Is Honey Cheese Flavored Crisp Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Herr-S
Honey Cheese Flavored Crisp is a snack from Herr-S. It has a Zerotox safety score of 45/100, which means it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium Phosphate, Yellow 5.
45 / 100
Why score is 45
The composition includes several synthetic additives like monosodium glutamate and artificial colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6), raising significant quality concerns. The presence of palm oil and multiple sugars further detracts from the overall safety assessment.
Main concern
Monosodium glutamate is a synthetic flavor enhancer that raises safety concerns.
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 cheese blend with cheddar, providing some dairy flavor.
- Includes natural flavors which may enhance taste without synthetic alternatives.
Concerns
- Monosodium glutamate is a synthetic flavor enhancer that raises safety concerns.
- Artificial colors Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 are linked to potential health risks.
- Palm oil is present, which raises environmental and health concerns.
- High sugar content from multiple sources may contribute to unhealthy dietary habits.
Who should avoid this product?
This snack may not be the best fit for:
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Corn Meal safe in this snack?
Good
Corn Meal is used here as base. Corn meal serves as the primary ingredient, providing a base for the snack. It is a whole grain, contributing some fiber and nutrients.
Role in formula: base
Original: Corn Meal
-
Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. A blend of oils including corn, cottonseed, palm, and sunflower oils, which are used for frying. The presence of palm oil raises concerns about sustainability and health.
Role in formula: base
Original: Vegetable Oil (Corn oil, Cottonseed oil, Palm oil, Sunflower oil)
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as emulsifier. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used to improve texture and stability. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a refined ingredient with limited nutritional value.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Maltodextrin
-
Is Whey safe in this snack?
Good
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production, providing some protein content. It is a natural ingredient that contributes to the cheese flavor.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whey
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is a common cooking oil that is high in polyunsaturated fats. While it is a better option than some oils, it is still processed.
Role in formula: base
Original: Sunflower Oil
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Cheddar cheese adds flavor and some nutritional value, including calcium and protein. It is a natural ingredient derived from milk.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes]
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor. While necessary in moderation, excessive salt intake can lead to health issues.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Monosodium Glutamate safe in this snack?
Bad
Monosodium Glutamate is used here as flavor. Monosodium glutamate is a synthetic flavor enhancer that can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Its safety is debated.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Monosodium Glutamate
-
Is Sodium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Bad
Sodium Phosphate is used here as stabilizer. Sodium phosphate is used as a stabilizer and emulsifier. It raises concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential health implications.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Sodium Phosphate
-
Is Butter safe in this snack?
Good
Butter is used here as base. Butter is a natural fat that adds flavor and richness. It is derived from cream, contributing to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Butter [Cream, Salt]
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavorings are derived from natural sources but can be processed. Their exact composition is often undisclosed, raising transparency concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural Flavor
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is commonly used in food products and is generally recognized as safe.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
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Is Lactic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used for flavor and preservation. It is naturally occurring and generally considered safe.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Lactic Acid
-
Is Yellow 5 safe in this snack?
Bad
Yellow 5 is used here as colorant. Yellow 5 is an artificial colorant linked to potential allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children. Its use raises safety concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Yellow 5
-
Is Yellow 6 safe in this snack?
Bad
Yellow 6 is used here as colorant. Yellow 6 is another artificial colorant associated with health risks, including allergic reactions. Its presence indicates a highly processed product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Yellow 6
-
Is Enzymes safe in this snack?
Medium
Enzymes is used here as enzyme. Enzymes are used in cheese production and can enhance flavor. Their source and processing level can vary, affecting safety.
Role in formula: enzyme
Original: Enzymes
-
Is Seasoning safe in this snack?
Medium
Seasoning is used here as flavor. The seasoning mix contains various ingredients, including sugars and spices, which enhance flavor but also contribute to the overall sugar content.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Seasoning (Sugar, Dextrose, Fructose, Maltodextrin, Onion Powder, Honey, Salt, Tomato Powder, Extractives of Paprika, Garlic Powder, Horseradish Powder, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural and Artificial Flavor)
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that contributes to the overall sweetness but raises concerns about excessive consumption and health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Dextrose safe in this snack?
Bad
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar that can spike blood sugar levels. Its presence indicates a high sugar content in the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Dextrose
-
Is Fructose safe in this snack?
Bad
Fructose is used here as sweetener. Fructose is a sugar that can contribute to health issues when consumed in excess. Its presence raises concerns about the product's overall sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Fructose
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder is a natural flavoring agent that adds depth to the taste profile. It is derived from onions and is generally safe.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Powder
-
Is Honey safe in this snack?
Good
Honey is used here as sweetener. Honey is a natural sweetener that adds flavor and some nutritional benefits. It is less processed than refined sugars.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Honey
-
Is Tomato Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Tomato Powder is used here as flavor. Tomato powder provides natural flavor and color. It is derived from tomatoes and adds nutritional value.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Tomato Powder
-
Is Extractives Of Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Extractives Of Paprika is used here as colorant. Extractives of paprika are natural colorants that enhance the product's appearance without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Extractives of Paprika
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Is Garlic Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder is a natural flavoring agent that adds a savory note to the product. It is derived from garlic and is generally safe.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Powder
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Is Horseradish Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Horseradish Powder is used here as flavor. Horseradish powder adds a spicy flavor to the product. It is a natural ingredient that contributes to the overall taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Horseradish Powder
-
Is Autolyzed Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Autolyzed Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Autolyzed yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement. It is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Autolyzed Yeast Extract
Read the full ingredient profile for Autolyzed Yeast Extract
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Is Natural And Artificial Flavor safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural And Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. This blend of flavors can enhance taste but raises concerns about transparency and the presence of synthetic components.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural and Artificial Flavor
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural And Artificial Flavor
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor. While necessary in moderation, excessive salt intake can lead to health issues.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
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: 3281538
More from this brand: Herr-S 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.