Is Oven Gratin Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Picnic
Oven Gratin is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Picnic. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sodium Nitrate, Annatto Norbixine affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium nitrate as a preservative and artificial colorants like annatto norbixine, indicating a processed product with some quality concerns.
Main concern
Sodium nitrate is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about long-term health effects.
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 pasteurized milk, which is a good source of calcium and protein.
- Potato starch serves as a thickening agent, providing texture without synthetic additives.
Concerns
- Sodium nitrate is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about long-term health effects.
- Artificial colorants like annatto norbixine may indicate a processed nature, which can affect overall quality.
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 food.
-
Is Pasteurized Milk safe in this food?
Good
Pasteurized Milk is used here as base. Pasteurized milk is used as a base ingredient, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein.
Role in formula: base
Original: Gepasteuriseerde melk
-
Is Potato Starch safe in this food?
Good
Potato Starch is used here as thickener. Potato starch acts as a thickening agent, enhancing texture without introducing synthetic components.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: aardappelzetmeel
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for flavor enhancement, a common and necessary ingredient in many food products.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: zout
-
Is Starter Culture safe in this food?
Good
Starter Culture is used here as natural_extract. Starter culture is used for fermentation, contributing to flavor and texture in dairy products.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: zuursel
-
Is Animal Rennet safe in this food?
Medium
Animal Rennet is used here as emulsifier. Animal rennet is used for coagulation in cheese-making, raising some concerns for vegetarians.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: dierlijk stremsel
-
Is Sodium Nitrate safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Nitrate is used here as preservative. Sodium nitrate is a synthetic preservative that helps prolong shelf life but raises health concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: natriumnitraat
-
Is Carotenoids safe in this food?
Medium
Carotenoids is used here as colorant. Carotenoids are natural colorants that enhance appearance but may indicate processing.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: kleurstoffen (carotenen)
-
Is Annatto Norbixine safe in this food?
Bad
Annatto Norbixine is used here as colorant. Annatto norbixine is an artificial colorant that raises concerns about synthetic additives in food.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: annatto norbixine
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: 4222329
More from this brand: Picnic products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.