Payday product image with 60/100 Zerotox safety score

Is Payday Safe? Ingredient Analysis

Hershey's

This page reviews Payday by Hershey's as a snack. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.

If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Carrageenan.

60 / 100

Moderate quality

Why score is 60

The composition includes peanuts and sugar as primary ingredients, but also contains corn syrup and carrageenan. While peanuts provide natural protein, the presence of corn syrup and carrageenan raises concerns about added sugars and synthetic additives, impacting the overall quality and safety assessment.

Main concern

Contains corn syrup, a refined sugar that can contribute to high glycemic index.

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 peanuts, which are a source of natural protein and healthy fats.
  • Includes skim milk, providing some calcium and protein content.

Concerns

  • Contains corn syrup, a refined sugar that can contribute to high glycemic index.
  • Carrageenan is a thickener that has raised concerns regarding digestive health.

Who should avoid this product?

You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:

  • people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
  • people avoiding animal-derived ingredients

Ingredients breakdown

The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this snack and why it matters.

  • Is Peanuts safe in this snack?

    Good

    Peanuts is used here as base. Peanuts are a natural source of protein and healthy fats, contributing positively to the nutritional profile of this snack. Their inclusion supports overall quality and safety.

    Role in formula: base

    Original: peanuts

    Read the full ingredient profile for Peanuts

  • Is Sugar safe in this snack?

    Medium

    Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a common sweetener that enhances flavor but raises concerns about excessive consumption and potential health impacts, particularly in processed snacks.

    Role in formula: sweetener

    Original: sugar

    Read the full ingredient profile for Sugar

  • Is Corn Syrup safe in this snack?

    Medium

    Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a refined sweetener that can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Its presence indicates a higher sugar content, which may be a concern for health-conscious consumers.

    Role in formula: sweetener

    Original: corn syrup

    Read the full ingredient profile for Corn Syrup

  • Is Skim Milk safe in this snack?

    Good

    Skim Milk is used here as base. Skim milk provides a source of calcium and protein, contributing positively to the nutritional value of the product without adding significant fat content.

    Role in formula: base

    Original: skim milk

    Read the full ingredient profile for Skim Milk

  • Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?

    Medium

    Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil, including palm and sunflower oil, is used for texture and moisture. However, palm oil raises environmental concerns, while refined oils may have health implications.

    Role in formula: base

    Original: vegetable oil (palm oil, sunflower oil)

    Read the full ingredient profile for Vegetable Oil

  • Is Salt safe in this snack?

    Good

    Salt is used here as base. Salt is used to enhance flavor in this snack. In moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet, but excessive intake can lead to health issues.

    Role in formula: base

    Original: salt

    Read the full ingredient profile for Salt

  • Is Carrageenan safe in this snack?

    Bad

    Carrageenan is used here as thickener. Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. It has been associated with digestive issues in some individuals, raising concerns about its safety in food products.

    Role in formula: thickener

    Original: carrageenan

    Read the full ingredient profile for Carrageenan

  • Is Mono And Diglycerides safe in this snack?

    Medium

    Mono And Diglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers that help maintain texture and consistency. While generally recognized as safe, they are processed ingredients that may raise quality concerns.

    Role in formula: emulsifier

    Original: mono-and diglycerides

    Read the full ingredient profile for Mono And Diglycerides

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: 2356402

More from this brand: Hershey's products in Zerotox

Similar products: snack in Zerotox database

Allergens detected: peanut , milk

Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.

Frequently asked questions

This depends on the ingredient profile. People with sensitive skin or scalp, users avoiding fragrance, sulfates or animal-derived ingredients, and cautious shoppers should review the breakdown above before buying. Scores are informational only and do not constitute professional advice; always read the label and consult a qualified professional.
Our analysis indicates animal-derived ingredients may be present in this product. See the Ingredients section and the label for details.
We do not detect parabens in this product's listed ingredients. Always check the label as formulations change.
Based on our data we do not detect fragrance in this product's listed ingredients. Formulations can change; check the label.
Browse snack products on Zerotox with ingredient analysis.
Our analysis notes: Contains peanuts, which are a source of natural protein and healthy fats.; Includes skim milk, providing some calcium and protein content.. See the Pros section above.
Hershey's — Payday has a Zerotox safety score of 60 / 100. Check the ingredient breakdown above. More Hershey's products. Scores are informational only and do not constitute professional advice; always read the label and consult a qualified professional.
The composition includes peanuts and sugar as primary ingredients, but also contains corn syrup and carrageenan. While peanuts provide natural protein, the presence of corn syrup and carrageenan raises concerns about added sugars and synthetic additives, impacting the overall quality and safety assessment. Scores are informational only and do not constitute professional advice; always read the label and consult a qualified professional.
Hershey's — Payday has a Zerotox safety score of 60 / 100. Higher scores mean fewer concerning ingredients. Scores are informational only and do not constitute professional advice; always read the label and consult a qualified professional.
This product includes positive or neutral ingredients such as: peanuts, skim milk, salt. See the Ingredients section above.
Browse Hershey's products on Zerotox with ingredient analysis and safety scores.
Zerotox gives Hershey's — Payday a safety score of 60 / 100 based on ingredients. See the breakdown above. Scores are informational only and do not constitute professional advice; always read the label and consult a qualified professional.