Is Tesco Plant Chef Southern Fried Fillets Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Tesco
Tesco Plant Chef Southern Fried Fillets is a food from Tesco. 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 Methyl Cellulose, Sodium Alginate, Wheat Gluten.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes wheat flour and various stabilizers, which indicate a processed product. Ingredients like methyl cellulose and sodium alginate raise concerns about synthetic additives.
Main concern
Presence of stabilizers like methyl cellulose and sodium alginate suggests a highly processed composition.
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 pea protein, providing a plant-based protein source that supports a vegetarian diet.
- Includes natural flavorings and spices like black pepper and garlic powder, enhancing taste without artificial additives.
Concerns
- Presence of stabilizers like methyl cellulose and sodium alginate suggests a highly processed composition.
- Wheat gluten and flour may pose concerns for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Who should avoid this product?
This food may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this food so the page answers more than a simple label list.
-
Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as a base ingredient, providing moisture and aiding in the texture of the fillets. It is essential for the overall composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
-
Is Wheat Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour is a primary ingredient that contributes to the structure and texture of the fillets. However, it is a refined ingredient with moderate processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin]
-
Is Rapeseed Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Rapeseed Oil is used here as base. Rapeseed oil is used for frying and adds moisture. While it is a common cooking oil, concerns about processing and omega-6 fatty acid balance exist.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rapeseed Oil
-
Is Wheat Protein safe in this food?
Medium
Wheat Protein is used here as base. Wheat protein contributes to the protein content and texture of the fillets. However, it may raise concerns for those with gluten sensitivities.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat Protein (9%)
-
Is Bamboo Fibre safe in this food?
Good
Bamboo Fibre is used here as base. Bamboo fibre is a natural ingredient that adds texture and may aid in moisture retention. It is considered a beneficial addition.
Role in formula: base
Original: Bamboo Fibre
-
Is Methyl Cellulose safe in this food?
Bad
Methyl Cellulose is used here as stabilizer. Methyl cellulose is a synthetic thickener used to improve texture. Its presence raises concerns about artificial additives in the product.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Methyl Cellulose
-
Is Sodium Alginate safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Alginate is used here as stabilizer. Sodium alginate is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. While natural, it is processed and may raise concerns about additives.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Sodium Alginate
-
Is Pea Protein safe in this food?
Good
Pea Protein is used here as base. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that enhances the nutritional profile of the fillets, supporting a vegetarian diet.
Role in formula: base
Original: Pea Protein (1%)
-
Is Flavourings safe in this food?
Medium
Flavourings is used here as flavor. Flavourings are added to enhance taste but may include artificial components, raising concerns about the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Flavourings
-
Is Rice Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Rice Flour is used here as base. Rice flour is used for texture and binding. It is a gluten-free alternative but is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rice Flour
-
Is Wheat Gluten safe in this food?
Bad
Wheat Gluten is used here as base. Wheat gluten is a concentrated protein that provides structure but poses significant concerns for those with gluten intolerance.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat Gluten
-
Is Black Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Black pepper adds flavor and has potential antioxidant properties, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Black Pepper
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for flavor enhancement but raises concerns about sodium intake, especially in processed foods.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Wheat Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Wheat Starch is used here as base. Wheat starch is used as a thickening agent. It is processed and may raise concerns for those with gluten sensitivities.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat Starch
-
Is Fennel safe in this food?
Good
Fennel is used here as flavor. Fennel is a natural herb that adds flavor and may have digestive benefits, contributing positively to the product's profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Fennel
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement and may contain glutamates, raising concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Yeast Extract
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this food?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder adds flavor and potential health benefits, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Powder
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this food?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder enhances flavor and provides potential health benefits, positively impacting the product's profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Powder
-
Is Dextrose safe in this food?
Medium
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar used for flavor enhancement. Its presence raises concerns about added sugars in processed foods.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Dextrose
-
Is Yeast safe in this food?
Good
Yeast is used here as base. Yeast is used for fermentation and flavor development, contributing positively to the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: Yeast
-
Is White Pepper safe in this food?
Good
White Pepper is used here as flavor. White pepper adds a distinct flavor profile and may have antioxidant properties, enhancing the product's quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: White Pepper
-
Is Paprika safe in this food?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika is used for color and flavor enhancement, providing natural coloring without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Paprika
-
Is Chilli Powder safe in this food?
Good
Chilli Powder is used here as flavor. Chilli powder adds heat and flavor, contributing positively to the overall taste profile of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Chilli Powder
-
Is Ammonium Carbonate safe in this food?
Bad
Ammonium Carbonate is used here as raising agent. Ammonium carbonate is a chemical leavening agent that raises concerns about synthetic additives in food products.
Role in formula: raising agent
Original: Raising Agent (Ammonium Carbonate)
-
Is Black Pepper Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Black Pepper Extract is used here as flavor. Black pepper extract is used for flavor enhancement but may include processed components, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Black Pepper Extract
-
Is Thyme Extract safe in this food?
Good
Thyme Extract is used here as flavor. Thyme extract adds flavor and potential health benefits, positively impacting the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Thyme Extract
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: 3954609
More from this brand: Tesco products in Zerotox
Similar products: food 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.