Is Monster Trail Mix Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Clover Valley
Monster Trail Mix is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Clover Valley. The product scores 45/100 in Zerotox, meaning it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Vanillin, Artificial Colors affect the overall evaluation.
45 / 100
Why score is 45
The composition includes several synthetic additives such as hydrogenated palm kernel oil and artificial colors like FD&C Red #40. These raise significant quality and safety concerns.
Main concern
Hydrogenated palm kernel oil is a processed fat that raises concerns about trans fats and health implications.
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 peanuts, a natural source of protein and healthy fats, contributing positively to the mix.
- Raisins provide natural sweetness and fiber, enhancing the overall nutritional profile.
Concerns
- Hydrogenated palm kernel oil is a processed fat that raises concerns about trans fats and health implications.
- Artificial colors like FD&C Red #40 and Yellow #5 are synthetic additives linked to potential health risks.
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 snack.
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Is Peanuts safe in this snack?
Good
Peanuts is used here as base. Peanuts are a natural source of protein and healthy fats, providing essential nutrients and energy.
Role in formula: base
Original: PEANUTS
-
Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil is used for roasting peanuts, but its refined nature raises concerns about processing quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: PEANUTS ROASTED IN VEGETABLE OIL (PEANUT, COTTONSEED, SUNFLOWER SEED, AND/OR CANOLA)
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
-
Is Raisins safe in this snack?
Good
Raisins is used here as base. Raisins add natural sweetness and fiber, contributing positively to the overall health profile of the mix.
Role in formula: base
Original: RAISINS
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is used in candy-coated gems and chocolate chips, contributing to sweetness but raising concerns about high sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
-
Is Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil safe in this snack?
Bad
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil is used here as base. This processed fat is linked to health risks associated with trans fats, raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: HYDROGENATED PALM KERNEL OIL
Read the full ingredient profile for Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
-
Is Cocoa Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Cocoa Powder is used here as base. Cocoa powder adds flavor and antioxidants, contributing positively to the mix's overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: COCOA POWDER
-
Is Whey Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Whey Powder is used here as base. Whey powder is a dairy-derived protein that can enhance texture but may raise concerns for lactose-sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: base
Original: WHEY POWDER
-
Is Nonfat Milk Powder safe in this snack?
Medium
Nonfat Milk Powder is used here as base. Nonfat milk powder adds creaminess and protein but may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.
Role in formula: base
Original: NONFAT MILK POWDER
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier, but its processed nature raises some concerns about quality.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: SOY LECITHIN
-
Is Vanillin safe in this snack?
Bad
Vanillin is used here as flavor. Vanillin is a synthetic flavoring agent that may raise concerns about artificial additives in the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: VANILLIN
-
Is Artificial Colors safe in this snack?
Bad
Artificial Colors is used here as colorant. Artificial colors like FD&C Blue #2 and Red #40 are synthetic additives linked to potential health risks.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: FD&C BLUE #2 ALUMINUM LAKE, FD&C BLUE #1 ALUMINUM LAKE, FD&C RED #40 ALUMINUM LAKE, FD&C YELLOW #6 ALUMINUM LAKE, FD&C YELLOW #5 ALUMINUM LAKE
-
Is Gum Arabic safe in this snack?
Medium
Gum Arabic is used here as thickener. Gum arabic is a natural thickener but can be processed, raising some concerns about its quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: GUM ARABIC
-
Is Corn Syrup safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a high-fructose sweetener that raises concerns about excessive sugar intake and health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: CORN SYRUP
-
Is Confectioner S Glaze safe in this snack?
Bad
Confectioner S Glaze is used here as coating. Confectioner's glaze is a coating agent that may contain shellac, raising concerns about its source and safety.
Role in formula: coating
Original: CONFECTIONER'S GLAZE
-
Is Dark Chocolate Chips safe in this snack?
Medium
Dark Chocolate Chips is used here as base. Dark chocolate chips add flavor and some antioxidants but contain sugar and fats that may raise health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS
-
Is Peanut Butter Chips safe in this snack?
Medium
Peanut Butter Chips is used here as base. Peanut butter chips provide flavor and texture but contain sugar and palm oils that may raise health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: PEANUT BUTTER CHIPS
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: 3425616
More from this brand: Clover Valley products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: peanut , milk , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.