Is Vegemite 40% Less Salt Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Bega
Bega's Vegemite 40% Less Salt 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 Flavours.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes yeast extract and malt extract, but also contains several additives like E150a and E422, which raise quality concerns. The presence of multiple humectants and colorants indicates a processed product.
Main concern
Includes multiple additives such as E150a (colorant) and E422 (humectant), indicating 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
- Yeast extract provides umami flavor, enhancing taste without excessive salt.
- Contains B vitamins like niacin and B12, which are beneficial for energy metabolism.
Concerns
- Includes multiple additives such as E150a (colorant) and E422 (humectant), indicating processing.
- Mineral salt (E508) and salt may still contribute to sodium intake despite reduced levels.
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 food, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Yeast Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for its savory flavor profile, contributing to the product's umami taste. However, it is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: YEAST EXTRACT (WHEAT, BARLEY)
-
Is Natural Color E150a safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Color E150a is used here as colorant. E150a is a caramel color used to enhance the visual appeal of the product. While it is derived from natural sources, it is still a processed additive.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: NATURAL COLOUR (e150a)
-
Is Humectant E422 safe in this food?
Medium
Humectant E422 is used here as humectant. E422, or glycerol, is used to retain moisture in the product. While it helps maintain texture, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: HUMECTANT (e422)
-
Is Mineral Salt E508 safe in this food?
Medium
Mineral Salt E508 is used here as preservative. E508 is a mineral salt used for flavor enhancement and preservation. Its presence indicates a processed nature, which may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: MINERAL SALT (e508)
-
Is Malt Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Malt Extract is used here as flavor. Malt extract is derived from barley and adds sweetness and flavor. It is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns for those avoiding gluten.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: MALT EXTRACT (BARLEY)
-
Is Flavours safe in this food?
Bad
Flavours is used here as flavor. The term 'flavours' is vague and may include artificial or synthetic components, raising quality and safety concerns regarding the product's composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: FLAVOURS
-
Is Niacin safe in this food?
Good
Niacin is used here as base. Niacin is a B vitamin that supports metabolic processes. Its inclusion adds nutritional value to the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: NIACIN
-
Is Thiamine safe in this food?
Good
Thiamine is used here as base. Thiamine, another B vitamin, is essential for energy metabolism. Its presence enhances the nutritional profile of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: 5 THIAMINE
-
Is Vitamin B6 safe in this food?
Good
Vitamin B6 is used here as base. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, contributing positively to the product's nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: VITAMIN B6
-
Is Riboflavin safe in this food?
Good
Riboflavin is used here as base. Riboflavin is important for energy production and cellular function, adding to the overall nutritional benefits of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: RIBOFLAVIN
-
Is Folate safe in this food?
Good
Folate is used here as base. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and repair, contributing positively to the product's nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: FOLATE
-
Is Vitamin B12 safe in this food?
Good
Vitamin B12 is used here as base. Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells, enhancing the product's nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: VITAMIN B12
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: 4259669
More from this brand: Bega products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , barley
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.