Is Mono Balls Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Costa
Costa's Mono Balls is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 45/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sugar, Fructose Syrup, Fractionated Palm Oil.
45 / 100
Why score is 45
The ingredient composition includes several synthetic additives like BHT and artificial colors, which raise significant quality and safety concerns. The presence of refined sugars and processed oils further detracts from the overall rating.
Main concern
Presence of BHT, a synthetic antioxidant, raises concerns about long-term safety.
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 and whole milk powder, which can provide some flavor and texture.
- Includes vitamins like B1, B2, and B12, which may contribute to nutritional value.
Concerns
- Presence of BHT, a synthetic antioxidant, raises concerns about long-term safety.
- Includes artificial colors and flavors, indicating a highly processed composition.
- Refined sugars and palm oil derivatives contribute to health concerns associated with processed snacks.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this snack, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and texture. However, it is a refined grain, which may raise concerns about nutritional quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Harina de trigo
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a refined sweetener that contributes to the product's sweetness but raises concerns about excessive sugar intake and related health issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: azúcar
-
Is Corn Semolina safe in this snack?
Medium
Corn Semolina is used here as base. Corn semolina adds texture and contributes to the overall carbohydrate content. It is processed but less refined than some alternatives.
Role in formula: base
Original: semolina de maiz
-
Is Cocoa Butter safe in this snack?
Good
Cocoa Butter is used here as base. Cocoa butter is a natural fat derived from cocoa beans, providing a rich texture and flavor. It is minimally processed and generally considered safe.
Role in formula: base
Original: manteca de cacao
-
Is Fructose Syrup safe in this snack?
Bad
Fructose Syrup is used here as sweetener. Fructose syrup is a processed sweetener that can contribute to excessive sugar intake and related health concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: jarabe de fructosa
-
Is Whey safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a dairy byproduct that adds protein and flavor. It is processed but can be beneficial in moderation.
Role in formula: base
Original: suero de leche
-
Is Whole Milk Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Whole Milk Powder is used here as base. Whole milk powder adds creaminess and flavor. While it provides some nutritional benefits, it is a processed dairy product.
Role in formula: base
Original: leche entera en polvo
-
Is Rice Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Rice Flour is used here as base. Rice flour is a gluten-free alternative that adds texture. It is processed but can be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Role in formula: base
Original: harina de arroz
-
Is Cocoa safe in this snack?
Good
Cocoa is used here as base. Cocoa adds rich flavor and some antioxidants. It is minimally processed and generally considered beneficial.
Role in formula: base
Original: cacao
-
Is Malt Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Malt Extract is used here as flavor. Malt extract adds sweetness and flavor. It is processed but can enhance the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: extracto de malta
-
Is Shea Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Shea Oil is used here as base. Shea oil is a fat that can enhance texture. It is processed but generally considered safe for consumption.
Role in formula: base
Original: aceite de shea
-
Is Fractionated Palm Oil safe in this snack?
Bad
Fractionated Palm Oil is used here as base. Fractionated palm oil is a processed fat that raises health concerns due to its association with unhealthy fats and environmental issues.
Role in formula: base
Original: palma fraccionado
-
Is Wheat Bran safe in this snack?
Medium
Wheat Bran is used here as base. Wheat bran adds fiber and texture. While it is a whole grain, it is still processed and may not provide significant health benefits.
Role in formula: base
Original: salvado de trigo
-
Is Skim Milk Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Skim Milk Powder is used here as base. Skim milk powder adds creaminess and some protein. It is processed but can be beneficial in moderation.
Role in formula: base
Original: leche descremada en polvo
-
Is Tricalcium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Bad
Tricalcium Phosphate is used here as stabilizer. Tricalcium phosphate is a synthetic additive used as a stabilizer. Its safety and necessity in food products are often questioned.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: fosfato tricálcico
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used as a thickener. It can raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrina
-
Is Fractionated Palm Butter safe in this snack?
Bad
Fractionated Palm Butter is used here as base. Fractionated palm butter is a processed fat that raises health concerns due to its association with unhealthy fats and environmental issues.
Role in formula: base
Original: manteca de palma fraccionada
-
Is Caramel Color safe in this snack?
Bad
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color is an artificial colorant that can raise safety concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential contaminants.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: color caramelo
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients. While it is processed, it is generally considered safe.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: eitina de soya
-
Is Calcium Carbonate safe in this snack?
Medium
Calcium Carbonate is used here as stabilizer. Calcium carbonate is used as a stabilizer and source of calcium. It is generally safe but raises questions about its necessity.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: carbonato de calcio
-
Is Natural Flavoring safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavoring is used here as flavor. Natural flavoring enhances taste but can be vague in terms of composition, raising concerns about transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: saborizante Antico a natural
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and is a common ingredient. In moderation, it is generally safe.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sal
-
Is Cocoa Liquor safe in this snack?
Good
Cocoa Liquor is used here as base. Cocoa liquor adds rich flavor and some antioxidants. It is minimally processed and generally considered beneficial.
Role in formula: base
Original: licor de cacao
-
Is Big Gum safe in this snack?
Medium
Big Gum is used here as thickener. Big gum is a thickening agent that can improve texture. Its safety is generally accepted, but it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: goma biga
-
Is Fractionated Coconut Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Fractionated Coconut Oil is used here as base. Fractionated coconut oil is a processed fat that can enhance texture. While it is generally safe, it is still a refined ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: aceite de coco fraccionado
Read the full ingredient profile for Fractionated Coconut Oil
-
Is Vitamin C safe in this snack?
Good
Vitamin C is used here as nutrient. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports immune function. Its inclusion adds nutritional value to the product.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: vitamina C
-
Is Bht safe in this snack?
Bad
Bht is used here as preservative. BHT is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about potential health risks associated with long-term consumption.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Soxidante BHT
-
Is Niacin safe in this snack?
Good
Niacin is used here as nutrient. Niacin is a B vitamin that supports metabolism and overall health. Its presence adds nutritional value.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: niacina
-
Is Zinc Oxide safe in this snack?
Medium
Zinc Oxide is used here as nutrient. Zinc oxide is used as a source of zinc, which is important for immune function. Its necessity in this product is debatable.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: óxido de zinc
-
Is Ferrous Phosphate safe in this snack?
Medium
Ferrous Phosphate is used here as nutrient. Ferrous phosphate is a source of iron, which is essential for blood health. Its inclusion raises questions about the product's overall iron content.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: losfato férrico
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is a processed fat that can enhance texture. While it is generally safe, it is still a refined ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: aceite de maravilla
-
Is Vitamin B2 safe in this snack?
Good
Vitamin B2 is used here as nutrient. Vitamin B2 is essential for energy production and overall health. Its presence adds nutritional value to the product.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: vitamina itamina B2
-
Is Vitamin B1 safe in this snack?
Good
Vitamin B1 is used here as nutrient. Vitamin B1 is important for energy metabolism. Its inclusion adds nutritional value to the product.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: vitamina B1
-
Is Red Ac Colorant safe in this snack?
Bad
Red Ac Colorant is used here as colorant. Red AC colorant is an artificial color that raises safety concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential contaminants.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: colorante rojo AC
-
Is Folic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Folic Acid is used here as nutrient. Folic acid is important for cell division and overall health. Its presence adds nutritional value to the product.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: ácido fólico
-
Is Vitamin B12 safe in this snack?
Good
Vitamin B12 is used here as nutrient. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and blood health. Its inclusion adds nutritional value to the product.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: vitamina B12
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: 3439858
More from this brand: Costa 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.