Is Stix Hot & Spicy Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kitco
Stix Hot & Spicy is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Kitco. 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 Flavour Enhancers, Acid Regulators affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes refined palm oil and flavor enhancers like E621, raising concerns about synthetic additives. The presence of hydrolyzed vegetable protein indicates processing, affecting overall quality.
Main concern
Refined palm oil is a processed ingredient, raising sustainability concerns.
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 ingredients like garlic and parsley, contributing to flavor.
- Vegetarian-friendly, appealing to a wider audience.
- Includes spices like pepper and basil, enhancing taste profile.
Concerns
- Refined palm oil is a processed ingredient, raising sustainability concerns.
- Flavor enhancers (E621) may raise quality concerns due to synthetic origins.
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (soya) indicates processing, which may affect quality.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this snack.
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Is Potatoes safe in this snack?
Good
Potatoes is used here as base. Potatoes serve as the primary ingredient, providing a natural base for the snack. They are minimally processed and contribute to the overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Potatoes
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as base. Refined palm oil is used for frying, which is a common practice but raises concerns about sustainability and health due to processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Vegetable Oil (Refined Palm Oil)
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Is Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour is a processed ingredient that provides structure but may raise concerns for gluten sensitivity.
Role in formula: base
Original: Flour (Wheat)
-
Is Rusk safe in this snack?
Medium
Rusk is used here as base. Wheat rusk adds texture but is a processed ingredient, which may affect the overall quality of the snack.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rusk (Wheat)
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder is a natural flavoring agent that enhances taste without synthetic additives, contributing positively to the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Powder
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a natural mineral that enhances flavor and is essential for taste, contributing positively to the overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
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Is Flavour Enhancers safe in this snack?
Bad
Flavour Enhancers is used here as flavor. E621 (monosodium glutamate) is a synthetic flavor enhancer that raises concerns about artificial additives and potential health effects.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Flavour Enhancers (E621,E508)
-
Is Acid Regulators safe in this snack?
Bad
Acid Regulators is used here as acidulant. E262 (sodium acetate) and E330 (citric acid) are synthetic additives used to regulate acidity, which may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Acid Regulators (E262, E330)
-
Is Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein safe in this snack?
Medium
Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein is used here as flavor. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (soya) is a processed ingredient that enhances flavor but raises concerns about processing and quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein (Soya)
Read the full ingredient profile for Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein
-
Is Garlic safe in this snack?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic is a natural ingredient that adds flavor and has culinary benefits, contributing positively to the product's quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic
-
Is Natural Colouring safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Colouring is used here as colorant. E160c (paprika extract) is a natural coloring agent that enhances appearance but may raise concerns about processing.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Natural Colouring (E160c)
-
Is Parsley safe in this snack?
Good
Parsley is used here as flavor. Parsley is a natural herb that enhances flavor and adds freshness, contributing positively to the overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Parsley
-
Is Anticaking Agent safe in this snack?
Medium
Anticaking Agent is used here as anti-caking. E551 (silicon dioxide) is used to prevent clumping but is a processed additive that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: anti-caking
Original: Anticaking Agent (E551)
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a common sweetener that enhances flavor but is a processed ingredient, raising concerns about health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
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Is Canola Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as base. Canola oil is a refined oil used for frying, which raises concerns about processing and health implications.
Role in formula: base
Original: Canola Oil
-
Is Basil safe in this snack?
Good
Basil is used here as flavor. Basil is a natural herb that adds flavor and aroma, contributing positively to the product's quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Basil
-
Is Pepper safe in this snack?
Good
Pepper is used here as flavor. Pepper is a natural spice that enhances flavor and adds heat, contributing positively to the overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Pepper
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: 4033075
More from this brand: Kitco products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: soya , gluten
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.