Is Rich Black Dahl With Black Lentils & Coconut Cream Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Merchant Gourmet
Merchant Gourmet's Rich Black Dahl With Black Lentils & Coconut Cream is reviewed here as a food. Zerotox gives it 60/100 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 Sugar, Dextrose.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes cooked black lentils and coconut cream, but also contains sugar and stabilizers like guar gum, indicating a mix of good and processed ingredients.
Main concern
The presence of sugar raises concerns about unnecessary sweetness, which detracts from the overall healthiness of the product.
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
- Cooked black lentils provide a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, contributing positively to the overall composition.
- Coconut cream adds a rich texture and flavor, enhancing the product's appeal without synthetic additives.
Concerns
- The presence of sugar raises concerns about unnecessary sweetness, which detracts from the overall healthiness of the product.
- Stabilizers like guar gum and potato starch indicate processing, which may affect the natural quality of the ingredients.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this food, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental component used for cooking lentils, ensuring proper hydration and texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
-
Is Black Lentils safe in this food?
Good
Black Lentils is used here as base. Black lentils are a nutritious legume, providing protein and fiber, which are beneficial for a balanced diet.
Role in formula: base
Original: Black Lentils
-
Is Coconut Cream safe in this food?
Good
Coconut Cream is used here as base. Coconut cream contributes a creamy texture and flavor, derived from the natural extraction of coconut flesh.
Role in formula: base
Original: Coconut Cream
-
Is Tomato Paste safe in this food?
Good
Tomato Paste is used here as flavor. Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and color, derived from concentrated tomatoes, enhancing the dish's taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Tomato Paste
-
Is Tomato safe in this food?
Good
Tomato is used here as flavor. Fresh tomatoes provide natural sweetness and acidity, contributing to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Tomato
-
Is Onion safe in this food?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion adds a savory flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the dish with its natural sweetness.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion
-
Is Vegetable Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil, derived from sunflower and/or rapeseed, is used for cooking but may contain refined oils with mixed health implications.
Role in formula: base
Original: Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Oil and/or Rapeseed Oil)
-
Is Tomato Juice safe in this food?
Good
Tomato Juice is used here as flavor. Tomato juice adds moisture and flavor, derived from fresh tomatoes, enhancing the dish's overall taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Tomato Juice
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder provides concentrated flavor, but its processing may reduce some of the fresh onion's benefits.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Powder
-
Is Coriander Leaf safe in this food?
Good
Coriander Leaf is used here as flavor. Coriander leaf adds a fresh, herbal flavor, enhancing the dish's complexity and aroma.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Coriander Leaf
-
Is Mustard Seed safe in this food?
Good
Mustard Seed is used here as flavor. Mustard seed contributes a pungent flavor and is often used in cooking for its aromatic properties.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Mustard Seed
-
Is Coriander Powder safe in this food?
Good
Coriander Powder is used here as flavor. Coriander powder adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile, derived from ground coriander seeds.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Coriander Powder
-
Is Sugar safe in this food?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, which may not be necessary and raises concerns about excessive sugar intake.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Cumin Powder safe in this food?
Good
Cumin Powder is used here as flavor. Cumin powder adds a warm, earthy flavor, enhancing the dish's overall taste and aroma.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cumin Powder
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for seasoning, but excessive sodium intake can be a health concern.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder provides concentrated garlic flavor, but its processing may reduce some health benefits.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Powder
-
Is Ginger Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Ginger Powder is used here as flavor. Ginger powder adds warmth and spice, but its processing may limit some of the fresh ginger's benefits.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ginger Powder
-
Is Cinnamon Powder safe in this food?
Good
Cinnamon Powder is used here as flavor. Cinnamon powder adds a warm, sweet flavor, enhancing the dish's complexity and aroma.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cinnamon Powder
-
Is Black Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Black pepper adds heat and depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Black Pepper
-
Is Guar Gum safe in this food?
