Is Microwavable Santa Fe Style Black Beans Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Old El Paso
Microwavable Santa Fe Style Black Beans is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Old El Paso. The product scores 85/100 in Zerotox, meaning it is generally considered low concern based on the current ingredient profile.
The composition includes cooked black beans and tomato paste, with minimal additives. Ingredients like garlic puree and cumin enhance flavor without raising significant safety concerns.
85 / 100
Why score is 85
The composition includes cooked black beans and tomato paste, with minimal additives. Ingredients like garlic puree and cumin enhance flavor without raising significant safety concerns.
Main concern
Sunflower oil is present, which is a processed ingredient and raises moderate concerns about quality.
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 cooked black beans, a natural source of fiber and nutrients, supporting a clean rating.
- Tomato paste adds flavor and is minimally processed, contributing positively to the overall composition.
- Includes garlic puree and cumin, which are natural flavor enhancers without synthetic additives.
- Low levels of preservatives and artificial ingredients indicate a cleaner product profile.
Concerns
- Sunflower oil is present, which is a processed ingredient and raises moderate concerns about quality.
- Salt is included, which may be a concern for those monitoring sodium intake.
- Chili powder and chili pepper puree may not be suitable for all consumers due to potential spice sensitivity.
- The presence of multiple ingredients, while mostly natural, indicates some level of processing.
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this snack.
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Is Cooked Black Beans safe in this snack?
Good
Cooked Black Beans is used here as base. Cooked black beans serve as the primary ingredient, providing essential nutrients and fiber, supporting overall health.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cooked Black Beans
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Is Water safe in this snack?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental component, ensuring the product maintains the right consistency and moisture content.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
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Is Tomato Paste safe in this snack?
Good
Tomato Paste is used here as flavor. Tomato paste adds natural flavor and color, contributing to the overall taste profile without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Tomato Paste
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Is Sweet Corn safe in this snack?
Medium
Sweet Corn is used here as flavor. Sweet corn adds sweetness and texture but is a processed ingredient, raising moderate quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Sweet Corn
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Is Garlic Puree safe in this snack?
Good
Garlic Puree is used here as flavor. Garlic puree enhances flavor naturally, providing aromatic qualities without artificial additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Puree
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Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as emulsifier. Sunflower oil is a processed fat that helps with texture but raises concerns about the quality of oils used.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Sunflower Oil
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for flavor enhancement but may pose concerns for those monitoring sodium intake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
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Is Cumin safe in this snack?
Good
Cumin is used here as flavor. Cumin is a natural spice that adds depth of flavor without raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cumin
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Is Chili Pepper Puree safe in this snack?
Good
Chili Pepper Puree is used here as flavor. Chili pepper puree contributes heat and flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile naturally.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Chili Pepper Puree
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Is Cilantro safe in this snack?
Good
Cilantro is used here as flavor. Cilantro adds a fresh flavor component, enhancing the product's taste without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cilantro
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Is Chili Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Chili Powder is used here as flavor. Chili powder provides spice and flavor, contributing positively to the overall taste without artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Chili Powder
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Is Black Pepper safe in this snack?
Good
Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Black pepper enhances flavor naturally, adding a mild heat without raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Black Pepper
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: 3219168
More from this brand: Old El Paso 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.