Is Mark & Spencer Salt & Black Pepper Combo Mix Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer's Mark & Spencer Salt & Black Pepper Combo Mix is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sugar, Flavouring.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes dried potatoes and sunflower oil, but also contains maltodextrin and sugar, which raise concerns about processed ingredients. Overall, the mix has a moderate rating due to these factors.
Main concern
Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that can raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
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
- Dried potatoes provide a natural base, contributing to the overall flavor and texture.
- Sunflower oil is a common cooking oil that adds moisture and enhances mouthfeel.
Concerns
- Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that can raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
- Sugar is included, which may not be necessary for a savory snack and raises quality concerns.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this snack, not just listed as a raw label.
-
Is Dried Potatoes safe in this snack?
Good
Dried Potatoes is used here as base. Dried potatoes serve as the primary ingredient, providing a natural flavor and texture to the mix. Their presence supports the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: Dried Potatoes
-
Is Potato Starch safe in this snack?
Medium
Potato Starch is used here as thickener. Potato starch acts as a thickening agent, improving texture. While generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Potato Starch
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is used for frying and adds moisture. While it is a common oil, its high omega-6 content may raise concerns about balance in the diet.
Role in formula: base
Original: Sunflower Oil
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and is essential for taste. Its presence is typical in savory snacks, contributing positively to the overall profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that serves as a thickener. It can impact blood sugar levels, raising concerns about its use in this product.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Maltodextrin
-
Is Cornflour safe in this snack?
Medium
Cornflour is used here as thickener. Cornflour is used to improve texture and consistency. While it is a common ingredient, it is processed and may not be ideal for all consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Cornflour
-
Is Sea Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Sea Salt is used here as flavor. Sea salt is a natural flavor enhancer that adds taste. Its inclusion is beneficial for flavoring the product without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Sea Salt
-
Is Ground Black Pepper safe in this snack?
Good
Ground Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Ground black pepper adds a spicy flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the mix. It is a natural ingredient with no safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ground Black Pepper
-
Is Dried Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Dried Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Dried yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement. While it adds umami, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Dried Yeast Extract
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is included in the mix, which may not be necessary for a savory product. Its presence raises concerns about added sugars in snacks.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Flavouring safe in this snack?
Bad
Flavouring is used here as flavor. Flavouring is a vague term that may refer to artificial or natural flavor enhancers. Its unspecified nature raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Flavouring
-
Is Dried Parsley safe in this snack?
Good
Dried Parsley is used here as natural_extract. Dried parsley adds a fresh flavor and color to the mix. It is a natural ingredient that enhances the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Dried Parsley
-
Is Ground Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Ground Paprika is used here as colorant. Ground paprika provides color and a mild flavor. It is a natural ingredient that contributes positively to the product's profile.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Ground Paprika
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. While it is generally safe, it is a processed ingredient that may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
-
Is Rosemary Extract safe in this snack?
Good
Rosemary Extract is used here as antioxidant. Rosemary extract serves as a natural antioxidant, helping to preserve the product. Its inclusion is beneficial for quality and safety.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Rosemary Extract
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: 2396113
More from this brand: Marks & Spencer products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack 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.