Medium
Guar Gum is used here as stabilizer. Guar gum is a thickening agent that helps maintain texture but may raise concerns about processed additives.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Stabiliser: Guar Gum
-
Is Potato Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Potato Starch is used here as thickener. Potato starch is used as a thickening agent, which may indicate processing and reduce the natural quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Potato Starch
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract adds umami flavor but is a processed ingredient that may not provide the same benefits as whole foods.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Yeast Extract
-
Is Dextrose safe in this food?
Bad
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar that can contribute to sweetness, raising concerns about added sugars in the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Dextrose
-
Is Basil safe in this food?
Good
Basil is used here as flavor. Basil adds a fresh, aromatic flavor, enhancing the dish's overall taste and complexity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Basil
-
Is Chilli Powder safe in this food?
Good
Chilli Powder is used here as flavor. Chilli powder provides heat and spice, contributing to the dish's flavor profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Chilli Powder
-
Is Fenugreek safe in this food?
Good
Fenugreek is used here as flavor. Fenugreek adds a slightly bitter, nutty flavor, enhancing the dish's complexity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Fenugreek
-
Is Turmeric Powder safe in this food?
Good
Turmeric Powder is used here as flavor. Turmeric powder adds color and a warm flavor, known for its culinary and potential health benefits.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Turmeric Powder
-
Is Cassia safe in this food?
Good
Cassia is used here as flavor. Cassia adds a warm, sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cassia
-
Is Dill safe in this food?
Good
Dill is used here as flavor. Dill adds a fresh, herbal flavor, contributing to the dish's aromatic profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Dill
-
Is Onion Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Onion Extract is used here as flavor. Onion extract provides concentrated flavor but may lack some benefits of fresh onion due to processing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Extract
-
Is Caraway safe in this food?
Good
Caraway is used here as flavor. Caraway adds a distinctive flavor, enhancing the dish's complexity and aroma.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Caraway
-
Is Cayenne Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Cayenne Pepper is used here as flavor. Cayenne pepper adds heat and spice, contributing to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cayenne Pepper
-
Is Carrot Powder safe in this food?
Good
Carrot Powder is used here as flavor. Carrot powder adds natural sweetness and color, enhancing the dish's overall appeal.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Carrot Powder
-
Is Fennel Seed safe in this food?
Good
Fennel Seed is used here as flavor. Fennel seed adds a sweet, anise-like flavor, contributing to the dish's aromatic profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Fennel Seed
-
Is Paprika safe in this food?
Good
Paprika is used here as flavor. Paprika adds color and a mild flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Paprika
-
Is Clove Powder safe in this food?
Good
Clove Powder is used here as flavor. Clove powder adds a warm, sweet flavor, enhancing the dish's complexity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Clove Powder
-
Is Parsley safe in this food?
Good
Parsley is used here as flavor. Parsley adds a fresh, herbal flavor, enhancing the dish's overall taste and aroma.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Parsley
-
Is Pepper Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Pepper Extract is used here as flavor. Pepper extract provides concentrated flavor but may raise concerns about processing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Pepper Extract
-
Is Celery Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Celery Extract is used here as flavor. Celery extract adds flavor but is a processed ingredient that may not provide the same benefits as fresh celery.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Celery Extract
-
Is Curcumin safe in this food?
Good
Curcumin is used here as colorant. Curcumin is a natural colorant derived from turmeric, adding vibrant color without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Colour: Curcumin
-
Is Marjoram Extract safe in this food?
Good
Marjoram Extract is used here as flavor. Marjoram extract adds a sweet, herbal flavor, enhancing the dish's overall taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Marjoram Extract
-
Is Thyme Extract safe in this food?
Good
Thyme Extract is used here as flavor. Thyme extract adds a savory flavor, contributing to the dish's aromatic profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Thyme Extract
-
Is Sage Extract safe in this food?
Good
Sage Extract is used here as flavor. Sage extract adds a warm, earthy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Sage Extract
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: 3950913
More from this brand: Merchant Gourmet products in Zerotox
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