Is Not Squares Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Notco
Notco's Not Squares 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, Sucralose, Calcium Propionate.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes maltitol and sucralose as sweeteners, which raise concerns about synthetic additives. The presence of polydextrose and calcium propionate indicates a processed product with mixed quality implications.
Main concern
Maltitol and sucralose are synthetic sweeteners, raising concerns about artificial ingredients.
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 natural flavors, which can enhance taste without synthetic additives.
- Includes rice protein, providing a plant-based protein source.
- Maní (peanuts) contributes to flavor and texture, adding a nutty element.
- Polydextrose serves as a fiber source, potentially aiding digestion.
Concerns
- Maltitol and sucralose are synthetic sweeteners, raising concerns about artificial ingredients.
- Calcium propionate is a synthetic preservative, indicating a processed nature.
- Polydextrose, while a fiber source, is a processed ingredient with potential digestive issues.
- Contains allergens like peanuts and soy, limiting its suitability for some consumers.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
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 discomfort in some individuals and is 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 may cause digestive issues for some.
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, though it is processed.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: lecitina de soya
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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 Calcium Propionate safe in this dessert?
Bad
Calcium Propionate is used here as preservative. Calcium propionate is a synthetic preservative used to prevent mold growth. Its presence indicates a processed product with potential quality concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: propionato de calcio
-
Is Potassium Sorbate safe in this dessert?
Bad
Potassium Sorbate is used here as preservative. Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative that inhibits mold and yeast growth. It raises concerns about synthetic additives in food.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sorbato de potasio
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Is Rice Protein safe in this dessert?
Good
Rice Protein is used here as base. Rice protein is a plant-based protein source that contributes to the nutritional profile of the product, supporting a vegetarian diet.
Role in formula: base
Original: proteína de arroz
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Is Water safe in this dessert?
Good
Water is used here as solvent. Water is a common ingredient used as a solvent in food products, ensuring proper consistency and texture without raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: agua
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this dessert?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are derived from natural sources to enhance taste. However, their exact composition can be unclear, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: saborizantes naturales
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Is Salt safe in this dessert?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor and balance sweetness. It is a natural ingredient that does not raise safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sal
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Is Isomaltulose safe in this dessert?
Medium
Isomaltulose is used here as sweetener. Isomaltulose is a sugar derived from beets, used as a sweetener. It has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar but is still processed.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: isomaltulosa (PalatinoseTM)
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Is Glycerol safe in this dessert?
Medium
Glycerol is used here as humectant. Glycerol is used as a humectant to retain moisture in the product. While it is generally safe, it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: glicerol
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: 4108319
More from this brand: Notco products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: peanut , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.