Is Zero Sugar Tropical Hard Candy Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Jolly Rancher
Jolly Rancher's Zero Sugar Tropical Hard Candy is reviewed here as a dessert. 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 Acesulfame Potassium, Artificial Color.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes isomalt and polyglycitol syrup as sugar substitutes, which are processed ingredients. Additionally, artificial colors like Yellow 5, Red 40, and Yellow 6 raise concerns about synthetic additives. Acesulfame potassium, an artificial sweetener, further contributes to the product's low rating due to potential health concerns associated with synthetic sweeteners.
Main concern
Includes acesulfame potassium, an artificial sweetener 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 isomalt, a sugar substitute that provides sweetness with fewer calories.
- Polyglycitol syrup is another sugar alternative that can help reduce sugar intake.
Concerns
- Includes acesulfame potassium, an artificial sweetener linked to health concerns.
- Artificial colors such as Yellow 5 and Red 40 may pose sensitivity issues for some individuals.
- Lecithin (soy) is a processed emulsifier that may raise allergen concerns.
- Overall composition is heavily reliant on synthetic ingredients, indicating low quality.
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 dessert, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Isomalt safe in this dessert?
Medium
Isomalt is used here as sweetener. Isomalt is a sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute in this candy. While it provides sweetness with fewer calories, it can cause digestive issues in some individuals when consumed in large amounts.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: ISOMALT
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Is Polyglycitol Syrup safe in this dessert?
Medium
Polyglycitol Syrup is used here as sweetener. Polyglycitol syrup is a sugar substitute that adds sweetness without the calories of sugar. However, it is a processed ingredient and may have laxative effects if consumed excessively.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: POLYGLYCITOL SYRUP
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Is Malic Acid safe in this dessert?
Good
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is a natural acid that provides tartness to the candy. It is generally recognized as safe and adds flavor without synthetic intervention.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: MALIC ACID
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Is Natural Artificial Flavor safe in this dessert?
Medium
Natural Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural and artificial flavors are used to enhance the taste of the candy. The presence of artificial flavors raises concerns about the quality and safety of the flavoring agents used.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural Artificial Flavor
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Is Acesulfame Potassium safe in this dessert?
Bad
Acesulfame Potassium is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener that provides sweetness without calories. However, it has been associated with potential health concerns, including links to cancer in some studies.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: ACESULFAME, POTASSIUM
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Is Lecithin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Lecithin is a soy-derived emulsifier that helps blend ingredients. While it is generally safe, it may pose allergen risks for individuals with soy sensitivities.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: LECITHIN (SOY)
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Is Artificial Color safe in this dessert?
Bad
Artificial Color is used here as colorant. Artificial colors like Yellow 5, Red 40, and Yellow 6 are synthetic dyes used to enhance the visual appeal of the candy. These colors have been linked to potential allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: ARTIFICIAL COLOR, (YELLOW 5, RED 40, YELLOW 6, BLUE 1)
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: 2356427
More from this brand: Jolly Rancher products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert 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.