Is M&M's Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Mars
M&M's is one of the dessert products analyzed by Zerotox for Mars. The product scores 55/100 in Zerotox, meaning it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sugar, Palm Fat, Glucose Syrup affect the overall evaluation.
55 / 100
Why score is 55
The composition includes several synthetic additives like artificial colors (E120, E133) and palm oil derivatives, raising quality and safety concerns. The presence of refined sugars and emulsifiers further indicates a highly processed product.
Main concern
Presence of multiple artificial colors (E120, E133) raises concerns about synthetic additives.
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 cocoa mass and milk powder, which provide some natural flavor and texture.
- Includes stabilizers like gum arabic, which can help maintain product consistency.
Concerns
- Presence of multiple artificial colors (E120, E133) raises concerns about synthetic additives.
- High sugar content from ingredients like glucose syrup and sugar indicates a processed nature.
- Palm oil and palm kernel oil are present, which are often linked to environmental concerns.
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 dessert.
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Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a refined sweetener that contributes to the product's high sweetness but raises concerns about excessive sugar consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Zucker
-
Is Peanuts safe in this dessert?
Good
Peanuts is used here as base. Peanuts provide a natural source of protein and flavor, contributing positively to the product's overall composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: Erdnüsse
-
Is Cocoa Mass safe in this dessert?
Good
Cocoa Mass is used here as base. Cocoa mass is a key ingredient that adds rich chocolate flavor and is derived from cocoa beans, indicating a natural component.
Role in formula: base
Original: Kakaomasse
-
Is Whole Milk Powder safe in this dessert?
Good
Whole Milk Powder is used here as base. Whole milk powder adds creaminess and flavor, derived from milk, which is a natural ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: Vollmilchpulver
-
Is Cocoa Butter safe in this dessert?
Good
Cocoa Butter is used here as base. Cocoa butter is a natural fat derived from cocoa beans, contributing to the product's texture and mouthfeel.
Role in formula: base
Original: Kakaobutter
-
Is Starch safe in this dessert?
Medium
Starch is used here as thickener. Starch is used as a thickening agent, which can be derived from various sources, raising moderate concerns about processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Stärke
-
Is Palm Fat safe in this dessert?
Bad
Palm Fat is used here as fat. Palm fat is a processed fat that raises concerns due to its association with health issues and environmental impact.
Role in formula: fat
Original: Palmfett
-
Is Skimmed Milk Powder safe in this dessert?
Good
Skimmed Milk Powder is used here as base. Skimmed milk powder adds flavor and creaminess while being lower in fat compared to whole milk powder.
Role in formula: base
Original: Magermilchpulver
-
Is Glucose Syrup safe in this dessert?
Bad
Glucose Syrup is used here as sweetener. Glucose syrup is a highly processed sweetener that contributes to the product's sugar content and raises concerns about health effects.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Glukosesirup
-
Is Gum Arabic safe in this dessert?
Medium
Gum Arabic is used here as stabilizer. Gum arabic is a natural gum used as a stabilizer, but its processing raises moderate concerns about quality.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Stabilisator (Gummi arabicum)
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients but is derived from soy, which may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Emulgator (Sojalecithin)
-
Is Sheaf Fat safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sheaf Fat is used here as fat. Sheaf fat is a processed fat that may raise concerns regarding its health implications.
Role in formula: fat
Original: Sheafett
-
Is Whey Permeate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Whey Permeate is used here as base. Whey permeate is a byproduct of cheese production, used for flavor but raises concerns about processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Molkepermeat (Milch)
-
Is Butter Fat safe in this dessert?
Medium
Butter Fat is used here as fat. Butter fat adds flavor and richness but is a processed ingredient that may raise health concerns.
Role in formula: fat
Original: Butterreinfett (Milch)
-
Is Dextrin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Dextrin is used here as thickener. Dextrin is a processed carbohydrate used as a thickener, raising moderate concerns about its health effects.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Dextrin
-
Is Carnauba Wax safe in this dessert?
Medium
Carnauba Wax is used here as coating agent. Carnauba wax is used as a coating agent to enhance appearance but is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: coating agent
Original: Überzugsmittel (Carnaubawachs)
-
Is Palm Kernel Oil safe in this dessert?
Bad
Palm Kernel Oil is used here as fat. Palm kernel oil is a processed fat associated with health and environmental concerns.
Role in formula: fat
Original: Palmkernöl
-
Is Artificial Colors safe in this dessert?
Bad
Artificial Colors is used here as colorant. Artificial colors (E120, E133, E170, E100, E160a, E160e) are synthetic additives that raise significant quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Farbstoffe (E120, E133, E170, E100, E160a, E160e)
-
Is Salt safe in this dessert?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor but raises concerns about excessive sodium intake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salz
-
Is Flavoring safe in this dessert?
Medium
Flavoring is used here as flavor. Flavoring is a vague term that may include artificial or natural sources, raising concerns about transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Aroma
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: 3925442
More from this brand: Mars products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: peanut , milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.