Is Hazelnut Spread Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Woolworths Select
Woolworths Select's Hazelnut Spread is reviewed here as a food. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sugar.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sugar and palm oil, which raise concerns about high sugar content and the use of palm oil. The presence of emulsifier E322 (soy lecithin) is a processed ingredient that may also be viewed critically.
Main concern
High sugar content from sugar, which raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
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 hazelnuts (14%), providing a nutty flavor and some nutritional benefits.
- Natural vanilla flavor enhances the overall taste profile without artificial additives.
Concerns
- High sugar content from sugar, which raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
- Palm oil is present, which is often criticized for environmental impact and health concerns.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this food, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Sugar safe in this food?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a highly processed sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness of the spread, raising concerns about excessive sugar intake.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil (rapeseed, palm) serves as a fat source, but palm oil raises environmental and health concerns due to its processing and sourcing.
Role in formula: base
Original: vegetable oil (rapeseed, palm)
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Is Hazelnuts safe in this food?
Good
Hazelnuts is used here as natural_extract. Hazelnuts (14%) provide flavor and some nutritional benefits, contributing positively to the spread's composition.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: hazelnuts
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Is Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder is used here as flavor. Fat reduced cocoa powder (7.4%) adds chocolate flavor while being lower in fat, but it is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: fat reduced cocoa power
Read the full ingredient profile for Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder
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Is Skimmed Milk Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Skimmed Milk Powder is used here as base. Skimmed milk powder adds creaminess and flavor but is a processed dairy ingredient that may not suit all dietary preferences.
Role in formula: base
Original: skimmed milk powder
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Is Sweet Whey Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Sweet Whey Powder is used here as base. Sweet whey powder is a byproduct of cheese production, contributing to texture and flavor but is a processed dairy ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: sweet whey powder
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Is Soy Lecithin safe in this food?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin (E322) is used as an emulsifier to improve texture and stability, but it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: emulsifier (E322, soy lecithin)
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Is Natural Vanilla Flavor safe in this food?
Good
Natural Vanilla Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural vanilla flavor enhances the taste profile without the use of artificial flavoring agents, contributing positively to the spread.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural vanilla flavour
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: 4251612
More from this brand: Woolworths Select products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: soy , milk , hazelnuts
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.