Is Spam Gochujang Flavored Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Spam
Spam's Spam Gochujang Flavored is reviewed here as a food. 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 Flavoring, Sodium Nitrite.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium nitrite as a preservative and sugar, indicating a processed product. The presence of flavoring raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Main concern
Sodium nitrite is a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns due to potential health risks.
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
- Gochujang paste adds a unique flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Red pepper powder contributes natural spiciness, which can appeal to those who enjoy heat.
Concerns
- Sodium nitrite is a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns due to potential health risks.
- Sugar is present, indicating a level of sweetness that may not be suitable for all dietary preferences.
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 food, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Pork safe in this food?
Good
Pork is used here as base. Pork serves as the primary protein source in this product, providing essential amino acids and flavor.
Role in formula: base
Original: Pork
-
Is Gochujang Paste safe in this food?
Good
Gochujang Paste is used here as flavor. Gochujang paste is a fermented chili paste that adds depth and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Gochujang Paste
-
Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as solvent. Water is used as a solvent in this product, helping to dissolve and blend other ingredients effectively.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Water
-
Is Tapioca Syrup safe in this food?
Medium
Tapioca Syrup is used here as sweetener. Tapioca syrup is a processed sweetener that adds moisture and sweetness, but raises concerns about processing.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Tapioca Syrup
-
Is Brown Rice safe in this food?
Good
Brown Rice is used here as base. Brown rice provides a source of whole grains, contributing to the product's texture and nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Brown Rice
-
Is Red Pepper Powder safe in this food?
Good
Red Pepper Powder is used here as flavor. Red pepper powder adds natural heat and color, enhancing the flavor profile without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Red Pepper Powder
-
Is Brown Wheat Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Brown Wheat Flour is used here as base. Brown wheat flour contributes to the texture and structure of the product, but is a refined ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: Brown Wheat Flour
-
Is Alcohol safe in this food?
Medium
Alcohol is used here as solvent. Alcohol is used as a solvent for flavoring, but its presence may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Alcohol
-
Is Garlic safe in this food?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic adds a robust flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste profile of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic
-
Is Onion safe in this food?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion contributes sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing other ingredients in the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion
-
Is Modified Potato Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Modified Potato Starch is used here as thickener. Modified potato starch is used as a thickener, improving texture but raising concerns about processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Modified Potato Starch
-
Is Sugar safe in this food?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar adds sweetness to the product, but its presence may not align with all dietary preferences.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, but excessive consumption can be a concern.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Potassium Chloride safe in this food?
Medium
Potassium Chloride is used here as flavor. Potassium chloride is used as a salt substitute, providing flavor but may have a slightly different taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Potassium Chloride
-
Is Flavoring safe in this food?
Bad
Flavoring is used here as flavor. Flavoring is a vague term that may indicate synthetic additives, raising concerns about quality and safety.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Flavoring
-
Is Sodium Nitrite safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Nitrite is used here as preservative. Sodium nitrite is a synthetic preservative that helps prevent spoilage but is associated with health risks.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Sodium Nitrite
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: 2435379
More from this brand: Spam products in Zerotox
Similar products: food 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.