Is Pickers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
McCain
This page reviews Pickers by McCain 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: Annatto.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like modified starch (E331, E452) and emulsifiers (E471), indicating a moderate quality level. The presence of artificial colorants raises safety concerns.
Main concern
Modified starch and emulsifiers (E331, E452) indicate processing, which may raise quality concerns.
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 Gouda and Cheddar cheese, providing a source of flavor and texture.
- Includes spices and natural flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- The use of sunflower oil is a common choice for frying, which is generally acceptable.
Concerns
- Modified starch and emulsifiers (E331, E452) indicate processing, which may raise quality concerns.
- Presence of artificial colorants like annatto and curcumin suggests a reliance on synthetic additives.
- High levels of refined ingredients like white sugar and glucose syrup may detract from overall quality.
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 Water safe in this snack?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as a fundamental ingredient, providing moisture and aiding in the texture of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: acqua
-
Is Gouda Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Gouda Cheese is used here as base. Gouda cheese contributes flavor and creaminess, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: formaggio Gouda
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor profile, complementing the Gouda and enriching the cheese filling.
Role in formula: base
Original: formaggio Cheddar stagionato
-
Is Butter safe in this snack?
Medium
Butter is used here as base. Butter provides richness and flavor but is a source of saturated fat, raising some health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: burro
-
Is Spices safe in this snack?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. A blend of spices enhances flavor complexity, contributing to the overall taste of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spezie
-
Is Modified Starch safe in this snack?
Medium
Modified Starch is used here as stabilizer. Modified starch is used for texture and stability but raises concerns about processing and quality.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: amido modificato
-
Is Emulsifiers safe in this snack?
Medium
Emulsifiers is used here as emulsifier. Emulsifiers (E331, E452) help maintain texture but indicate a level of processing that may affect quality.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: emulsionanti (E331, E452)
-
Is Bamboo Fiber safe in this snack?
Good
Bamboo Fiber is used here as fiber. Bamboo fiber adds dietary fiber, which can contribute to digestive health, enhancing the product's nutritional profile.
Role in formula: fiber
Original: fibra di bambù
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is essential for flavor enhancement but should be consumed in moderation due to health implications.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sale
-
Is Annatto safe in this snack?
Bad
Annatto is used here as colorant. Annatto is an artificial colorant used for visual appeal but raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: bissina di annatto
-
Is Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour is a common ingredient providing structure but is refined, which may lower nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: farina di frumento
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is used for frying, providing texture but is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which should be balanced in the diet.
Role in formula: base
Original: olio di girasole
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: 4200764
More from this brand: McCain products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.