Is Teacakes Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Hovis
Teacakes is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Hovis. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes several processed ingredients like vegetable oil and flour treatment agents, which raise quality concerns. The presence of palm oil and butter also indicates a mix of good and medium quality components.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like vegetable oil and flour treatment agents, which raise quality concerns. The presence of palm oil and butter also indicates a mix of good and medium quality components.
Main concern
Vegetable oil includes palm oil, raising sustainability concerns due to deforestation issues.
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 orange soaked raisins and sultanas, providing natural sweetness and flavor.
- Includes ascorbic acid, which acts as a flour treatment agent to improve dough quality.
Concerns
- Vegetable oil includes palm oil, raising sustainability concerns due to deforestation issues.
- Contains butter and egg yolk, which may not be suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies.
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 snack.
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Is Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and texture. However, it is a refined grain, which raises some concerns about nutritional quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat Flour (with added Calcium, Iron, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B₁)
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Is Water safe in this snack?
Good
Water is used here as solvent. Water is essential for hydration and dough formation, contributing positively to the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Water
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Is Orange Soaked Raisins safe in this snack?
Good
Orange Soaked Raisins is used here as flavor. These raisins add natural sweetness and flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the teacakes.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Orange Soaked Raisins (11%) (contains: Raisins, Orange Juice from concentrate)
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Is Orange Soaked Sultanas safe in this snack?
Good
Orange Soaked Sultanas is used here as flavor. Sultanas provide additional sweetness and a fruity flavor, contributing positively to the product's taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Orange Soaked Sultanas (9%) (contains: Sultanas, Orange Juice from concentrate)
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Is Egg Yolk safe in this snack?
Medium
Egg Yolk is used here as emulsifier. Egg yolk acts as an emulsifier, improving texture and moisture retention, but raises concerns for those with egg allergies.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Egg Yolk
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Is Yeast safe in this snack?
Good
Yeast is used here as leavening agent. Yeast is crucial for fermentation, helping the dough rise and contributing to the texture of the teacakes.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: Yeast
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Is Mixed Peel safe in this snack?
Good
Mixed Peel is used here as flavor. Mixed peel adds a citrus flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Mixed Peel (contains: Orange, Lemon)
-
Is Orange Soaked Currants safe in this snack?
Good
Orange Soaked Currants is used here as flavor. Currants provide a tart flavor and additional sweetness, contributing positively to the overall taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Orange Soaked Currants (2%) (contains: Currants, Orange Juice from concentrate)
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Is Wheat Protein safe in this snack?
Medium
Wheat Protein is used here as stabilizer. Wheat protein helps improve the structure and texture of the teacakes, but it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Wheat Protein
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Is Vegetable Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as fat. Vegetable oil, including palm oil, contributes to moisture and texture but raises concerns regarding sustainability and health.
Role in formula: fat
Original: Vegetable Oil (Palm, Rapeseed)
-
Is Butter safe in this snack?
Medium
Butter is used here as fat. Butter adds flavor and richness but is a source of saturated fat, which may raise health concerns.
Role in formula: fat
Original: Butter (Milk)
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Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and is essential for balancing sweetness in baked goods.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
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Is Fermented Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Medium
Fermented Wheat Flour is used here as base. Fermented wheat flour can improve flavor and texture but is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: Fermented Wheat Flour
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Is Ascorbic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Ascorbic Acid is used here as flour treatment agent. Ascorbic acid is used to strengthen dough and improve its handling properties, but it is a synthetic additive.
Role in formula: flour treatment agent
Original: Flour Treatment Agent: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
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: 3930409
More from this brand: Hovis products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , egg
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.