Is No-Beef Meatballs Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Tesco Plant Chef
No-Beef Meatballs is a food from Tesco Plant Chef. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Flavouring.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes rehydrated textured soya protein and various stabilizers. However, the presence of maltodextrin and dextrose raises concerns about processed ingredients, impacting the overall rating.
Main concern
Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may raise concerns regarding 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
- Rehydrated textured soya protein is a good source of plant-based protein, contributing positively to the product's nutritional profile.
- Onion purée and garlic purée provide natural flavoring, enhancing taste without artificial additives.
Concerns
- Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may raise concerns regarding its impact on blood sugar levels.
- Dextrose is a simple sugar that can contribute to rapid glucose spikes, indicating a less favorable ingredient profile.
Who should avoid this product?
This food may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this food so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Rehydrated Textured Soya Protein safe in this food?
Good
Rehydrated Textured Soya Protein is used here as base. Rehydrated textured soya protein serves as the main protein source in this product, providing a plant-based alternative to meat. Its quality is generally high, supporting a vegetarian diet.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rehydrated Textured Soya Protein
Read the full ingredient profile for Rehydrated Textured Soya Protein
-
Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental ingredient used for hydration and texture in the meatballs, posing no quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
-
Is Onion Puree safe in this food?
Good
Onion Puree is used here as flavor. Onion purée adds natural flavor and moisture to the meatballs, enhancing taste without artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Purée
-
Is Rapeseed Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Rapeseed Oil is used here as base. Rapeseed oil is a common cooking oil that provides fat content. While it is a source of unsaturated fats, concerns about processing methods exist.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rapeseed Oil
-
Is Soya Protein Concentrate safe in this food?
Good
Soya Protein Concentrate is used here as base. Soya protein concentrate is a high-quality protein source that enhances the meatball's nutritional value, supporting a plant-based diet.
Role in formula: base
Original: Soya Protein Concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Soya Protein Concentrate
-
Is Chickpea Flour safe in this food?
Good
Chickpea Flour is used here as base. Chickpea flour adds protein and fiber, contributing to the overall nutritional profile and texture of the meatballs.
Role in formula: base
Original: Chickpea Flour
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement, providing umami taste. While generally safe, it may raise concerns for those sensitive to MSG.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Yeast Extract
-
Is Methyl Cellulose safe in this food?
Medium
Methyl Cellulose is used here as stabilizer. Methyl cellulose acts as a stabilizer and thickener, helping to maintain texture. It is derived from cellulose and is considered safe for consumption.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Methyl Cellulose
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Is Tomato Puree safe in this food?
Good
Tomato Puree is used here as flavor. Tomato purée adds flavor and moisture, contributing to the overall taste profile of the meatballs without artificial additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Tomato Purée
-
Is Parsley safe in this food?
Good
Parsley is used here as flavor. Parsley is a natural herb that enhances flavor and adds nutritional value, contributing positively to the product's composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Parsley
-
Is Garlic Puree safe in this food?
Good
Garlic Puree is used here as flavor. Garlic purée provides a strong flavor profile and potential health benefits, enhancing the overall taste of the meatballs.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Purée
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this food?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder adds concentrated flavor, complementing the other ingredients without introducing artificial elements.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Powder
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this food?
Bad
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used as a thickener. It can raise concerns regarding its impact on blood sugar levels due to its high glycemic index.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Maltodextrin
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this food?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder enhances flavor and provides potential health benefits, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Powder
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for flavor enhancement. While necessary in moderation, excessive consumption can raise health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Malted Barley Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Malted Barley Extract is used here as flavor. Malted barley extract adds flavor and sweetness. It is derived from barley, which may pose concerns for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Malted Barley Extract
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Is Dextrose safe in this food?
Bad
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar that can lead to rapid glucose spikes, raising concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Dextrose
-
Is Black Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Black pepper adds flavor and may have digestive benefits, contributing positively to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Black Pepper
-
Is White Pepper safe in this food?
Good
White Pepper is used here as flavor. White pepper provides a milder flavor compared to black pepper, enhancing the overall taste without artificial additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: White Pepper
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Is Tomato Powder safe in this food?
Good
Tomato Powder is used here as flavor. Tomato powder adds concentrated flavor and color, enhancing the overall taste profile of the meatballs.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Tomato Powder
-
Is Flavouring safe in this food?
Bad
Flavouring is used here as flavor. Flavouring is a vague term that may refer to artificial or natural flavor enhancers, raising concerns about ingredient transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Flavouring
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: 3954394
More from this brand: Tesco Plant Chef products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: malted_barley , soya
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.