Is Spicy Buffalo Style Mac & Cheese Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Signature Cafe
Spicy Buffalo Style Mac & Cheese is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Signature Cafe. 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 Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Carrageenan affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate as preservatives, which indicate a processed nature and raise quality concerns. Additionally, carrageenan and cellulose gum are present, which are often viewed with caution due to potential digestive issues. However, the presence of natural cheese and spices contributes positively to the overall assessment.
Main concern
Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are synthetic preservatives that raise concerns about processed ingredients.
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 natural cheese varieties like cheddar and blue cheese, which provide flavor and texture.
- Includes spices such as dehydrated cayenne pepper sauce, enhancing the product's flavor profile.
Concerns
- Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are synthetic preservatives that raise concerns about processed ingredients.
- Carrageenan is included, which may cause digestive issues for some individuals.
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 food.
-
Is Semolina Wheat Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Semolina Wheat Flour is used here as base. Semolina wheat flour is the primary ingredient for the pasta, providing structure and texture. However, it is a refined grain, which raises some concerns about nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: semolina wheat flour [enriched with niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid]
-
Is Whole Milk safe in this food?
Good
Whole Milk is used here as base. Whole milk adds creaminess and richness to the dish, contributing beneficial fats and proteins without significant processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: whole milk
-
Is Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread safe in this food?
Medium
Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread is used here as base. This cheese spread contains multiple ingredients, including sodium phosphate and whey protein concentrate, which indicate a processed nature. It provides flavor but raises concerns about artificial additives.
Role in formula: base
Original: pasteurized process cheese spread (cheddar and colby cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes], water, whey, sodium phosphate, whey protein concentrate, skim milk, milk fat, salt, carrageenan, cellulose gum)
Read the full ingredient profile for Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread
-
Is Cream Cheese safe in this food?
Good
Cream Cheese is used here as base. Cream cheese contributes to the creamy texture and flavor of the dish. It is minimally processed and adds beneficial fats.
Role in formula: base
Original: cream cheese (pasteurized milk, cream, cheese culture, salt, carob bean gum)
-
Is Dehydrated Cayenne Pepper Sauce safe in this food?
Good
Dehydrated Cayenne Pepper Sauce is used here as flavor. This sauce adds heat and flavor to the dish, derived from natural ingredients like cayenne peppers and vinegar, enhancing the overall taste without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: dehydrated cayenne pepper sauce (aged cayenne red peppers, distilled vinegar, salt, garlic powder, maltodextrin, natural flavor, and silicon dioxide)
-
Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative used to inhibit microbial growth. Its presence raises concerns about the overall quality and safety of the product due to its synthetic nature.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sodium benzoate (preservative)
-
Is Potassium Sorbate safe in this food?
Bad
Potassium Sorbate is used here as preservative. Potassium sorbate is another synthetic preservative that helps extend shelf life. Its inclusion indicates a processed product and raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: potassium sorbate (preservative)
-
Is Carrageenan safe in this food?
Bad
Carrageenan is used here as thickener. Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. While it serves a functional purpose, it has been associated with digestive issues in some individuals, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: carrageenan
-
Is Cellulose Gum safe in this food?
Medium
Cellulose Gum is used here as thickener. Cellulose gum is a thickening agent derived from plant fibers. It is generally considered safe but may raise concerns about processed ingredients in the product.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: cellulose gum
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: 2392074
More from this brand: Signature Cafe products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , egg
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.