Is Special Flakes Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Waitrose
This page reviews Special Flakes by Waitrose as a cereal. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Sugar, Niacin, Vitamin E.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes wholegrain wheat and rice as primary ingredients, but also contains sugar and several synthetic vitamins. This raises concerns about the overall quality and processing level.
Main concern
Sugar is present, which raises concerns about added sweeteners in the product.
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
- Wholegrain wheat and rice provide a base of complex carbohydrates, contributing to energy.
- Contains several vitamins like niacin and vitamin B12, which are essential for various bodily functions.
Concerns
- Sugar is present, which raises concerns about added sweeteners in the product.
- Synthetic vitamins may indicate a highly processed product, which can affect overall quality.
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this cereal and why it matters.
-
Is Rice safe in this cereal?
Good
Rice is used here as base. Rice serves as a primary ingredient, providing carbohydrates and energy. It is minimally processed and generally considered a good source of energy.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rice
-
Is Wholegrain Wheat safe in this cereal?
Good
Wholegrain Wheat is used here as base. Wholegrain wheat adds fiber and essential nutrients, contributing positively to the product's nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: wholegrain wheat
-
Is Sugar safe in this cereal?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added as a sweetener, which raises concerns about excessive sweetness and potential health impacts associated with high sugar intake.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Barley Malt Extract safe in this cereal?
Medium
Barley Malt Extract is used here as flavor. Barley malt extract is used for flavor enhancement, but it is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: barley malt extract
-
Is Salt safe in this cereal?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is included for flavoring, which is common in many food products, but excessive intake can be a concern for health.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Niacin safe in this cereal?
Bad
Niacin is used here as nutrient. Niacin is a synthetic vitamin added to fortify the product, indicating processing and raising questions about the natural nutrient content.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: niacin
-
Is Vitamin E safe in this cereal?
Bad
Vitamin E is used here as nutrient. Vitamin E is added as a synthetic nutrient, which may not be as beneficial as naturally occurring forms found in whole foods.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: vitamin E
-
Is Pantothenic Acid safe in this cereal?
Bad
Pantothenic Acid is used here as nutrient. Pantothenic acid is included as a synthetic vitamin, which raises concerns about the reliance on fortification rather than whole food sources.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: pantothenic acid (B5)
-
Is Iron safe in this cereal?
Bad
Iron is used here as nutrient. Iron is added as a synthetic nutrient, which may not be as effectively absorbed as iron from natural sources.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: iron
-
Is Thiamin safe in this cereal?
Bad
Thiamin is used here as nutrient. Thiamin is a synthetic vitamin added for fortification, indicating a processed nature of the product.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: thiamin (BI)
-
Is Riboflavin safe in this cereal?
Bad
Riboflavin is used here as nutrient. Riboflavin is included as a synthetic vitamin, which may not provide the same benefits as naturally sourced riboflavin.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: riboflavin (B2)
-
Is Vitamin B6 safe in this cereal?
Bad
Vitamin B6 is used here as nutrient. Vitamin B6 is added synthetically, raising concerns about the overall reliance on fortification rather than whole food sources.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: vitamin B6
-
Is Folic Acid safe in this cereal?
Bad
Folic Acid is used here as nutrient. Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, which may not be as effective as naturally occurring folate in whole foods.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: folic acid
-
Is Vitamin D safe in this cereal?
Bad
Vitamin D is used here as nutrient. Vitamin D is added synthetically, which raises questions about the natural vitamin D content in the product.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: vitamin D
-
Is Vitamin B12 safe in this cereal?
Bad
Vitamin B12 is used here as nutrient. Vitamin B12 is included as a synthetic nutrient, indicating a processed nature and raising concerns about natural sources.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: vitamin B12
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: 3963538
More from this brand: Waitrose products in Zerotox
Similar products: cereal 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.