Is Stubb's Original BBQ Flavored Potato Chips Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Herr's
Stubb's Original BBQ Flavored Potato Chips is a snack from Herr's. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Sugar, Brown Sugar, Corn Maltodextrin.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like corn maltodextrin and natural flavor, which raise quality concerns. The presence of sugar and brown sugar also indicates a higher level of processing.
Main concern
Corn maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that raises concerns about ingredient quality.
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
- Potatoes are the primary ingredient, providing a natural base for the chips.
- The use of spices and tomato powder contributes to a flavorful profile.
- Sunflower oil is a common frying oil, generally considered acceptable for cooking.
- Vinegar solids and citric acid add tanginess and help preserve freshness.
Concerns
- Corn maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that raises concerns about ingredient quality.
- Natural flavor is vague and can include various additives, which may affect transparency.
- The inclusion of sugar and brown sugar indicates added sweetness, which may not appeal to all consumers.
- High salt content can be a concern for those monitoring sodium intake.
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Potatoes safe in this snack?
Good
Potatoes is used here as base. Potatoes serve as the main ingredient, providing a natural and wholesome base for the chips.
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. Vegetable oil, derived from corn, cottonseed, or sunflower, is used for frying, raising concerns about the type of oil used.
Role in formula: base
Original: vegetable oil (contains one or more of the following: corn, cottonseed, sunflower)
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Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, contributing to the overall processed nature of the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
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Is Spices safe in this snack?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. A blend of spices enhances flavor, providing a natural taste profile without artificial additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices
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Is Brown Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Brown Sugar is used here as sweetener. Brown sugar adds sweetness and complexity but indicates further processing and sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: brown sugar
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Is Tomato Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Tomato Powder is used here as flavor. Tomato powder contributes to the BBQ flavor, providing a natural source of taste without artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: tomato powder
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but raises concerns for those monitoring sodium intake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Corn Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Bad
Corn Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Corn maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used for texture, raising concerns about ingredient quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: corn maltodextrin
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Is Molasses safe in this snack?
Medium
Molasses is used here as sweetener. Molasses adds sweetness and flavor but is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: molasses
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Is Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika provides natural color and flavor, enhancing the overall appeal of the chips.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika
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Is Garlic safe in this snack?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic adds a robust flavor profile, contributing to the overall taste without artificial additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic
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Is Onion safe in this snack?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion enhances flavor, providing a natural taste without the need for artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion
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Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is used in the seasoning, which is acceptable but raises concerns about oil quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: sunflower oil
-
Is Vinegar Solids safe in this snack?
Good
Vinegar Solids is used here as flavor. Vinegar solids contribute tanginess and help preserve freshness, enhancing the flavor profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: vinegar solids
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Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used for flavor enhancement and preservation, but it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Extractives Of Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Extractives Of Paprika is used here as colorant. Extractives of paprika provide natural color and flavor, enhancing the overall appeal of the chips.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: extractives of paprika
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Bad
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is vague and can include various additives, which may affect transparency and quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor
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: 3281481
More from this brand: Herr's products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack 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.