Is Scalloped Potatoes Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Safeway
Scalloped Potatoes is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Safeway. The product scores 55/100 in Zerotox, meaning it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate affect the overall evaluation.
55 / 100
Why score is 55
The composition includes sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate as preservatives, which are synthetic additives that raise quality concerns. Additionally, the presence of modified corn starch and natural flavoring indicates a processed nature, contributing to the overall risky rating due to several synthetic ingredients.
Main concern
Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about artificial 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 gruyere cheese, which adds flavor and richness to the dish.
- Includes whole milk and heavy cream, contributing to a creamy texture.
Concerns
- Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about artificial additives.
- Potassium sorbate is another synthetic preservative, indicating a highly processed composition.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this food.
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Is Potatoes safe in this food?
Good
Potatoes is used here as base. Potatoes serve as the primary ingredient, providing a natural base for the dish. They are minimally processed and contribute essential carbohydrates.
Role in formula: base
Original: Potatoes
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Is Whole Milk safe in this food?
Good
Whole Milk is used here as base. Whole milk adds creaminess and richness to the dish, enhancing the overall texture without synthetic intervention.
Role in formula: base
Original: whole milk
-
Is Caramelized Onion safe in this food?
Good
Caramelized Onion is used here as flavor. Caramelized onion provides natural sweetness and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: caramelized onion
-
Is Butter safe in this food?
Good
Butter is used here as base. Butter adds richness and flavor, contributing to the creamy texture of the dish. It is a natural ingredient without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: base
Original: butter (sweet cream, salt)
-
Is Sour Cream safe in this food?
Good
Sour Cream is used here as base. Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess, enhancing the flavor profile while being a natural dairy product.
Role in formula: base
Original: sour cream (pasteurized cultured cream)
-
Is Heavy Cream safe in this food?
Good
Heavy Cream is used here as base. Heavy cream contributes to the rich and creamy texture of the dish, providing a luxurious mouthfeel without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: base
Original: heavy cream (cream, carrageenan)
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Is Gruyere Cheese safe in this food?
Good
Gruyere Cheese is used here as flavor. Gruyere cheese adds a distinct flavor and creaminess, enhancing the overall taste of the dish with natural dairy components.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: gruyere cheese (pasteurized cultured milk, salt, enzymes, natamycin [mold inhibitor])
-
Is Parmesan And Romano Cheese Base safe in this food?
Medium
Parmesan And Romano Cheese Base is used here as flavor. This cheese base adds flavor complexity but includes modified corn starch and natural flavoring, indicating some processing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: parmesan and romano cheese base (parmesan and romano cheese [milk, culture, salt, enzymes], water, whey, salt, modified corn starch, cultured buttermilk solids, calcium and sodium caseinates, natural flavoring, and garlic powder)
-
Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used as a thickening agent, which raises concerns about processing and potential additives in the product.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified corn starch
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Is Swiss Cheese safe in this food?
Good
Swiss Cheese is used here as flavor. Swiss cheese adds flavor and creaminess, contributing positively to the dish's overall profile with natural dairy ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: swiss cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, potassium sorbate and natamycin as preservatives)
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement but is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: flavoring (yeast extract, salt)
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this food?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder provides natural flavor without synthetic additives, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
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Is White Pepper safe in this food?
Good
White Pepper is used here as flavor. White pepper adds a mild spiciness and flavor depth, contributing positively to the dish's overall profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: white pepper
-
Is Potassium Sorbate safe in this food?
Bad
Potassium Sorbate is used here as preservative. Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life, raising concerns about artificial additives in the product.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: potassium sorbate (preservative)
-
Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative that prevents spoilage but raises quality concerns due to its artificial nature.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sodium benzoate (preservative)
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: 2390861
More from this brand: Safeway products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.