Is Uncle Ben's Garden Vegetable Rice with Peas Carrot & Corn Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Uncle Ben's
Uncle Ben's's Uncle Ben's Garden Vegetable Rice with Peas Carrot & Corn is reviewed here as a food. 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 Maltodextrin, Sugar, Caramel Color.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
This product contains several processed ingredients such as canola oil and maltodextrin, which raise quality concerns. The presence of sugar and artificial colorants further impacts its safety profile.
Main concern
Canola oil and/or sunflower oil are refined oils, raising concerns about processing.
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 vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn, contributing to a varied flavor profile.
- Parboiled rice is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy.
- Soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier, improving texture and consistency.
- Seasoning blend includes natural flavors, enhancing overall taste.
Concerns
- Canola oil and/or sunflower oil are refined oils, raising concerns about processing.
- Maltodextrin and sugar are added, indicating a higher level of processing.
- Caramel color is an artificial colorant, which may raise quality concerns.
- Presence of yeast extract may indicate MSG-like properties, which some consumers avoid.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this food, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this product, essential for cooking the rice and vegetables.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
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Is Parboiled Long Grain Rice safe in this food?
Good
Parboiled Long Grain Rice is used here as base. Parboiled rice retains more nutrients than regular white rice, providing a better nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: parboiled long grain rice
Read the full ingredient profile for Parboiled Long Grain Rice
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Is Peas safe in this food?
Good
Peas is used here as base. Peas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, adding nutritional value to the dish.
Role in formula: base
Original: peas
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Is Carrots safe in this food?
Good
Carrots is used here as base. Carrots provide beta-carotene and fiber, enhancing the nutritional quality of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: carrots
-
Is Corn safe in this food?
Good
Corn is used here as base. Corn adds sweetness and texture, along with some vitamins and minerals.
Role in formula: base
Original: corn
-
Is Canola Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as emulsifier. Canola oil is a refined oil that may raise concerns about processing and quality.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: canola oil and/or sunflower oil
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this food?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is used to improve texture but is a processed ingredient that may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: soy lecithin
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Is Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but excessive consumption can lead to health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this food?
Bad
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar levels, raising health concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
-
Is Sugar safe in this food?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, contributing to higher calorie content and potential health issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract enhances flavor but may contain MSG-like properties, which some consumers avoid.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: yeast extract
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this food?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder adds flavor and contains antioxidants, contributing positively to the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor enhances taste but can be vague in terms of specific ingredients used.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor
-
Is Caramel Color safe in this food?
Bad
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color is an artificial colorant that raises quality concerns due to its processing.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: caramel color
-
Is Turmeric safe in this food?
Good
Turmeric is used here as colorant. Turmeric is a natural colorant that also provides health benefits, enhancing the product's quality.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: turmeric (color)
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this food?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder adds flavor and has potential health benefits, contributing positively to the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic powder
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Is Spice safe in this food?
Good
Spice is used here as flavor. Spices enhance flavor and may provide additional health benefits, improving overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spice
-
Is Iron Ferric Orthophosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Iron Ferric Orthophosphate is used here as fortificant. Iron is added to fortify the product, addressing potential nutrient deficiencies but raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: iron (ferric orthophosphate)
Read the full ingredient profile for Iron Ferric Orthophosphate
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Is Niacin safe in this food?
Medium
Niacin is used here as fortificant. Niacin is included for fortification, which can help with nutrient intake but is a synthetic addition.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: niacin
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Is Thiamine Thiamine Mononitrate safe in this food?
Medium
Thiamine Thiamine Mononitrate is used here as fortificant. Thiamine is added for fortification, beneficial for health but is a synthetic form of the vitamin.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: thiamine (thiamine mononitrate)
Read the full ingredient profile for Thiamine Thiamine Mononitrate
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Is Folate Folic Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Folate Folic Acid is used here as fortificant. Folic acid is included for fortification, important for health but is a synthetic form of the vitamin.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: folate (folic acid)
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: 3238105
More from this brand: Uncle Ben's products in Zerotox
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