Is Tomato Basil And Orzo Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Specially Selected
Specially Selected's Tomato Basil And Orzo is reviewed here as a ready meal. 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 Sugar, Modified Food Starch.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like enriched macaroni product and sugar, which raise quality concerns. However, the presence of natural ingredients like tomatoes and basil contributes positively to the overall assessment.
Main concern
Presence of sugar raises concerns about added sweeteners in a savory dish.
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 tomatoes and basil, which are natural ingredients that enhance flavor and quality.
- Includes parmesan cheese, providing a source of flavor and texture in the dish.
- Whipping cream and butter add richness, contributing to a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Enriched macaroni product provides additional nutrients like niacin and iron.
Concerns
- Presence of sugar raises concerns about added sweeteners in a savory dish.
- Modified food starch is a processed ingredient that may indicate lower quality.
- Whey protein concentrate is a processed dairy ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
- Use of yeast extract and spices may indicate reliance on flavor enhancers rather than whole ingredients.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this ready meal, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Water safe in this ready meal?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this dish, essential for cooking and texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
-
Is Tomatoes safe in this ready meal?
Good
Tomatoes is used here as natural_extract. Tomatoes provide natural flavor, color, and nutrients, enhancing the overall quality of the meal.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: tomatoes
-
Is Tomato Puree safe in this ready meal?
Good
Tomato Puree is used here as natural_extract. Tomato puree adds concentrated flavor and richness, contributing to the dish's overall taste profile.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: tomato puree
-
Is Enriched Macaroni Product safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Enriched Macaroni Product is used here as base. This processed pasta provides carbohydrates and is fortified with nutrients, but its processing raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: enriched macaroni product
Read the full ingredient profile for Enriched Macaroni Product
-
Is Semolina safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Semolina is used here as base. Semolina is a refined grain product used in pasta, which may lack the nutritional benefits of whole grains.
Role in formula: base
Original: semolina
-
Is Niacin safe in this ready meal?
Good
Niacin is used here as nutrient. Niacin is a B vitamin added for nutritional enrichment, supporting overall dietary intake.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: niacin
-
Is Iron safe in this ready meal?
Good
Iron is used here as nutrient. Iron is included to enhance the nutritional profile, important for various bodily functions.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: iron
-
Is Thiamin Mononitrate safe in this ready meal?
Good
Thiamin Mononitrate is used here as nutrient. Thiamin is a B vitamin that supports energy metabolism, contributing positively to the meal's nutritional value.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: thiamin mononitrate
-
Is Riboflavin safe in this ready meal?
Good
Riboflavin is used here as nutrient. Riboflavin is another B vitamin that aids in energy production and is beneficial for overall health.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: riboflavin
-
Is Folic Acid safe in this ready meal?
Good
Folic Acid is used here as nutrient. Folic acid is included for its role in cell division and overall health, enhancing the meal's nutritional profile.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: folic acid
-
Is Whipping Cream safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Whipping Cream is used here as base. Whipping cream adds richness and creaminess, but its high fat content may not suit all dietary preferences.
Role in formula: base
Original: whipping cream
-
Is Butter safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Butter is used here as base. Butter contributes flavor and richness, though it is a source of saturated fat, raising some health concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: butter
-
Is Sugar safe in this ready meal?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added as a sweetener, which may not be appropriate for a savory dish and raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Parmesan Cheese safe in this ready meal?
Good
Parmesan Cheese is used here as natural_extract. Parmesan cheese adds flavor and texture, enhancing the overall quality of the dish with its rich taste.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: parmesan cheese
-
Is Pasteurized Milk safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Pasteurized Milk is used here as base. Pasteurized milk is a common dairy ingredient that provides creaminess but may not appeal to lactose-sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: base
Original: pasteurized milk
-
Is Cultures safe in this ready meal?
Good
Cultures is used here as natural_extract. Cultures are beneficial for flavor development and may contribute to the overall quality of the dish.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: cultures
-
Is Salt safe in this ready meal?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and is essential for seasoning, though excessive amounts can raise health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Enzymes safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Enzymes is used here as flavor. Enzymes are used for texture and flavor enhancement, but their presence may indicate processing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: enzymes
-
Is Modified Food Starch safe in this ready meal?
Bad
Modified Food Starch is used here as thickener. Modified food starch is a processed thickening agent that raises concerns about ingredient quality and processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified food starch
-
Is Citrus Fiber safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Citrus Fiber is used here as thickener. Citrus fiber is used for texture improvement but is a processed ingredient that may not provide significant benefits.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: citrus fiber
-
Is Whey Protein Concentrate safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Whey Protein Concentrate is used here as base. Whey protein concentrate adds protein but is a processed dairy ingredient that may not suit all consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: whey protein concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Whey Protein Concentrate
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this ready meal?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder enhances flavor and is a natural ingredient that contributes positively to the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic powder
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this ready meal?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder adds depth of flavor and is a natural ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
-
Is Glucono Delta Lactone safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Glucono Delta Lactone is used here as preservative. Glucono delta-lactone is a food additive used for preservation, but its synthetic nature raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: glucono delta-lactone
-
Is Basil safe in this ready meal?
Good
Basil is used here as natural_extract. Basil is a natural herb that enhances flavor and contributes positively to the dish's quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: basil
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement but may indicate reliance on processed ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: yeast extract
-
Is Spice safe in this ready meal?
Good
Spice is used here as flavor. Spices contribute to flavor complexity and are natural ingredients that enhance the dish's overall profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spice
-
Is Paprika safe in this ready meal?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika adds color and flavor, being a natural ingredient that enhances the visual and taste appeal.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika
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: 3852166
More from this brand: Specially Selected products in Zerotox
Similar products: ready_meal in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.