Is Rich Tea Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Tower Gate
Tower Gate's Rich Tea is reviewed here as a snack. 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 Palm, Sodium Metabisulphite.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes wheat flour and vegetable oils, but also contains sodium metabisulphite, a synthetic preservative. This raises concerns about the overall quality and safety of the product.
Main concern
Sodium metabisulphite is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about potential allergic reactions.
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
- Wheat flour provides a base for texture and structure, contributing positively to the product's quality.
- Calcium carbonate and iron are added for fortification, enhancing nutritional value.
- Vegetable oils like rapeseed are generally considered better than animal fats, supporting a moderate rating.
Concerns
- Sodium metabisulphite is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about potential allergic reactions.
- The presence of glucose syrup indicates added sugars, which can be a concern for health-conscious consumers.
- Palm oil is included, which is often criticized for environmental impact and sustainability issues.
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 Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and texture to the biscuits. Its quality is generally acceptable.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat Flour
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Is Calcium Carbonate safe in this snack?
Medium
Calcium Carbonate is used here as fortificant. Calcium carbonate is used to fortify the product, enhancing its nutritional profile. It is generally safe but can be a concern in excessive amounts.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Calcium Carbonate
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Is Niacin safe in this snack?
Good
Niacin is used here as fortificant. Niacin is a B-vitamin added for nutritional enhancement, contributing positively to the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Niacin
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Is Iron safe in this snack?
Good
Iron is used here as fortificant. Iron is included to improve the nutritional value, addressing potential deficiencies in the diet.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Iron
-
Is Thiamin safe in this snack?
Good
Thiamin is used here as fortificant. Thiamin, another B-vitamin, is added for nutritional benefits, supporting overall health.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Thiamin
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, but its presence raises concerns about excessive sugar intake.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Vegetable Oils safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oils is used here as base. Vegetable oils provide fat content, contributing to texture. The type of oil can affect health implications.
Role in formula: base
Original: Vegetable Oils
-
Is Palm safe in this snack?
Bad
Palm is used here as base. Palm oil is included, which raises concerns regarding sustainability and environmental impact.
Role in formula: base
Original: Palm
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Is Rapeseed safe in this snack?
Medium
Rapeseed is used here as base. Rapeseed oil is a common vegetable oil that is generally considered healthier than saturated fats.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rapeseed
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Is Barley Malt Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Barley Malt Extract is used here as flavor. Barley malt extract adds flavor and sweetness but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Barley Malt Extract
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Is Sodium Carbonates safe in this snack?
Medium
Sodium Carbonates is used here as raising agent. Sodium carbonates act as a raising agent, helping the product achieve the desired texture.
Role in formula: raising agent
Original: Sodium Carbonates
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Is Ammonium Carbonates safe in this snack?
Medium
Ammonium Carbonates is used here as raising agent. Ammonium carbonates are used as a leavening agent, contributing to the texture but raising concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: raising agent
Original: Ammonium Carbonates
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Is Diphosphates safe in this snack?
Medium
Diphosphates is used here as raising agent. Diphosphates are used as leavening agents, which can raise concerns about processed ingredients.
Role in formula: raising agent
Original: Diphosphates
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Is Glucose Syrup safe in this snack?
Medium
Glucose Syrup is used here as sweetener. Glucose syrup is added for sweetness, contributing to the sugar content and raising health concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Glucose Syrup
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and is a common ingredient in baked goods, contributing positively to taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
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Is Sodium Metabisulphite safe in this snack?
Bad
Sodium Metabisulphite is used here as preservative. Sodium metabisulphite is a synthetic preservative that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Sodium Metabisulphite
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: 3898124
More from this brand: Tower Gate 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.