Is Jolly Rancher Gummies Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Hershey
Jolly Rancher Gummies is one of the dessert products analyzed by Zerotox for Hershey. The product scores 30/100 in Zerotox, meaning it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sugar, Corn Syrup, Sodium Citrate affect the overall evaluation.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition of Jolly Rancher Gummies includes several synthetic additives such as artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) and high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients raise significant quality and safety concerns due to their highly processed nature and potential health implications.
Main concern
Includes artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) that are synthetic and associated with potential sensitivity issues.
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 malic acid, which provides a tart flavor and is a natural acid used in candies.
Concerns
- Includes artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) that are synthetic and associated with potential sensitivity issues.
- High fructose corn syrup is a processed sweetener linked to various health concerns.
- Sodium citrate is a synthetic additive that may raise quality concerns due to its processing.
- Natural & artificial flavors indicate the presence of both natural and synthetic flavoring agents.
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this dessert.
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Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a highly processed sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness of the gummies. Its high consumption is linked to various health issues, including obesity and dental problems.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
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Is Corn Syrup safe in this dessert?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a processed sweetener derived from corn starch. It is high in fructose and raises concerns regarding its impact on health, particularly in relation to obesity and metabolic disorders.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
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Is Modified Cornstarch safe in this dessert?
Medium
Modified Cornstarch is used here as stabilizer. Modified cornstarch is a processed thickening agent used to improve texture. While it serves a functional purpose, its processing raises questions about quality and safety.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: modified cornstarch
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Is Malic Acid safe in this dessert?
Good
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is a natural organic acid that provides tartness to the gummies. It is generally recognized as safe and adds a pleasant flavor profile without synthetic intervention.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: malic acid
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Is Sodium Citrate safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate is a synthetic compound used to regulate acidity. Its presence raises concerns about the use of synthetic additives in food products.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: sodium citrate
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Is Natural Artificial Flavor safe in this dessert?
Medium
Natural Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural & artificial flavors are used to enhance taste. The combination indicates the presence of both natural extracts and synthetic flavoring agents, which may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural & artificial flavor
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural Artificial Flavor
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Is Citric Acid safe in this dessert?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer derived from citrus fruits. It is generally recognized as safe and contributes to the tart flavor of the gummies.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Red 40 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Red 40 is used here as colorant. Red 40 is an artificial colorant derived from petroleum. Its use raises concerns about potential sensitivity issues and indicates a highly processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: artificial color (red 40)
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Is Yellow 5 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Yellow 5 is used here as colorant. Yellow 5 is a synthetic dye that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Its presence in the product raises quality concerns regarding artificial additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: yellow 5
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Is Blue 1 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Blue 1 is used here as colorant. Blue 1 is an artificial colorant that is associated with potential health risks and sensitivity issues. Its inclusion indicates a reliance on synthetic ingredients.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: blue 1
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: 2356421
More from this brand: Hershey products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert 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.