Is Space Balls Real Organic Cheddar Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Lesser Evil
Lesser Evil's Space Balls Real Organic Cheddar is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 70/100 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 Organic Flavor, Organic Yeast Extract.
70 / 100
Why score is 70
The ingredient composition includes organic whole grain yellow corn and organic avocado oil, which are beneficial. However, the presence of organic flavor and yeast extract raises some quality concerns.
Main concern
Organic flavor is a vague term that may include processed components, raising quality concerns.
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
- Organic whole grain yellow corn provides a natural base, contributing to a whole grain profile.
- Organic avocado oil is a healthier fat source, offering beneficial fatty acids.
- Organic cheddar cheese and buttermilk enhance flavor while maintaining a natural composition.
- Cultures and enzymes support flavor development, indicating a traditional cheese-making process.
Concerns
- Organic flavor is a vague term that may include processed components, raising quality concerns.
- Yeast extract can be a source of glutamate, which some consumers prefer to avoid.
- The inclusion of lactic and citric acids, while common, indicates some processing.
- Organic tapioca solids may be used as a filler, which could dilute the overall quality.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- 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 Organic Whole Grain Yellow Corn safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Whole Grain Yellow Corn is used here as base. Organic whole grain yellow corn serves as the primary ingredient, providing a nutritious base rich in fiber and essential nutrients.
Role in formula: base
Original: organic whole grain yellow corn
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Is Organic Avocado Oil safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Avocado Oil is used here as base. Organic avocado oil is a healthy fat source, contributing beneficial monounsaturated fats and enhancing the product's overall nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: organic avocado oil
-
Is Organic White Cheddar Seasoning safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic White Cheddar Seasoning is used here as flavor. Organic white cheddar seasoning adds flavor but may contain processed components, which could raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: organic white cheddar seasoning
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Is Organic Tapioca Solids safe in this snack?
Medium
Organic Tapioca Solids is used here as thickener. Organic tapioca solids are used as a thickener, which can dilute the overall quality of the product despite being organic.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: organic tapioca solids
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Is Sea Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Sea Salt is used here as flavor. Sea salt enhances flavor naturally, providing essential minerals without the concerns associated with processed salts.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sea salt
-
Is Organic Buttermilk safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Buttermilk is used here as flavor. Organic buttermilk contributes to the creamy texture and flavor profile, supporting a natural ingredient list.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: organic buttermilk
-
Is Organic Flavor safe in this snack?
Bad
Organic Flavor is used here as flavor. Organic flavor is a vague term that may include processed components, raising concerns about the overall quality and transparency of the ingredient.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: organic flavor
-
Is Organic Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Organic cheddar cheese adds authentic cheese flavor and quality, supporting the product's overall appeal.
Role in formula: base
Original: organic cheddar cheese
-
Is Organic Milk safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Milk is used here as base. Organic milk contributes to the creamy texture and flavor, enhancing the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: organic milk
-
Is Cultures safe in this snack?
Good
Cultures is used here as natural_extract. Cultures are essential for flavor development in cheese, indicating a traditional cheese-making process.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: cultures
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a common flavor enhancer that helps balance the overall taste of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Enzymes safe in this snack?
Good
Enzymes is used here as enzyme. Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in texture and flavor development, indicating a traditional process.
Role in formula: enzyme
Original: enzymes
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Is Organic Skim Milk safe in this snack?
Good
Organic Skim Milk is used here as base. Organic skim milk provides a creamy texture while reducing fat content, contributing positively to the product's profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: organic skim milk
-
Is Organic Yeast Extract safe in this snack?
Bad
Organic Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Organic yeast extract can be a source of glutamate, which some consumers prefer to avoid due to potential sensitivities.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: organic yeast extract
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Is Lactic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used for flavor and preservation but indicates some processing, which may concern quality-focused consumers.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: lactic acid
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Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid serves as a flavor enhancer and preservative, but its presence suggests some level of processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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: 3469643
More from this brand: Lesser Evil 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.