Is Wrigley's Extra Fresh Strong Mint Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Mars
Mars's Wrigley's Extra Fresh Strong Mint is reviewed here as a snack. Zerotox gives it 30/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Aspartame, Acesulfame K, Bha.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame K, along with artificial color E133. These additives raise significant quality and safety concerns.
Main concern
Aspartame and acesulfame K are artificial sweeteners linked to health concerns.
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 glycerin, which acts as a humectant to retain moisture in the gum.
- Gum arabic is a natural thickener that helps maintain the gum's texture.
Concerns
- Aspartame and acesulfame K are artificial sweeteners linked to health concerns.
- E133 is an artificial colorant that may pose risks associated with synthetic additives.
- BHA is a synthetic antioxidant that raises safety concerns due to its potential effects.
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 snack, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Gum Base safe in this snack?
Medium
Gum Base is used here as base. Gum base provides the chewy texture of the gum. It is a processed ingredient that may contain various synthetic components.
Role in formula: base
Original: KAUMASSE
-
Is Xylitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Xylitol is used here as sweetener. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. While it has dental benefits, it is still a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: XYUT
-
Is Sorbitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Sorbitol is used here as sweetener. Sorbitol is another sugar alcohol that serves as a sweetener and humectant. It can cause digestive issues in some individuals.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SORBIT
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Is Gum Arabic safe in this snack?
Good
Gum Arabic is used here as thickener. Gum arabic is a natural thickening agent derived from acacia trees, contributing to the gum's texture without significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: GUMMI ARABICUM
-
Is Glycerin safe in this snack?
Good
Glycerin is used here as humectant. Glycerin is a natural humectant that helps retain moisture in the gum, enhancing its chewiness and preventing it from drying out.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: FEUCHTHALTEMITTEL (GLYCERIN)
-
Is Flavors safe in this snack?
Medium
Flavors is used here as flavor. Flavors are added to enhance taste but can be synthetic, raising concerns about their origin and safety.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: AROMEN
-
Is Calcium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Medium
Calcium Phosphate is used here as filler. Calcium phosphate is used as a filler. While it is generally recognized as safe, its presence indicates processing.
Role in formula: filler
Original: FÜLLSTOFF (CALCUMPHOSPHATE)
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients. It is derived from soy, which may be a concern for those with allergies.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: EMULGATOR (SOJALECITHIN)
-
Is Aspartame safe in this snack?
Bad
Aspartame is used here as sweetener. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener linked to various health concerns, including potential neurological effects.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SÜSSUNGSMITTEL ASPARTAM
-
Is Acesulfame K safe in this snack?
Bad
Acesulfame K is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame K is a synthetic sweetener that may have adverse health effects, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: ACESULFAM K
-
Is Carnauba Wax safe in this snack?
Medium
Carnauba Wax is used here as coating agent. Carnauba wax is used as a coating agent to give the gum a shiny appearance. It is plant-derived but processed.
Role in formula: coating agent
Original: ÜBERZUGSMITTEL (CARNAUBAWACHS)
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Is Bha safe in this snack?
Bad
Bha is used here as antioxidant. BHA is a synthetic antioxidant that raises safety concerns due to its potential carcinogenic effects.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: ANTIOXIDATIONSMITTEL (BHA)
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Is E133 safe in this snack?
Bad
E133 is used here as colorant. E133 is a synthetic colorant that may pose risks associated with artificial additives, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: FARBSTOFF (E133)
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: 3818928
More from this brand: Mars products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.