Is Tesco Finest Pork Gravy Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Tesco
This page reviews Tesco Finest Pork Gravy by Tesco as a sauce condiment. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Palm Oil, Flavourings, Hydrolyzed Maize Protein.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes palm oil and hydrolyzed maize protein, which raise concerns about processed ingredients. The presence of maltodextrin and flavorings also indicates a less natural profile.
Main concern
Palm oil is a processed fat that raises environmental and health 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 pork for flavor, providing a traditional taste profile.
- Includes onion powder, which adds depth to the gravy's flavor.
- Wheat flour contributes to the texture, enhancing mouthfeel.
- Calcium carbonate in wheat flour can support dietary calcium intake.
Concerns
- Palm oil is a processed fat that raises environmental and health concerns.
- Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may affect blood sugar levels.
- Hydrolyzed maize protein may contain additives that some consumers avoid.
- Flavourings and colors indicate a reliance on artificial enhancements.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this sauce condiment and why it matters.
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Is Potato Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Potato Starch is used here as thickener. Potato starch is used as a thickening agent in this gravy, providing a smooth texture. However, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Potato Starch
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Is Palm Oil safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Palm Oil is used here as base. Palm oil is a highly processed fat that raises environmental concerns due to deforestation. Its health implications are debated, making it a less favorable ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: Palm Oil
-
Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor in this gravy, providing necessary seasoning. While essential for taste, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Wheat Flour safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour contributes to the texture and body of the gravy. It is a common ingredient but may pose gluten concerns for sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin]
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate used for thickening and stabilizing. It is processed and can impact blood sugar levels, raising concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Maltodextrin
-
Is Flavourings safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Flavourings is used here as flavor. Flavourings are often artificial and can include various additives. Their presence indicates a reliance on synthetic enhancements rather than natural ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Flavourings (contain Wheat)
-
Is Hydrolyzed Maize Protein safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Hydrolyzed Maize Protein is used here as flavor. Hydrolyzed maize protein is used for flavor enhancement but is a processed ingredient that may contain additives, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Hydrolysed Maize Protein
Read the full ingredient profile for Hydrolyzed Maize Protein
-
Is Colours safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Colours is used here as colorant. Plain caramel and paprika extract are used for coloring. While paprika is natural, caramel color is often synthetic, raising concerns about artificial additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Colours (Plain Caramel, Paprika Extract)
-
Is Malt Extract safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Malt Extract is used here as flavor. Malt extract adds sweetness and flavor complexity. It is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers due to its sugar content.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Malt Extract
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder enhances the flavor profile of the gravy, providing a natural taste. It is minimally processed and generally well-regarded.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Powder
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Is Emulsifier safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Emulsifier is used here as emulsifier. Soya lecithins are used as emulsifiers to stabilize the mixture. While generally safe, they are processed and may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Emulsifier Typical values (Soya Lecithins)
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: 3954449
More from this brand: Tesco products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.