Is Variety Pack Sour Gummy Candy Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Shameless Snacks
Shameless Snacks's Variety Pack Sour Gummy Candy is reviewed here as a dessert. 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 Sucralose.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The ingredient composition includes polydextrose and soluble corn fiber as primary components, which are processed fibers. However, the presence of sucralose raises concerns about synthetic sweeteners, impacting the overall quality rating.
Main concern
Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener that may raise concerns regarding artificial additives in the product.
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
- Polydextrose and soluble corn fiber provide fiber content, which can aid in digestive health.
- Natural flavors and colors from vegetable juice concentrate indicate a move towards more natural ingredients.
Concerns
- Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener that may raise concerns regarding artificial additives in the product.
- The inclusion of multiple acids like citric and malic may indicate a highly processed composition.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this dessert, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Polydextrose safe in this dessert?
Medium
Polydextrose is used here as base. Polydextrose is a synthetic polymer used as a sugar substitute and bulking agent in this candy. While it adds fiber, its synthetic nature raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Polydextrose
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Is Soluble Corn Fiber safe in this dessert?
Medium
Soluble Corn Fiber is used here as base. Soluble corn fiber is a processed fiber that serves as a bulking agent. It contributes to fiber content but is derived from corn, raising some processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Soluble Corn Fiber
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Is Erythritol safe in this dessert?
Medium
Erythritol is used here as sweetener. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener. While it has a lower glycemic index, it is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Erythritol
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Is Pectin safe in this dessert?
Good
Pectin is used here as stabilizer. Pectin is a natural gelling agent derived from fruits, used to provide texture in gummy candies. It is generally considered safe and beneficial.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Pectin
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Is Glycerin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Glycerin is used here as solvent. Glycerin is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the candy. While it is derived from fats, it is generally recognized as safe.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Glycerin
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Is L Ascorbic Acid safe in this dessert?
Good
L Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. L-ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is included for its antioxidant properties. It helps preserve the candy and adds nutritional value.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: L-Ascorbic Acid
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Is Citric Acid safe in this dessert?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to provide tartness and preserve the candy. While it is naturally occurring, it is often processed.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
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Is Sodium Citrate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate acts as a buffering agent to maintain pH levels in the candy. It is a processed ingredient with some safety concerns.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Sodium Citrate
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Is Malic Acid safe in this dessert?
Medium
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is used to enhance tartness in the candy. It is naturally found in fruits but is often synthesized for commercial use.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Malic Acid
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Is Natural Flavors safe in this dessert?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are derived from natural sources to enhance taste. However, the exact composition is often proprietary, raising transparency concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural Flavors
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Is Colors Added safe in this dessert?
Medium
Colors Added is used here as colorant. Colors added from vegetable juice concentrate and β-carotene provide visual appeal. While derived from natural sources, they are still processed.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Colors Added (Vegetable juice concentrate, β-Carotene)
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Is Spirulina Extract safe in this dessert?
Good
Spirulina Extract is used here as colorant. Spirulina extract is a natural colorant derived from algae, providing a vibrant color while also offering some nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Spirulina Extract
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Is Spinach Powder safe in this dessert?
Good
Spinach Powder is used here as natural_extract. Spinach powder is a natural ingredient that adds color and some nutritional value, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Spinach Powder
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Is Isomalt safe in this dessert?
Medium
Isomalt is used here as sweetener. Isomalt is a sugar substitute derived from beet sugar, used for its low-calorie content. It is processed and may raise concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Isomalt
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Is Sucralose safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sucralose is used here as sweetener. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is significantly sweeter than sugar. Its synthetic nature raises concerns about long-term health effects.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sucralose
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: 3443229
More from this brand: Shameless Snacks products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert 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.