Is Heartland Harvest Cranberry Blend Trail Mix Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Star Snacks Co
Star Snacks Co's Heartland Harvest Cranberry Blend Trail Mix is reviewed here as a snack. 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 Sulphur Dioxide.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like sugar and vegetable oils, which raise quality concerns. The presence of preservatives like sulphur dioxide also indicates a less natural profile.
Main concern
Includes added sugar in dried cranberries, raising 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 nuts like almonds and pepitas, which provide healthy fats and nutrients.
- Dried cranberries add a fruity flavor and some antioxidants.
- Peanuts offer protein and energy, making this a filling snack.
- Raisins contribute natural sweetness and additional fiber.
Concerns
- Includes added sugar in dried cranberries, raising concerns about excessive sweetness.
- Vegetable oils used for roasting nuts may be refined and less healthy.
- Sulphur dioxide as a preservative can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Salt is added, which may not be suitable for those monitoring sodium intake.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
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 Peanuts safe in this snack?
Good
Peanuts is used here as base. Peanuts provide protein and healthy fats, contributing to the snack's energy content.
Role in formula: base
Original: Peanuts roasted in vegetable oil
-
Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Used for roasting, vegetable oil may include less healthy refined oils, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: vegetable oil (peanut, cottonseed, sunflower seed, and/or canola)
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but can contribute to high sodium intake, which is a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Raisins safe in this snack?
Good
Raisins is used here as base. Raisins add natural sweetness and fiber, enhancing the nutritional profile of the mix.
Role in formula: base
Original: raisins with sulphur dioxide added as a preservative
-
Is Sulphur Dioxide safe in this snack?
Bad
Sulphur Dioxide is used here as preservative. Sulphur dioxide is a synthetic preservative that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sulphur dioxide
-
Is Dried Sweetened Cranberries safe in this snack?
Medium
Dried Sweetened Cranberries is used here as base. Dried cranberries contain added sugar, which raises concerns about excessive sweetness in the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: dried sweetened cranberries (cranberries, sugar, citric acid, sunflower oil, elderberry juice concentrate or aronia juice concentrate for color)
Read the full ingredient profile for Dried Sweetened Cranberries
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Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used for flavor and preservation but is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is often refined, which may reduce its health benefits compared to less processed oils.
Role in formula: base
Original: sunflower oil
-
Is Elderberry Juice Concentrate safe in this snack?
Good
Elderberry Juice Concentrate is used here as colorant. Elderberry juice concentrate is a natural colorant that may provide some antioxidants.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: elderberry juice concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Elderberry Juice Concentrate
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Is Pepitas safe in this snack?
Good
Pepitas is used here as base. Pepitas are nutrient-dense seeds that add healthy fats and protein to the mix.
Role in formula: base
Original: pepitas & almonds roasted in vegetable oil
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Is Almonds safe in this snack?
Good
Almonds is used here as base. Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and various nutrients, enhancing the snack's quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: almonds roasted in vegetable oil
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: 3425572
More from this brand: Star Snacks Co products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: peanut
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.