Is Refreshers Spearmint Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Orbit
This page reviews Refreshers Spearmint by Orbit as a snack. Its current score is 30/100, suggesting that it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame K.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, along with BHA as an antioxidant. These ingredients raise significant quality and safety concerns.
Main concern
Includes aspartame and sucralose, both artificial sweeteners that have raised health concerns in some studies.
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 xylitol and sorbitol, which are sugar alcohols that can provide sweetness without contributing to tooth decay.
- Glycerin acts as a humectant, helping to retain moisture in the product.
Concerns
- Includes aspartame and sucralose, both artificial sweeteners that have raised health concerns in some studies.
- BHA is a synthetic antioxidant that is controversial due to potential health risks associated with long-term consumption.
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this snack and why it matters.
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Is Xylitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Xylitol is used here as sweetener. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used for sweetness in this product. While it has dental benefits, it can cause digestive issues in some individuals.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: xilitol
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Is Sorbitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Sorbitol is used here as sweetener. Sorbitol is another sugar alcohol that provides sweetness and moisture retention. It may cause digestive discomfort in high amounts.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sorbitol
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Is Mannitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Mannitol is used here as sweetener. Mannitol is a sugar alcohol that serves as a sweetener. It can have a laxative effect if consumed in large quantities.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: manitol
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Is Aspartame safe in this snack?
Bad
Aspartame is used here as sweetener. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener linked to various health concerns, including headaches and potential long-term effects.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: aspartamo
-
Is Sucralose safe in this snack?
Bad
Sucralose is used here as sweetener. Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener that may disrupt gut health and has been associated with various health concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sucralosa
-
Is Acesulfame K safe in this snack?
Bad
Acesulfame K is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame K is an artificial sweetener that has raised concerns regarding its long-term safety and potential health effects.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: acesulfamo K
-
Is Gum Base safe in this snack?
Medium
Gum Base is used here as base. Gum base is a synthetic mixture used to provide chewiness. Its composition can vary, raising questions about quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: goma base
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Is Glycerin safe in this snack?
Good
Glycerin is used here as humectant. Glycerin is a natural humectant that helps retain moisture, contributing positively to the product's texture.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: glicerina
-
Is Gum Arabic safe in this snack?
Medium
Gum Arabic is used here as thickener. Gum arabic is a natural thickener that stabilizes the product but can be processed, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: goma arábiga
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Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients but is derived from soy, which may be a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: lecitina de soja
-
Is Carnauba Wax safe in this snack?
Medium
Carnauba Wax is used here as coating agent. Carnauba wax is a natural coating agent that provides a shiny finish but is processed, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: coating agent
Original: cera de carnauba
-
Is Bha safe in this snack?
Bad
Bha is used here as antioxidant. BHA is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent spoilage but is associated with potential health risks, including carcinogenicity.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: BHA
-
Is E133 safe in this snack?
Bad
E133 is used here as colorant. E133 is a synthetic colorant that may raise concerns due to its artificial nature and potential health implications.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: E133
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: 3818871
More from this brand: Orbit 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.