Is Piri Piri Skin-on Fries Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Tesco
Tesco's Piri Piri Skin-on Fries is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 70/100 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 Modified Potato Starch, Dextrin, Disodium Diphosphate.
70 / 100
Why score is 70
The ingredient composition includes several processed components like modified potato starch and dextrin, which raise quality concerns. The presence of artificial color (curcumin) and flavoring also indicates a less natural profile.
Main concern
Modified potato starch and dextrin are processed ingredients that 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 a high percentage of potato (87%), indicating a substantial base ingredient.
- Includes spices like chili powder and paprika, which can enhance flavor naturally.
- Uses sunflower oil, a common cooking oil with moderate health implications.
- Garlic powder and onion powder contribute to flavor without synthetic additives.
Concerns
- Modified potato starch and dextrin are processed ingredients that may raise quality concerns.
- The presence of artificial color (curcumin) suggests the use of synthetic additives.
- Flavouring is vague and may indicate the presence of artificial flavors.
- Thickener (xanthan gum) is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this snack, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Potato safe in this snack?
Good
Potato is used here as base. Potato serves as the primary ingredient, providing a natural base for the fries. Its high percentage indicates a focus on quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Potato (87%)
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Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is a common cooking oil that is generally acceptable but can be high in omega-6 fatty acids, raising some health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Sunflower Oil
-
Is Modified Potato Starch safe in this snack?
Bad
Modified Potato Starch is used here as thickener. Modified potato starch is a processed ingredient used for texture but raises concerns about the degree of processing involved.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Modified Potato Starch
-
Is Rice Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Rice Flour is used here as base. Rice flour is a gluten-free alternative that adds texture but is a processed ingredient with limited nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rice Flour
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a natural mineral used for flavor enhancement, though excessive consumption can be a concern.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Dextrin safe in this snack?
Bad
Dextrin is used here as thickener. Dextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may raise concerns regarding its source and processing methods.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Dextrin
-
Is Chilli Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Chilli Powder is used here as flavor. Chilli powder adds natural heat and flavor, contributing positively to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Chilli Powder
-
Is Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika is used here as flavor. Paprika is a natural spice that enhances flavor and color, providing a beneficial addition to the ingredient list.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Paprika
-
Is Sodium Bicarbonate safe in this snack?
Medium
Sodium Bicarbonate is used here as raising agent. Sodium bicarbonate is a common raising agent that helps achieve desired texture but is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: raising agent
Original: Sodium Bicarbonate
-
Is Disodium Diphosphate safe in this snack?
Bad
Disodium Diphosphate is used here as raising agent. Disodium diphosphate is a synthetic raising agent that raises concerns about artificial additives in food products.
Role in formula: raising agent
Original: Disodium Diphosphate
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder is a natural flavoring agent that enhances taste without synthetic additives, contributing positively to the profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Powder
-
Is Black Pepper safe in this snack?
Good
Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Black pepper is a natural spice that adds flavor and has potential health benefits, enhancing the overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Black Pepper
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder is a natural flavor enhancer that contributes to the taste profile without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Powder
-
Is Oregano safe in this snack?
Good
Oregano is used here as flavor. Oregano is a natural herb that adds flavor and potential health benefits, enhancing the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Oregano
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this snack?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a common thickener that improves texture but is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Thickener (Xanthan Gum)
-
Is Dextrose safe in this snack?
Medium
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar used for flavor enhancement but raises concerns about added sugars in processed foods.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Dextrose
-
Is Paprika Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is used for coloring and flavoring but is a processed ingredient that may not be as beneficial as whole spices.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Paprika Extract
-
Is Curcumin safe in this snack?
Bad
Curcumin is used here as colorant. Curcumin is an artificial colorant that raises concerns about synthetic additives in food products.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Colour (Curcumin)
-
Is Flavouring safe in this snack?
Bad
Flavouring is used here as flavor. Flavouring is a vague term that may indicate the presence of artificial flavors, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Flavouring
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: 3963844
More from this brand: Tesco products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.