Is Spicy Mexican Style Rice Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Uncle Ben's Rice
Spicy Mexican Style Rice is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Uncle Ben's Rice. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes several processed ingredients like canola oil and sugar, which raise quality concerns. Natural flavors and preservatives are also present, indicating a mixed quality profile.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like canola oil and sugar, which raise quality concerns. Natural flavors and preservatives are also present, indicating a mixed quality profile.
Main concern
Contains sugar, a processed ingredient that raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
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 parboiled long grain rice, which is minimally processed and retains nutrients.
- Includes spices and chili pepper, contributing to flavor without artificial additives.
Concerns
- Contains sugar, a processed ingredient that raises concerns about excessive sweetness.
- Natural flavors are included, which can be vague and may involve synthetic processing.
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this food.
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Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this product, essential for cooking the rice and ensuring proper texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: WATER
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Is Parboiled Long Grain Rice safe in this food?
Good
Parboiled Long Grain Rice is used here as base. Parboiled rice is partially cooked before packaging, which helps retain nutrients and improves cooking time.
Role in formula: base
Original: PARBOILED LONG GRAIN RICE
Read the full ingredient profile for Parboiled Long Grain Rice
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Is Canola Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as emulsifier. Canola oil is used for moisture and texture but is a refined oil, raising concerns about processing and potential trans fats.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: CANOLA OIL
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Is Tomato Powder safe in this food?
Good
Tomato Powder is used here as flavor. Tomato powder adds flavor and color, derived from dehydrated tomatoes, contributing positively to the product's profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: TOMATO POWDER
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Is Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but excessive use can lead to health concerns, particularly for sodium intake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
-
Is Spices safe in this food?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. A blend of spices adds complexity to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste without artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SPICES
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Is Dehydrated Onion safe in this food?
Good
Dehydrated Onion is used here as flavor. Dehydrated onion provides flavor and aroma, contributing to the overall taste without the need for fresh ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DEHYDRATED ONION
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Is Chili Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Chili Pepper is used here as flavor. Chili pepper adds heat and flavor, enhancing the product's spiciness and overall appeal.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: CHILI PEPPER
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Is Sugar safe in this food?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, which can be excessive in processed foods, raising concerns about health impacts.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
-
Is Dehydrated Garlic safe in this food?
Good
Dehydrated Garlic is used here as flavor. Dehydrated garlic contributes to flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste profile of the rice.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DEHYDRATED GARLIC
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Is Potassium Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Potassium Salt is used here as flavor. Potassium salt is used as a sodium alternative, which can help reduce sodium intake but may have taste implications.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: POTASSIUM SALT
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Is Lime Juice Solids safe in this food?
Good
Lime Juice Solids is used here as flavor. Lime juice solids provide acidity and flavor, enhancing the overall taste without artificial additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: LIME JUICE SOLIDS
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Is Jalapeno Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Jalapeno Pepper is used here as flavor. Jalapeno pepper adds heat and flavor, contributing to the spicy profile of the rice.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: JALAPENO PEPPER
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Is Smoked Paprika safe in this food?
Good
Smoked Paprika is used here as flavor. Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor, enhancing the overall taste without artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SMOKED PAPRIKA
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Is Calcium Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Calcium Powder is used here as nutrient. Calcium powder is added for nutritional benefits, but its presence may indicate fortification rather than natural sources.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: CALCIUM POWDER
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Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement, but it can be a source of glutamate, raising concerns for sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: YEAST EXTRACT
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used for acidity and preservation, but it is a synthetic ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: CITRIC ACID
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Is Natural Flavors safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors can enhance taste but lack transparency regarding their exact composition, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL FLAVORS
-
Is Dehydrated Parsley safe in this food?
Good
Dehydrated Parsley is used here as flavor. Dehydrated parsley adds color and flavor, contributing positively to the product's overall profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DEHYDRATED PARSLEY
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Is Iron Phosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Iron Phosphate is used here as nutrient. Iron phosphate is added for fortification, but its synthetic nature may raise concerns about natural sourcing.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: IRON PHOSPHATE
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Is Vitamin B3 Niacinamide safe in this food?
Medium
Vitamin B3 Niacinamide is used here as nutrient. Vitamin B3 is included for nutritional benefits, but its synthetic form may not be as beneficial as natural sources.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: VITAMIN B3 (NIACINAMIDE)
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Is Vitamin B1 Thiamine Mononitrate safe in this food?
Medium
Vitamin B1 Thiamine Mononitrate is used here as nutrient. Vitamin B1 is added for fortification, but its synthetic form raises questions about natural sourcing.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE MONONITRATE)
Read the full ingredient profile for Vitamin B1 Thiamine Mononitrate
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Is Folic Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Folic Acid is used here as nutrient. Folic acid is included for nutritional benefits, but its synthetic nature may not provide the same benefits as natural sources.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: FOLIC ACID
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Is Paprika Extract safe in this food?
Good
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is used for color and flavor, derived from natural sources, contributing positively to the product's profile.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: PAPRIKA EXTRACT
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: 3238099
More from this brand: Uncle Ben's Rice products in Zerotox
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