Is Mild Taco Sauce Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Ortega
Mild Taco Sauce is one of the sauce condiment products analyzed by Zerotox for Ortega. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sodium Benzoate affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium benzoate as a synthetic preservative and corn syrup, raising concerns about processed ingredients. The presence of modified corn starch and xanthan gum indicates a reliance on thickening agents.
Main concern
Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative, raising quality 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
- Tomato puree provides a natural base, contributing to flavor and texture.
- Spices and paprika enhance the sauce's flavor profile, adding depth.
- Citric acid acts as an acidulant, balancing the sauce's taste.
- Onion powder adds flavor without the need for fresh ingredients.
Concerns
- Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative, raising quality concerns.
- Corn syrup is a processed sweetener, contributing to a less natural profile.
- Modified corn starch is a thickening agent that may indicate processing.
- Xanthan gum is a thickener that, while common, suggests reliance on additives.
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this sauce condiment.
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Is Tomato Puree safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Tomato Puree is used here as base. Tomato puree is a natural ingredient providing flavor and texture, essential for the sauce's base.
Role in formula: base
Original: tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
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Is Water safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as a solvent and diluent, essential for achieving the desired consistency.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
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Is Corn Syrup safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a processed sweetener that adds sweetness but raises concerns about its naturalness.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
-
Is Distilled Vinegar safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Distilled Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Distilled vinegar adds acidity, enhancing flavor and acting as a preservative.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: distilled vinegar
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Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, contributing to the overall taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used to thicken the sauce, indicating some processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified corn starch
-
Is Spices safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices contribute to the flavor complexity of the sauce, enhancing its appeal.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices
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Is Paprika safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika adds color and flavor, enhancing the visual and taste profile of the sauce.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika
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Is Citric Acid safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid helps balance flavors and acts as a preservative, contributing to freshness.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Green Chili Powder safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Green Chili Powder is used here as flavor. Green chili powder adds heat and flavor, enhancing the sauce's overall profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: green chili powder
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Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life but raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sodium benzoate (to preserve freshness)
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Is Xanthan Gum safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent that helps maintain texture but indicates reliance on additives.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: xanthan gum
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Is Onion Powder safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder adds flavor without the need for fresh ingredients, enhancing the sauce's taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
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: 2439944
More from this brand: Ortega products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment 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.