Is Indulgent Sticky Date & Caramel Hot Cross Buns Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Woolworths Select
Indulgent Sticky Date & Caramel Hot Cross Buns is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Woolworths Select. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Palm Oil, Sodium Benzoate affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like palm oil and preservatives, which raise quality concerns. The presence of natural flavors and dates offers some positive aspects but does not outweigh the overall composition issues.
Main concern
Includes palm oil, which is associated with environmental concerns and raises questions about sustainability.
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 dates, which provide natural sweetness and flavor, contributing positively to the overall taste profile.
- Natural colors like carotene and curcumin are used, which are preferable to synthetic alternatives, enhancing the product's quality.
Concerns
- Includes palm oil, which is associated with environmental concerns and raises questions about sustainability.
- Synthetic preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are present, indicating a reliance on artificial additives.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this snack.
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Is Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and texture to the buns. It is a staple in bakery products and generally considered safe.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat Flour
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Is Caramel safe in this snack?
Medium
Caramel is used here as flavor. Caramel adds sweetness and flavor to the buns. However, it is a processed ingredient that may contain additives, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Caramel (12%) (Sugar, Glucose Syrup Glucose Syrup (from Wheat) (contains Preservative (220)), Sweetened Condensed Milk (Milk, Sugar), Palm Oil, Wheat Flour, Water, Margarine (Palm Oil, Milk Solids, Emulsifiers (471,472c), Antioxidant (304), Natural Flavour, Natural Colour (Carotene)), Natural Caramel Flavour, Rice Flour)
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Is Palm Oil safe in this snack?
Bad
Palm Oil is used here as fat. Palm oil is used for its emulsifying properties but is linked to deforestation and habitat destruction, raising significant environmental concerns.
Role in formula: fat
Original: Palm Oil
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Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this snack?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life. Its presence raises concerns about synthetic additives in food products.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Preservative (202)
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Is Dates safe in this snack?
Good
Dates is used here as flavor. Dates provide natural sweetness and are a source of fiber and nutrients, contributing positively to the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Dates (12%) (Dates, Dextrose (From Corn))
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a common sweetener that enhances flavor but contributes to health concerns when consumed in excess, indicating a moderate quality aspect.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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: 4251260
More from this brand: Woolworths Select products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.