Is Quavers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Walkers
Quavers is a snack from Walkers. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Flavourings, Sugar, Sodium Acetates.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like monosodium glutamate and sugar, which raise quality concerns. The presence of artificial colors and flavor enhancers further indicates a processed nature.
Main concern
Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that raises concerns about synthetic additives.
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 potato starch and rice flour, which are gluten-free alternatives contributing to texture.
- Onion powder and pepper provide natural flavoring, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Concerns
- Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that raises concerns about synthetic additives.
- The inclusion of sugar and artificial colors like paprika extract and annatto norbixin indicates a highly processed composition.
Who should avoid this product?
This snack may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Potato Starch safe in this snack?
Good
Potato Starch is used here as base. Potato starch serves as a primary ingredient providing structure and texture to the snack. It is a natural, gluten-free component.
Role in formula: base
Original: Potato Starch
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Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is used for frying, contributing to the texture. While it is a common cooking oil, concerns about processing and omega-6 fatty acid balance exist.
Role in formula: base
Original: Sunflower Oil
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Is Flavourings safe in this snack?
Bad
Flavourings is used here as flavor. Flavourings, including onion powder, are synthetic and can raise concerns about artificial additives. Their exact composition is often unclear.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: BBQ Sauce Flavour [Flavourings (contain Onion Powder)]
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as base. Salt is a natural mineral used for flavor enhancement. It is essential for taste but should be consumed in moderation.
Role in formula: base
Original: Salt
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness but raises concerns due to its processed nature and potential health implications when consumed in excess.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Sodium Acetates safe in this snack?
Bad
Sodium Acetates is used here as acidulant. Sodium acetates are used as acidity regulators but are synthetic additives that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Acidity Regulator (Sodium Acetates)
-
Is Paprika Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is a natural colorant used for visual appeal. While it is derived from plants, it is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Colour (Paprika Extract)
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Is Rice Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Rice Flour is used here as base. Rice flour is a gluten-free alternative that contributes to the texture of the snack. It is minimally processed and safe.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rice Flour
-
Is Soya Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Soya Flour is used here as base. Soya flour adds protein and texture but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for those with soy allergies.
Role in formula: base
Original: Soya Flour
-
Is Yeast safe in this snack?
Good
Yeast is used here as base. Yeast is a natural ingredient used for fermentation, contributing to flavor development. It is generally considered safe.
Role in formula: base
Original: Yeast
-
Is Monosodium Glutamate safe in this snack?
Bad
Monosodium Glutamate is used here as flavor. Monosodium glutamate is a synthetic flavor enhancer that can raise concerns about its effects on health and its processed nature.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Flavour Enhancer (Monosodium Giutamate)
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder is a natural flavoring agent that enhances taste. It is minimally processed and safe for consumption.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Powder (Malt Flour from Barley)
-
Is Pepper safe in this snack?
Good
Pepper is used here as flavor. Pepper is a natural spice that adds flavor and aroma. It is safe and contributes positively to the product's taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Pepper
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Is Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour is a common ingredient that provides structure. However, it contains gluten, which may be a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat Flour (contains Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin)
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Is Annatto Norbixin safe in this snack?
Bad
Annatto Norbixin is used here as colorant. Annatto norbixin is an artificial colorant used for visual appeal. Its synthetic nature raises concerns about quality and safety.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Colour (Annatto Norbixin)
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: 3928919
More from this brand: Walkers 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.