Is Squares Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Ferrero
Squares is one of the dessert products analyzed by Zerotox for Ferrero. The product scores 30/100 in Zerotox, meaning it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sugar, Palm Oil, Artificial Flavors affect the overall evaluation.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several concerning ingredients such as palm oil, artificial flavors, and sugar. Palm oil raises environmental sustainability concerns, while artificial flavors indicate a highly processed product. The presence of sugar contributes to potential health risks, leading to a low overall rating.
Main concern
Palm oil is present, raising environmental sustainability concerns due to its association with deforestation.
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 cocoa butter and cocoa mass, which are derived from cocoa beans and provide a rich flavor profile.
- Includes hazelnuts, adding a natural nutty taste and texture to the product.
Concerns
- Palm oil is present, raising environmental sustainability concerns due to its association with deforestation.
- Artificial flavors are included, indicating a highly processed composition that may not appeal to health-conscious consumers.
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 dessert.
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Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a common sweetener that enhances flavor but raises concerns about excessive consumption and related health risks.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
-
Is Skim Milk Powder safe in this dessert?
Medium
Skim Milk Powder is used here as base. Skim milk powder is a dairy product used to add creaminess and flavor. While it provides some nutritional value, it is processed and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Role in formula: base
Original: SKIM MILK POWDER
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Is Cocoa Butter safe in this dessert?
Good
Cocoa Butter is used here as base. Cocoa butter is a natural fat derived from cocoa beans, contributing to the smooth texture and rich flavor of the product without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: base
Original: COCOA BUTTER
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Is Cocoa Mass safe in this dessert?
Good
Cocoa Mass is used here as base. Cocoa mass is made from ground cocoa beans and provides a deep chocolate flavor. It is a minimally processed ingredient that enhances the product's quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: COCOA MASS
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Is Hazelnuts safe in this dessert?
Good
Hazelnuts is used here as base. Hazelnuts are a natural ingredient that adds flavor and texture. They are minimally processed and provide beneficial nutrients.
Role in formula: base
Original: HAZELNUTS
-
Is Palm Oil safe in this dessert?
Bad
Palm Oil is used here as base. Palm oil is a widely used vegetable oil that raises environmental concerns due to its association with deforestation and habitat destruction.
Role in formula: base
Original: PALM OIL
-
Is Butteroil safe in this dessert?
Medium
Butteroil is used here as base. Butter oil is a concentrated form of butter fat that adds richness to the product. However, it is processed and may not be suitable for all consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: BUTTEROIL
-
Is Enriched Flour safe in this dessert?
Medium
Enriched Flour is used here as base. Enriched flour is processed wheat flour that has added nutrients. While it provides some benefits, it is still a refined ingredient with potential health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID)
-
Is Cocoa Powder safe in this dessert?
Good
Cocoa Powder is used here as base. Cocoa powder is made from ground cocoa solids and adds chocolate flavor. It is a minimally processed ingredient that enhances the product's quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: COCOA POWDER
-
Is Lecithin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients. While it is derived from natural sources, it is often processed and may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: LECITHIN AS EMULSIFIER
-
Is Malted Wheat Flour safe in this dessert?
Medium
Malted Wheat Flour is used here as base. Malted wheat flour is made from sprouted wheat and adds flavor and texture. It is processed but can contribute to the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: MALTED WHEAT FLOUR
-
Is Artificial Flavors safe in this dessert?
Bad
Artificial Flavors is used here as flavor. Artificial flavors are synthetic compounds used to enhance taste. Their presence indicates a highly processed product and raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS
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Is Sodium Bicarbonate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Sodium Bicarbonate is used here as leavening agent. Sodium bicarbonate is a leavening agent that helps the product rise. While it is commonly used, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: SODIUM BICARBONATE AS LEAVENING AGENT
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Is Salt safe in this dessert?
Good
Salt is used here as base. Salt is a natural mineral that enhances flavor. It is essential for taste but should be consumed in moderation.
Role in formula: base
Original: SALT
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: 2355606
More from this brand: Ferrero products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: hazelnuts , milk , wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.