Is Sugar Free Gummy Bears Candy Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Brach's
Brach's's Sugar Free Gummy Bears Candy is reviewed here as a dessert. Zerotox gives it 45/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it shows multiple flagged ingredients that may matter for sensitive users.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Natural Artificial Flavors, Red 40, Yellow 5.
45 / 100
Why score is 45
The composition includes maltitol as a sugar substitute and several artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, raising concerns about synthetic additives and quality.
Main concern
The presence of artificial colors such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 raises concerns about synthetic additives and potential health implications.
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
- Maltitol serves as a sugar substitute, providing sweetness without sugar, which may appeal to those monitoring sugar intake.
- Gelatin is a natural ingredient that contributes to the chewy texture of gummy bears, enhancing the product's mouthfeel.
Concerns
- The presence of artificial colors such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 raises concerns about synthetic additives and potential health implications.
- Natural and artificial flavors may contain undisclosed ingredients, which can be problematic for consumers with sensitivities.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this dessert, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Maltitol safe in this dessert?
Medium
Maltitol is used here as sweetener. Maltitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute in this candy, providing sweetness with fewer calories than sugar, but it may cause digestive issues in some individuals.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: MALTITOL**
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Is Gelatin safe in this dessert?
Good
Gelatin is used here as base. Gelatin is a natural ingredient derived from animal collagen, providing structure and chewiness to the gummy bears, indicating a traditional formulation.
Role in formula: base
Original: GELATIN
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this dessert?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer that adds tartness to the candy, contributing to its overall flavor profile without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: CITRIC ACID
-
Is Apple Juice From Concentrate safe in this dessert?
Good
Apple Juice From Concentrate is used here as flavor. Apple juice from concentrate adds natural sweetness and flavor to the gummy bears, enhancing taste while providing some fruit-derived components.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: APPLE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE*
Read the full ingredient profile for Apple Juice From Concentrate
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Is Sodium Citrate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the product's pH balance, but it is a processed ingredient that may raise some concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: SODIUM CITRATE
-
Is Natural Artificial Flavors safe in this dessert?
Bad
Natural Artificial Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural and artificial flavors are vague terms that can encompass a wide range of undisclosed ingredients, raising concerns for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural Artificial Flavors
-
Is Coconut Oil safe in this dessert?
Medium
Coconut Oil is used here as base. Coconut oil is used for texture and moisture, but it is a processed ingredient that may not align with all consumers' dietary preferences.
Role in formula: base
Original: COCONUT OIL
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Is Carnauba Wax safe in this dessert?
Medium
Carnauba Wax is used here as coating. Carnauba wax is used as a coating agent to give the gummy bears a shiny appearance, but it is a processed ingredient that may not be appealing to all consumers.
Role in formula: coating
Original: CARNAUBA WAX
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Is Red 40 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Red 40 is used here as colorant. Red 40 is a synthetic dye used for coloring, which has been associated with potential allergic reactions and behavioral issues in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: RED 40
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Is Yellow 5 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Yellow 5 is used here as colorant. Yellow 5 is another synthetic dye that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, raising concerns about its safety in food products.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: YELLOW 5
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Is Blue 1 safe in this dessert?
Bad
Blue 1 is used here as colorant. Blue 1 is a synthetic colorant that has been linked to potential health concerns, including allergic reactions, which may affect consumer safety perceptions.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: BLUE 1
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: 3197446
More from this brand: Brach's products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert 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.