Is Organic Queso Fresco Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Forager
Forager's Organic Queso Fresco is reviewed here as a dairy. 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 Natural Flavors.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes cashew milk and coconut cream, which are good sources of fats. However, the presence of tapioca starch and natural flavors raises concerns about processing and quality.
Main concern
Tapioca starch is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about nutritional value.
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
- Cashew milk provides a dairy-free alternative, appealing to those avoiding animal products.
- Coconut cream adds a rich texture, enhancing the mouthfeel of the cheese.
- Contains cultures that may contribute to flavor development.
- Fava bean protein flour offers a plant-based protein source.
Concerns
- Tapioca starch is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about nutritional value.
- Natural flavors are vague and can include synthetic components, impacting transparency.
- Calcium phosphate is a synthetic additive that may not align with clean eating principles.
- Cultured dextrose is a processed sugar that could be a concern 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 dairy, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Cashew Milk safe in this dairy?
Good
Cashew Milk is used here as base. Cashew milk serves as the primary base, providing a creamy texture and dairy-free profile. It is minimally processed and offers healthy fats.
Role in formula: base
Original: cashewmilk (filtered water cashews*)
-
Is Tapioca Starch safe in this dairy?
Medium
Tapioca Starch is used here as thickener. Tapioca starch is used as a thickening agent, contributing to texture. However, it is a processed ingredient with limited nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: tapioca starch
-
Is Coconut Cream safe in this dairy?
Good
Coconut Cream is used here as base. Coconut cream adds richness and creaminess to the product, enhancing flavor and mouthfeel while being a natural ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: coconut cream
-
Is Cultures safe in this dairy?
Good
Cultures is used here as natural_extract. Cultures are beneficial for flavor development and may contribute to a more complex taste profile, indicating a fermentation process.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: cultures
-
Is Sea Salt safe in this dairy?
Good
Sea Salt is used here as flavor. Sea salt is a natural flavor enhancer that helps to balance the overall taste of the cheese without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sea salt
-
Is Calcium Phosphate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Calcium Phosphate is used here as stabilizer. Calcium phosphate is added for stabilization and to provide calcium, but it is a synthetic ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: calcium phosphate
-
Is Fava Bean Protein Flour safe in this dairy?
Good
Fava Bean Protein Flour is used here as base. Fava bean protein flour contributes plant-based protein, enhancing the nutritional profile while being minimally processed.
Role in formula: base
Original: fava bean protein flour
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this dairy?
Bad
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors can be derived from various sources, including synthetic processes, which may compromise ingredient transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
-
Is Cultured Dextrose safe in this dairy?
Medium
Cultured Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Cultured dextrose is a processed sugar that may not align with clean eating principles, raising concerns about its inclusion.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: cultured dextrose
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this dairy?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used for acidity and flavor balance, but it is a processed ingredient that may not be preferred by all consumers.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: lactic acid
-
Is Annatto safe in this dairy?
Medium
Annatto is used here as colorant. Annatto is a natural colorant used for visual appeal, but its processing can vary, raising questions about its quality.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: annatto
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: 3449657
More from this brand: Forager products in Zerotox
Similar products: dairy in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: cashews , coconut
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.