Is Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Cedar Crest Specialties
Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream is a dessert from Cedar Crest Specialties. It has a Zerotox safety score of 30/100, which means it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Sweeteners, Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several concerning ingredients such as partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavor. These synthetic and highly processed components raise significant quality and safety concerns, leading to a low rating due to potential health risks associated with their consumption.
Main concern
High fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener linked to health issues.
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 nonfat milk and cream, which provide a dairy base for the ice cream.
- Includes peanuts, offering a source of flavor and texture.
Concerns
- High fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener linked to health issues.
- Partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil raises concerns due to trans fats.
- Carrageenan is a thickener that may cause digestive issues in some individuals.
- Artificial flavor indicates synthetic additives that may not be well-received.
Who should avoid this product?
This dessert may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this dessert so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Nonfat Milk safe in this dessert?
Good
Nonfat Milk is used here as base. Nonfat milk serves as a primary base for this ice cream, contributing to its creamy texture without added fat. It is a natural dairy product that provides essential nutrients.
Role in formula: base
Original: Nonfat milk
-
Is Cream safe in this dessert?
Good
Cream is used here as base. Cream adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the ice cream. It is a natural dairy ingredient that enhances the overall texture and flavor profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: cream
-
Is Buttermilk safe in this dessert?
Good
Buttermilk is used here as base. Buttermilk contributes a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the ice cream. It is a fermented dairy product that adds depth to the flavor profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: buttermilk
-
Is Corn Syrup safe in this dessert?
Medium
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a sweetener that helps achieve the desired sweetness and texture in the ice cream. However, it is a processed ingredient that raises concerns about high sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
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Is Peanuts safe in this dessert?
Good
Peanuts is used here as flavor. Peanuts provide a distinct flavor and texture, enhancing the overall experience of the ice cream. They are a natural ingredient that adds nutritional value.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: peanuts
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Is Cottonseed And Or Peanut Oil safe in this dessert?
Medium
Cottonseed And Or Peanut Oil is used here as emulsifier. Cottonseed and/or peanut oil act as emulsifiers, helping to blend ingredients and improve texture. However, they are processed oils that may raise health concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: cottonseed and or peanut oil
-
Is High Fructose Corn Syrup safe in this dessert?
Bad
High Fructose Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. High fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener associated with various health issues, including obesity and metabolic disorders. Its presence significantly lowers the product's quality.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: high fructose corn syrup
Read the full ingredient profile for High Fructose Corn Syrup
-
Is Salt safe in this dessert?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances the overall flavor of the ice cream, balancing sweetness and providing depth. It is a common ingredient in many food products.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Corn Sweeteners safe in this dessert?
Bad
Corn Sweeteners is used here as sweetener. Corn sweeteners are processed sugars that contribute to the overall sweetness of the product. Their high sugar content raises concerns about health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn sweeteners (corn & high fructose corn syrups)
-
Is Sweetened Condensed Skim Milk safe in this dessert?
Medium
Sweetened Condensed Skim Milk is used here as base. Sweetened condensed skim milk adds sweetness and creaminess to the ice cream. However, it is a processed ingredient that contains added sugars.
Role in formula: base
Original: sweetened condensed skim milk (skim milk, sugar, corn syrup)
Read the full ingredient profile for Sweetened Condensed Skim Milk
-
Is Cocoa safe in this dessert?
Medium
Cocoa is used here as flavor. Cocoa is used for flavoring and coloring the ice cream. It is processed with alkali, which may reduce some of its natural benefits.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cocoa (processed with alkali)
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Is Whey safe in this dessert?
Medium
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production that adds protein and creaminess. It is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for those with dairy sensitivities.
Role in formula: base
Original: whey
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Is Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil safe in this dessert?
Bad
Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil is used here as fat. Partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil is a source of trans fats, which are linked to various health risks, including heart disease. Its presence is a significant concern.
Role in formula: fat
Original: partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil
Read the full ingredient profile for Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
-
Is Chocolate Liquor safe in this dessert?
Medium
Chocolate Liquor is used here as flavor. Chocolate liquor is made from ground cocoa beans and adds rich chocolate flavor. It is a processed ingredient that may contain added sugars.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: chocolate liquor
-
Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this dessert?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used as a thickening agent to improve texture. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified corn starch
-
Is Sodium Alginate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Sodium Alginate is used here as thickener. Sodium alginate is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. It helps improve texture but is a processed ingredient that may not be well-received by all consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: sodium alginate
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Is Vanilla safe in this dessert?
Good
Vanilla is used here as flavor. Vanilla adds a natural flavor to the ice cream, enhancing its overall taste. It is a common flavoring agent in many desserts.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: vanilla
-
Is Artificial Flavor safe in this dessert?
Bad
Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Artificial flavor is a synthetic additive used to enhance taste. Its presence raises concerns about the quality and naturalness of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: artificial flavor
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Is Milk Chocolate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Milk Chocolate is used here as flavor. Milk chocolate adds sweetness and flavor to the ice cream. However, it contains added sugars and processed ingredients that may raise health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, dry whole milk, chocolate, soy lecithin, salt, vanilla)
-
Is Ground Peanuts safe in this dessert?
Good
Ground Peanuts is used here as flavor. Ground peanuts enhance the peanut flavor and provide texture. They are a natural ingredient that adds nutritional value to the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ground peanuts
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Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a common sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness of the ice cream. Its high content raises concerns about health implications, including obesity.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Palm Kernel Oil safe in this dessert?
Bad
Palm Kernel Oil is used here as fat. Palm kernel oil is a source of saturated fat and raises environmental concerns due to its production. Its presence indicates a less favorable quality profile.
Role in formula: fat
Original: palm kernel oil
-
Is Lactose safe in this dessert?
Medium
Lactose is used here as base. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk. While it contributes to the sweetness, it may pose issues for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Role in formula: base
Original: lactose
-
Is Mono Diglycerides safe in this dessert?
Medium
Mono Diglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Mono and diglycerides are emulsifiers that help blend ingredients and improve texture. They are processed ingredients that may raise health concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: mono & diglycerides
-
Is Guar Gum safe in this dessert?
Medium
Guar Gum is used here as thickener. Guar gum is a thickening agent derived from guar beans. It improves texture but is a processed ingredient that may not be well-received by all consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: guar gum
-
Is Cellulose Gum safe in this dessert?
Medium
Cellulose Gum is used here as thickener. Cellulose gum is a thickening agent derived from plant fibers. It enhances texture but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: cellulose gum
-
Is Carrageenan safe in this dessert?
Bad
Carrageenan is used here as thickener. Carrageenan is a thickener derived from seaweed that may cause digestive issues in some individuals. Its presence raises safety concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: carrageenan
-
Is Caramel Color safe in this dessert?
Bad
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color is an artificial colorant used to enhance appearance. Its synthetic nature raises concerns about the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: caramel color
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: 2388654
More from this brand: Cedar Crest Specialties products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: peanut , milk
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