Is Jolly Rancher Gummy Sours Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Hershey
Jolly Rancher Gummy Sours is a dessert from Hershey. It has a Zerotox safety score of 40/100, which means it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Cornstarch.
40 / 100
Why score is 40
The composition includes sugar and corn syrup as primary sweeteners, which raise concerns due to high glycemic index. Additionally, artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 5 are present, which are associated with potential sensitivity issues. The presence of modified cornstarch and artificial flavors further indicates a highly processed product, contributing to the low rating.
Main concern
High sugar content raises concerns about glycemic impact and potential health risks.
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 citric acid, which provides tartness and enhances flavor profile.
- Sodium citrate acts as a buffering agent, helping to stabilize acidity in the product.
Concerns
- High sugar content raises concerns about glycemic impact and potential health risks.
- Presence of artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5) raises quality concerns due to potential sensitivity issues.
- Modified cornstarch is a processed ingredient that may indicate lower quality compared to natural alternatives.
- Artificial flavors contribute to a highly processed composition, which may not appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this dessert so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a primary sweetener in this product, contributing to its high glycemic index. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to various health issues, including obesity and diabetes.
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 sweetener derived from corn starch, often used in candies for its sweetness and texture. It raises similar health concerns as sugar due to its high fructose content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
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Is Modified Cornstarch safe in this dessert?
Bad
Modified Cornstarch is used here as thickener. Modified cornstarch is a processed ingredient used to improve texture and stability. Its presence indicates a level of processing that may not align with clean eating principles.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified cornstarch
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Is Malic Acid safe in this dessert?
Medium
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is a natural acid that provides tartness and enhances flavor. While it is generally recognized as safe, its presence in high amounts can lead to digestive discomfort.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: malic acid
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Is Natural Artificial Flavor safe in this dessert?
Bad
Natural Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural and artificial flavors are used to enhance taste but can be vague in terms of composition. The inclusion of artificial flavors raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural & artificial flavor
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural Artificial Flavor
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Is Sodium Citrate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate is used to regulate acidity in food products. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: sodium citrate
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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 considered safe and adds a tart flavor to the product.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Artificial Color safe in this dessert?
Bad
Artificial Color is used here as colorant. Artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Yellow 6 are synthetic dyes used to enhance visual appeal. These colors are associated with potential health concerns, including hyperactivity in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: artificial color (red 40, yellow 5, blue 1, yellow 6)
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: 2356417
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.