Is Whole Grain Thin-Sliced 15 Grain Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Pepperidge Farm
Whole Grain Thin-Sliced 15 Grain is a cereal from Pepperidge Farm. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Calcium Propionate, Sorbic Acid.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes whole wheat flour and various whole grains, which contribute positively to the product's nutritional profile. However, the presence of sugar, calcium propionate, and sorbic acid as preservatives raises concerns about the overall quality and processing level, leading to a moderate rating.
Main concern
Contains sugar, which may contribute to higher glycemic response.
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 whole wheat flour, providing fiber and nutrients.
- Incorporates a variety of whole grains, enhancing nutritional diversity.
- Includes flaxseed and sunflower seeds, which are good sources of healthy fats.
- Low in artificial additives, primarily using natural ingredients.
Concerns
- Contains sugar, which may contribute to higher glycemic response.
- Calcium propionate and sorbic acid are synthetic preservatives that raise quality concerns.
- Whey is present, indicating potential allergen risk for lactose-sensitive individuals.
- Mono- and diglycerides are processed emulsifiers that may not appeal to all consumers.
Who should avoid this product?
This cereal may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this cereal so the page answers more than a simple label list.
-
Is Whole Wheat Flour safe in this cereal?
Good
Whole Wheat Flour is used here as base. Whole wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing essential nutrients and fiber. Its inclusion supports a healthier bread option, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR
-
Is Water safe in this cereal?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental ingredient in bread-making, acting as a solvent and facilitating the dough formation. Its presence is essential for the product's texture and moisture content.
Role in formula: base
Original: WATER
-
Is Sugar safe in this cereal?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness and to enhance browning during baking. While it improves flavor, its presence raises concerns about added sugars in the diet.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SUGAR
-
Is Sunflower Seeds safe in this cereal?
Good
Sunflower Seeds is used here as base. Sunflower seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins. Their inclusion enhances the nutritional profile of the bread, contributing positively to its overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: SUNFLOWER SEEDS
-
Is Wheat Gluten safe in this cereal?
Medium
Wheat Gluten is used here as stabilizer. Wheat gluten is used to improve the bread's texture and elasticity. While it aids in achieving a desirable structure, it may not be suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: WHEAT GLUTEN
-
Is Yeast safe in this cereal?
Good
Yeast is used here as base. Yeast is a crucial ingredient for fermentation, allowing the bread to rise. Its role is essential for achieving the desired texture and flavor in the final product.
Role in formula: base
Original: YEAST
-
Is Flaxseed safe in this cereal?
Good
Flaxseed is used here as base. Flaxseed is a source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Its addition enhances the nutritional value of the bread, contributing to heart health and digestive benefits.
Role in formula: base
Original: FLAXSEED
-
Is Oats safe in this cereal?
Good
Oats is used here as base. Oats are included for their fiber content and health benefits. They contribute to a heart-healthy profile and improve the overall texture of the bread.
Role in formula: base
Original: OATS
-
Is Vegetable Oil safe in this cereal?
Medium
Vegetable Oil is used here as emulsifier. Vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola) is used to enhance moisture and texture. While it aids in product consistency, concerns about refined oils may arise.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: VEGETABLE OIL (SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA)
-
Is Calcium Propionate safe in this cereal?
Bad
Calcium Propionate is used here as preservative. Calcium propionate is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life. Its presence raises concerns about synthetic additives in the product, impacting overall quality.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: CALCIUM PROPIONATE
-
Is Sorbic Acid safe in this cereal?
Bad
Sorbic Acid is used here as preservative. Sorbic acid is another synthetic preservative that helps prevent spoilage. While effective, its inclusion indicates a higher level of processing, which may be undesirable for some consumers.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: SORBIC ACID
-
Is Monoglycerides safe in this cereal?
Medium
Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Monoglycerides are used to improve texture and shelf life. They are processed ingredients that may not align with clean label preferences.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: MONOGLYCERIDES
-
Is Whey safe in this cereal?
Medium
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a dairy-derived ingredient that adds protein and improves texture. However, it poses allergen risks for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Role in formula: base
Original: WHEY
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: 2374687
More from this brand: Pepperidge Farm products in Zerotox
Similar products: cereal in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , soy , dairy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.