Is Not Squares Dark Caramel Crunch Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Notco
Notco's Not Squares Dark Caramel Crunch is reviewed here as a dessert. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Maltitol, Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate, Sucralose.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like maltitol and sucralose, which raise concerns about synthetic additives. The presence of natural flavors and proteins offers some quality, but overall, the mix indicates moderate safety issues.
Main concern
Maltitol and sucralose are artificial sweeteners, raising concerns about synthetic additives.
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 pea protein and soy protein, which provide plant-based protein sources.
- Natural flavors are included, suggesting some level of quality in flavoring.
- Polydextrose is a fiber source, which can contribute to digestive health.
- Calcium propionate and potassium sorbate serve as preservatives, helping to maintain product freshness.
Concerns
- Maltitol and sucralose are artificial sweeteners, raising concerns about synthetic additives.
- Polydextrose is a processed ingredient, which may not be ideal for all consumers.
- The presence of multiple sweeteners can indicate a highly processed product.
- Glycerol, while used for moisture retention, is a synthetic ingredient that may not appeal to all.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this dessert, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Chocolate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Chocolate is used here as base. Chocolate is the primary ingredient providing flavor and texture. However, its quality can vary based on processing methods.
Role in formula: base
Original: Chocolate (cacao en pasta, maltitol, polidextrosa, lecitina de soya, polirricinoleato de poliglicerol, SUCRALOSA)
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Is Maltitol safe in this dessert?
Bad
Maltitol is used here as sweetener. Maltitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. It can cause digestive issues in some individuals and is considered a synthetic ingredient.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: maltitol
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Is Polydextrose safe in this dessert?
Medium
Polydextrose is used here as thickener. Polydextrose is a synthetic polymer used as a thickener and fiber source. While it adds texture, it is highly processed.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: polidextrosa
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Is Soy Lecithin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients. It is derived from soy and is generally considered safe, but it is processed.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: lecitina de soya
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Is Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate safe in this dessert?
Bad
Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate is used here as emulsifier. Polyglycerol polyricinoleate is a synthetic emulsifier that can raise concerns about artificial additives in food products.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: polirricinoleato de poliglicerol
Read the full ingredient profile for Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate
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Is Sucralose safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sucralose is used here as sweetener. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar. Its synthetic nature raises concerns about long-term health effects.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUCRALOSA
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Is Pea Protein safe in this dessert?
Good
Pea Protein is used here as base. Pea protein is a plant-based protein that contributes to the nutritional profile of the product, offering a good source of protein.
Role in formula: base
Original: proteina de arveja
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Is Soy Protein safe in this dessert?
Good
Soy Protein is used here as base. Soy protein is another plant-based protein that enhances the product's protein content, beneficial for those seeking plant proteins.
Role in formula: base
Original: proteína de soya
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Is Fried Corn safe in this dessert?
Medium
Fried Corn is used here as base. Fried corn adds texture and flavor but is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: maíz frito
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Is Glycerol safe in this dessert?
Medium
Glycerol is used here as humectant. Glycerol is used to retain moisture in the product. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a synthetic ingredient.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: glicerol
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Is Peanut Butter safe in this dessert?
Good
Peanut Butter is used here as base. Peanut butter adds flavor and healthy fats, contributing positively to the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: pasta de mani
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Is Isomaltulose safe in this dessert?
Medium
Isomaltulose is used here as sweetener. Isomaltulose is a sugar substitute that provides sweetness with a lower glycemic index, but it is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: isomaltulosa (Palatinose™)
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this dessert?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as fat. Vegetable oil is used for texture and moisture. The type of oil can vary, and it may be refined, raising some concerns.
Role in formula: fat
Original: aceite vegetal (soya y maravilla)
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Is Natural Flavors safe in this dessert?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are used to enhance taste but can be vague in terms of sourcing and processing, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: saborizantes naturales e idénticos a natural
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Is Salt safe in this dessert?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor. While necessary in moderation, excessive amounts can be a concern.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sal
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Is Calcium Propionate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Calcium Propionate is used here as preservative. Calcium propionate is a preservative that helps prevent mold growth. While effective, it is a synthetic additive.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: propionato de calcio
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Is Potassium Sorbate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Potassium Sorbate is used here as preservative. Potassium sorbate is a common preservative used to inhibit mold and yeast growth. It is synthetic and raises some safety concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sorbato de potasio
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Is Vitamin B6 safe in this dessert?
Good
Vitamin B6 is used here as nutrient. Vitamin B6 is included for its nutritional benefits, contributing positively to the product's overall profile.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: vitamina B6
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: 4108320
More from this brand: Notco products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert in Zerotox database
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