Is Lentil & Chickpea Tagine Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Merchant Gourmet
Merchant Gourmet's Lentil & Chickpea Tagine is reviewed here as a food. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes cooked brown lentils and chickpeas as primary ingredients, but also contains preservatives like sulphur dioxide and sugar, raising quality concerns.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes cooked brown lentils and chickpeas as primary ingredients, but also contains preservatives like sulphur dioxide and sugar, raising quality concerns.
Main concern
Contains sulphur dioxide as a preservative, which may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
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
- Cooked brown lentils and chickpeas provide a good source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Chopped tomatoes contribute to the overall flavor and provide some natural acidity.
- Ras el Hanout seasoning adds a complex flavor profile with various spices.
- Dried apricots offer a touch of sweetness and additional texture.
Concerns
- Contains sulphur dioxide as a preservative, which may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
- Sugar is present in the seasoning, raising concerns about added sweeteners.
- Vegetable oil may include refined oils, which can be less desirable than unrefined options.
- Cornflour is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant nutritional benefits.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this food, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Cooked Brown Lentils safe in this food?
Good
Cooked Brown Lentils is used here as base. Cooked brown lentils serve as the primary ingredient, providing a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber, contributing to the dish's nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cooked Brown Lentils (51%)
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Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is essential for cooking the lentils and chickpeas, ensuring proper texture and moisture in the dish.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
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Is Cooked Chickpeas safe in this food?
Good
Cooked Chickpeas is used here as base. Cooked chickpeas add protein and fiber, enhancing the dish's nutritional profile and providing a creamy texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cooked Chickpeas (21%)
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Is Chopped Tomatoes safe in this food?
Good
Chopped Tomatoes is used here as base. Chopped tomatoes contribute acidity and moisture, balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste of the tagine.
Role in formula: base
Original: Chopped Tomatoes (9%)
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Is Ras El Hanout Seasoning safe in this food?
Medium
Ras El Hanout Seasoning is used here as flavor. Ras el Hanout seasoning adds a complex flavor profile with various spices, but contains sugar and preservatives, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ras el Hanout Seasoning (5%)
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Is Dried Apricot safe in this food?
Medium
Dried Apricot is used here as flavor. Dried apricot adds sweetness and texture, but the presence of rice flour and sulphur dioxide as a preservative raises some concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Dried Apricot (3.9%)
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Is Onions safe in this food?
Good
Onions is used here as base. Onions provide flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the dish with their natural sweetness.
Role in formula: base
Original: Onions
-
Is Red Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Red Pepper is used here as base. Red pepper adds color and sweetness, contributing to the dish's flavor profile and nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: Red Pepper
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil, primarily sunflower or rapeseed, is used for cooking but may be refined, which can reduce its nutritional quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Oil and/ or Rapeseed Oil)
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Is Cornflour safe in this food?
Medium
Cornflour is used here as thickener. Cornflour acts as a thickener in the dish, but it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Cornflour
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: 3950918
More from this brand: Merchant Gourmet products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: sulphites
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.