Is Tomato and Basil Chips Despar Premium Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Despar
Despar's Tomato and Basil Chips Despar Premium is reviewed here as a snack. 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 Natural Flavor.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The ingredient composition includes maltodextrin and sugar, which are processed and raise quality concerns. The presence of natural flavor and paprika extract as colorant also indicates moderate processing.
Main concern
Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may raise blood sugar levels.
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 real tomato powder (20%) which adds flavor and color.
- Basil (1.5%) and parsley contribute to the herbal profile, enhancing taste.
- Uses sunflower oil, a common cooking oil with moderate health implications.
- Acidulant citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain freshness.
Concerns
- Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that may raise blood sugar levels.
- Sugar is included, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake.
- Natural flavor is vague and may include synthetic components.
- Paprika extract as a colorant raises concerns about processing and quality.
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 snack, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Potato safe in this snack?
Good
Potato is used here as base. Potato serves as the primary ingredient, providing the main structure and flavor of the chips. It is a natural source of carbohydrates.
Role in formula: base
Original: Patate
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is commonly used for frying, providing a light flavor. However, it is a refined oil, which raises some health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: olio di semi di girasole
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this snack?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate used for texture and as a filler. It can impact blood sugar levels and is not a whole food.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodestrina
-
Is Table Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Table Salt is used here as flavor. Table salt enhances flavor and is essential for taste. However, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sale da cucina
-
Is Tomato Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Tomato Powder is used here as flavor. Tomato powder (20%) provides natural flavor and color, contributing to the overall taste profile of the chips.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: polvere di pomodoro
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, which can enhance flavor but also raises concerns about excessive calorie intake.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: zucchero
-
Is Spices safe in this snack?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. A blend of spices adds complexity to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spezie
-
Is Potato Starch safe in this snack?
Medium
Potato Starch is used here as thickener. Potato starch is used for texture and binding. While it is derived from potatoes, it is processed and may not provide the same benefits as whole foods.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: amido di patate
-
Is Basil safe in this snack?
Good
Basil is used here as natural_extract. Basil (1.5%) adds a fresh herbal note, enhancing the flavor profile and providing some aromatic qualities.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: basilico
-
Is Parsley safe in this snack?
Good
Parsley is used here as natural_extract. Parsley contributes to the flavor and may provide some nutritional benefits, enhancing the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: prezzemolo
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. While it is naturally occurring, it is often processed.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: correttore di acidità: acido citrico
-
Is Paprika Extract safe in this snack?
Medium
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is used for coloring and flavoring. While it is natural, it indicates some level of processing.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: colorante: estratto di paprika
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Bad
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor can be derived from various sources and may include synthetic components, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: aroma naturale
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: 3525135
More from this brand: Despar products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack 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.