Is Sweet & Sour Extra Spicy Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Ben's Original
Ben's Original's Sweet & Sour Extra Spicy is reviewed here as a sauce condiment. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Colorant.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes tomatoes and pineapple, but also contains sugar and modified corn starch, which raises concerns about processed ingredients. The presence of artificial color from paprika extract further impacts the quality assessment.
Main concern
Sugar is present, indicating a level of sweetness that may not be suitable for all diets.
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
- Tomatoes (14%) provide a natural base, contributing to flavor and texture.
- Pineapple (6.2%) adds a fruity note, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- The inclusion of spices can enhance flavor complexity, making it more appealing.
Concerns
- Sugar is present, indicating a level of sweetness that may not be suitable for all diets.
- Modified corn starch is a processed thickener that raises concerns about ingredient quality.
- Paprika extract as a colorant suggests the use of artificial additives, impacting the overall rating.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this sauce condiment, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Water safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this sauce, ensuring proper consistency and aiding in the blending of flavors.
Role in formula: base
Original: Vann
-
Is Tomatoes safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Tomatoes is used here as base. Tomatoes (14%) provide natural flavor and acidity, contributing to the sauce's overall taste and nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: tomater
-
Is Sugar safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, which can enhance flavor but raises concerns about excessive sweetness in the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sukker
-
Is Onion safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion adds depth and savory notes to the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor complexity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: løk
-
Is Pineapple safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Pineapple is used here as flavor. Pineapple (6.2%) contributes a sweet and tangy flavor, balancing the sauce's overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ananas
-
Is Carrot safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Carrot is used here as flavor. Carrot (5.5%) adds natural sweetness and color, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor of the sauce.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: gulrot
-
Is Vinegar safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Vinegar provides acidity, which balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: eddik
-
Is Red Bell Pepper safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Red Bell Pepper is used here as flavor. Red bell pepper (3.1%) adds sweetness and color, contributing to the sauce's flavor and visual appeal.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: rød paprika
-
Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch is used to thicken the sauce, but its processed nature raises concerns about ingredient quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modifisert maisstivelse
-
Is Green Bell Pepper safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Green Bell Pepper is used here as flavor. Green bell pepper (2.7%) adds a fresh flavor and contributes to the overall texture of the sauce.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: grønn paprika
-
Is Bamboo Shoots safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Bamboo Shoots is used here as flavor. Bamboo shoots provide a crunchy texture and unique flavor, enhancing the sauce's complexity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: bambusskudd
-
Is Soy Sauce safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Soy Sauce is used here as flavor. Soy sauce adds umami flavor, but its sodium content may be a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: soyasaus
-
Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but raises concerns about sodium intake, especially in processed foods.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Spices safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices contribute to the overall flavor profile, enhancing the sauce's complexity and appeal.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: krydder
-
Is Colorant safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Colorant is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is used as a colorant, indicating the presence of artificial additives that may affect quality perception.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: fargestoff
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: 3808014
More from this brand: Ben's Original products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: soy , wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.