Is Gushers Variety Pack Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Gushers
This page reviews Gushers Variety Pack by Gushers as a snack. 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 Variety Pack includes several synthetic additives such as corn syrup, sugar, and artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6). These ingredients indicate a highly processed product with significant quality concerns, particularly regarding the presence of artificial colors and sweeteners.
Main concern
High in synthetic sweeteners like corn syrup and fructose, 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 fructose, raising concerns about excessive sugar intake.
- Contains artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6), which are associated with potential sensitivity issues.
- Carrageenan is present, which may cause digestive concerns for 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 snack and why it matters.
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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 starch. Its high sugar content raises concerns about excessive sugar intake and potential health implications.
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 consumption is linked to various health issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Pear Puree safe in this snack?
Good
Pear Puree is used here as natural_extract. Pear puree is a natural ingredient that adds flavor and moisture to the product. It contributes positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Pear Puree
-
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 processing raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Modified Corn Starch
-
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 overall sugar intake.
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, used as a thickener. It is processed and may raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
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.
Role in formula: oil_fat
Original: Palm Oil
-
Is Cottonseed Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Cottonseed Oil is used here as oil_fat. Cottonseed oil is a refined oil that may contain residues from pesticides. Its use in processed foods raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: oil_fat
Original: Cottonseed Oil
-
Is Glycerin safe in this snack?
Medium
Glycerin is used here as solvent. Glycerin is used as a humectant to retain moisture in this product. While it is generally recognized as safe, its processing raises some concerns.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Glycerin
-
Is Grape Juice Concentrate safe in this snack?
Good
Grape Juice Concentrate is used here as natural_extract. Grape juice concentrate adds natural flavor and sweetness to the product. It is a positive addition to the overall composition.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Grape Juice Concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Grape Juice Concentrate
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to provide tartness and preserve freshness. It is generally safe but can be a concern for those with sensitivities.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
-
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 safety concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Carrageenan
-
Is Monoglycerides safe in this snack?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are used to stabilize emulsions in this product. While they are derived from fats, their processing raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Monoglycerides
-
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. It is generally recognized as safe but is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Sodium Citrate
-
Is Malic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is used to enhance tartness in this product. While it is naturally occurring, its processing raises some concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Malic Acid
-
Is Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps preserve freshness. Its presence is beneficial for overall quality.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Read the full ingredient profile for Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid
-
Is Natural And Artificial Flavor safe in this snack?
Bad
Natural And Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural and artificial flavors are used to enhance taste. The inclusion of artificial flavors raises concerns about synthetic additives.
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 snack?
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.
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 a concern for those with sensitivities.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Agar-Agar
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this snack?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent used to improve texture. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Xanthan Gum
-
Is Color Red 40 Blue 1 Yellows 5 6 safe in this snack?
Bad
Color Red 40 Blue 1 Yellows 5 6 is used here as colorant. Artificial colors such as Red 40 and Yellow 5 & 6 are used for visual appeal. These synthetic dyes are associated with potential sensitivity issues.
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: 2379537
More from this brand: Gushers 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.