Is Jolly Rancher Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Hershey
Hershey's Jolly Rancher is reviewed here as a dessert. Zerotox gives it 30/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sugar, Corn Syrup, Natural And Artificial Flavours.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition of Jolly Rancher includes multiple synthetic additives such as Allura Red and Tartrazine, which raise significant quality and safety concerns. The presence of mineral oil further indicates a highly processed product.
Main concern
Includes multiple artificial colors like Allura Red and Tartrazine, raising 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 malic acid, which provides a tart flavor profile.
- Modified corn starch acts as a thickener, enhancing texture.
Concerns
- Includes multiple artificial colors like Allura Red and Tartrazine, raising safety concerns.
- Mineral oil is a synthetic ingredient that may pose quality issues.
- High sugar content from sugars and corn syrup indicates excessive sweetness.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this dessert, not just listed as a raw label.
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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 product, raising concerns about excessive sugar consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugars (sugar)
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Is Corn Syrup safe in this dessert?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that adds to the sugar content, raising concerns about health implications associated with high sugar intake.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
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Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this dessert?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used as a thickening agent, which can raise concerns about processing and potential digestive issues.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Modified corn starch
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Is Malic Acid safe in this dessert?
Good
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is a natural acid that enhances tartness in candies, contributing positively to flavor without significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Malic acid
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Is Natural And Artificial Flavours safe in this dessert?
Bad
Natural And Artificial Flavours is used here as flavor. Natural and artificial flavors can be vague and may include synthetic components, raising concerns about ingredient transparency and safety.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural and artificial flavours
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural And Artificial Flavours
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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 but can raise concerns about its synthetic nature and potential health effects.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Sodium citrate
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Is Mineral Oil safe in this dessert?
Bad
Mineral Oil is used here as solvent. Mineral oil is a synthetic ingredient that may pose health risks and indicates a highly processed product.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Mineral oil
-
Is Carnauba Wax safe in this dessert?
Medium
Carnauba Wax is used here as coating agent. Carnauba wax is used for coating and provides a shiny appearance, but its processing raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: coating agent
Original: Carnauba wax
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Is Allura Red safe in this dessert?
Bad
Allura Red is used here as colorant. Allura Red is a synthetic dye that raises safety concerns due to potential health risks associated with artificial colors.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Allura Red
-
Is Brilliant Blue Fcf safe in this dessert?
Bad
Brilliant Blue Fcf is used here as colorant. Brilliant Blue FCF is an artificial colorant that may pose health risks, contributing to the product's overall quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Brilliant Blue FCF
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Is Tartrazine safe in this dessert?
Bad
Tartrazine is used here as colorant. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye linked to allergic reactions in some individuals, raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Tartrazine
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Is Sunset Yellow Fcf safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sunset Yellow Fcf is used here as colorant. Sunset Yellow FCF is an artificial colorant associated with potential health risks, further indicating the product's processed nature.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Sunset Yellow FCF
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: 3250606
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.