Is Smoked Cheddar Baked Snack Crackers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Cheez-It
Cheez-It's Smoked Cheddar Baked Snack Crackers 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 Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium Guanylate.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The ingredient analysis reveals a mix of enriched flour, vegetable oils, and various flavor enhancers. Ingredients like monosodium glutamate and disodium guanylate raise concerns about processed additives.
Main concern
Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that may raise concerns for those sensitive to 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
- Enriched flour provides essential vitamins like niacin and folic acid, contributing to nutritional value.
- Cheese made with skim milk offers flavor and some protein, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Concerns
- Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that may raise concerns for those sensitive to additives.
- The presence of multiple vegetable oils, including palm oil, indicates a highly processed composition.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
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 Enriched Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Flour is used here as base. Enriched flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and essential nutrients. However, its refined nature raises some concerns about processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin B₁ [thiamin mononitrate], vitamin B2 [riboflavin], folic acid)
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Vegetable oil is used for texture and moisture. The inclusion of palm oil raises sustainability concerns, while TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant that may be viewed negatively.
Role in formula: base
Original: vegetable oil (soybean, palm, canola and/or high oleic soybean oil with TBHQ for freshness)
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Is Cheese Made With Skim Milk safe in this snack?
Good
Cheese Made With Skim Milk is used here as flavor. This ingredient adds flavor and some protein content. The use of skim milk helps reduce fat content, making it a relatively healthier cheese option.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cheese made with skim milk (skim milk, whey protein, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, annatto extract color)
Read the full ingredient profile for Cheese Made With Skim Milk
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and is essential for taste. However, excessive consumption can lead to health concerns, which is a consideration for snack foods.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Monosodium Glutamate safe in this snack?
Bad
Monosodium Glutamate is used here as flavor. Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that can cause sensitivity in some individuals. Its presence indicates a reliance on artificial flavoring.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: monosodium glutamate
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Is Disodium Guanylate safe in this snack?
Bad
Disodium Guanylate is used here as flavor. Disodium guanylate is another flavor enhancer that may raise concerns about processed additives. It is often used in conjunction with MSG.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: disodium guanylate
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: 2401520
More from this brand: Cheez-It products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , soy , milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.