as sweetener. Fructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to high sugar levels in the diet. Its excessive consumption is linked to various metabolic issues, raising concerns about its presence in this product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Fructose
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch that serves as a thickener and filler. It is processed and can spike blood sugar levels, which raises quality 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 widely used vegetable oil that raises environmental sustainability concerns due to deforestation and habitat destruction associated with its production.
Role in formula: base
Original: Palm Oil
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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. It is refined and may contain residues from pesticides, raising some health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cottonseed Oil
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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 recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Glycerin
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Is Grape Juice Concentrate safe in this dessert?
Good
Grape Juice Concentrate is used here as base. Grape juice concentrate is derived from grapes and adds natural flavor and some nutrients to the product. It contributes positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: Grape Juice Concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Grape Juice Concentrate
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Is Citric Acid safe in this dessert?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to provide tartness and preserve freshness. While it is naturally occurring, its presence in processed foods raises questions about overall ingredient quality.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
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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 and inflammation, raising safety concerns in food products.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Carrageenan
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Is Monoglycerides safe in this dessert?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are used as emulsifiers to maintain product consistency. They are derived from fats and can be processed, raising some 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 recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant 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 a natural acid that adds tartness to the product. While it is derived from fruits, its presence in processed foods raises questions about overall ingredient quality.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Malic Acid
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Is Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid safe in this dessert?
Good
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that helps preserve freshness and provides some nutritional value. Its inclusion is a positive aspect of the product's 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 Natural And Artificial Flavor safe in this dessert?
Bad
Natural And Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural and artificial flavors are used to enhance taste. The lack of specificity raises concerns about the quality and safety of these flavoring agents.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural and Artificial Flavor
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural And Artificial 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 and enhance flavor. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant benefits.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Potassium Citrate
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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 a plant-based ingredient, its processing raises questions about overall ingredient quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Agar-Agar
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Is Xanthan Gum safe in this dessert?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent produced through fermentation. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Xanthan Gum
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Is Color Red 40 Blue 1 Yellows 5 6 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Color Red 40 Blue 1 Yellows 5 6 is used here as colorant. Artificial colors such as Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are used to enhance visual appeal. These synthetic dyes are associated with potential health risks and indicate a highly processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Color (red 40, blue 1, yellows 5 & 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: 2379536
More from this brand: 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.