Is Gushers Variety Pack Value Pack Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Gushers
Gushers's Gushers Variety Pack Value Pack 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 Corn Syrup, Sugar, Fructose.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition 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 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 component to the product.
- Includes vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is a common antioxidant and preservative.
Concerns
- High in synthetic sweeteners like corn syrup and fructose, 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
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this snack, not just listed as a raw label.
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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 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 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 base. Pear puree is a natural fruit ingredient that adds flavor and some nutritional value. It contributes to the fruitiness of the product without synthetic intervention.
Role in formula: base
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 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 metabolic issues when consumed in excess.
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 carbohydrate derived from starch, used as a thickener and filler. It is processed and can spike blood sugar levels, raising 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 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 snack?
Medium
Cottonseed Oil is used here as base. Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil that is often refined and used in processed foods. Its health implications are debated, particularly regarding its omega-6 fatty acid content.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cottonseed Oil
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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 recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Glycerin
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Is Grape Juice Concentrate safe in this snack?
Good
Grape Juice Concentrate is used here as base. Grape juice concentrate is derived from grapes and adds natural sweetness and flavor 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 snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. While it is generally safe, its presence indicates some level of processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
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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 linked to digestive issues and raises concerns about its safety in food products.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Carrageenan
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Is Monoglycerides safe in this snack?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are used as emulsifiers to stabilize the product. They are derived from fats and can be processed, raising some quality concerns.
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 to regulate acidity in the product. While it is generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some 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 enhances flavor and acts as a preservative. Its presence indicates some level of processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Malic Acid
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Is Vitamin C safe in this snack?
Good
Vitamin C is used here as antioxidant. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is included as an antioxidant and preservative. It contributes positively to the product's composition by providing some nutritional value.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
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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 in the product.
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 and enhance flavor. While it is generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Potassium Citrate
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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. While it is generally safe, its presence indicates some level of processing.
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 through fermentation. It is generally recognized as safe but is a processed ingredient that raises some concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Xanthan Gum
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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, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are used to enhance visual appeal. These synthetic colorants 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: 2379538
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.