Is Snack Mix Original Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Cheez-It
Snack Mix Original is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Cheez-It. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Maltodextrin, Monosodium Glutamate affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like maltodextrin and disodium guanylate, which raise quality concerns. The presence of artificial colors and flavors further impacts the overall safety assessment.
Main concern
Contains artificial colors such as annatto extract and caramel color, raising concerns about synthetic 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 cheese made with skim milk, providing some dairy content.
- Includes various spices like paprika and garlic powder, adding flavor.
- Pretzels and crackers provide a crunchy texture, enhancing the snack experience.
Concerns
- Contains artificial colors such as annatto extract and caramel color, raising concerns about synthetic additives.
- Includes monosodium glutamate (MSG), which may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
- Presence of maltodextrin and disodium guanylate indicates 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 snack.
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Is Enriched Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Enriched Flour is used here as base. Enriched flour is a processed ingredient used as a primary base in crackers and pretzels. While it provides carbohydrates, the refining process raises concerns about nutrient loss.
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 frying and flavor enhancement. The presence of TBHQ for freshness indicates processing, which may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: vegetable oil [high oleic soybean, soybean, palm, and/or canola with TBHQ for freshness]
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Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as natural_extract. Cheddar cheese adds flavor and some nutritional value. It is derived from cultured pasteurized milk, indicating a natural source.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: cheddar cheese [cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes]
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Bad
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used as a thickener and filler. Its high processing raises concerns about nutritional quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
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Is Monosodium Glutamate safe in this snack?
Bad
Monosodium Glutamate is used here as flavor. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an artificial flavor enhancer that can cause sensitivity in some individuals, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: monosodium glutamate
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: 2401526
More from this brand: Cheez-It products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.