Lemon cake bites

Why this score

• Capped: contains Corn syrupadded-sugar load
• Capped: contains Sodium aluminum phosphateEFSA: aluminum exposure concern
• Capped: contains Natural and artificial flavorssynthetic flavoring — undisclosed composition
• Ultra-processed + additivesNOVA group 4 (ultra-processed) combined with a flagged additive — capped at 6.
• High in sugar, saturated fat, saltFSA traffic lights per 100g: high sugar, saturated fat; medium salt (−1.2).

Ingredients (49)

• 3SugarRefined sugar; contributes to added sugars (16g per serving).
• 7Enriched bleached wheat flourProcessed grain with added nutrients; bleaching is unnecessary
• 8NiacinSynthetic B vitamin; added to enrich flour, generally safe and beneficial.
• 7Reduced ironElemental iron fortification; bioavailability lower than natural forms.
• 8Thiamine mononitrateSynthetic B1 vitamin; added fortification, safe and effective.
• 8RiboflavinB2 vitamin; added fortification, natural and safe.
• 8Folic acidSynthetic B9 vitamin; fortification prevents neural tube defects.
• 9Whole eggsComplete protein source with choline, lutein, and essential nutrients
• 6Liquid soybean oilRefined oil; high omega-6, acceptable but not optimal
• 10WaterEssential natural ingredient; no health concerns.
• 7Cream cheeseDairy product; minimally processed, reasonable nutrient profile
• 8Cheese cultureStandard cheesemaking ingredient, minimally processed.
• 6SaltSodium chloride; 105mg per serving (5% DV); moderate intake recommended.
• 8Carob bean gumNatural plant-based thickener; minimally processed.
• 6Xanthan gumMicrobial polysaccharide thickener; safe but highly processed.
• 6Guar gumFood thickener; generally recognized as safe, processed.
• 4MargarineHighly processed fat substitute; inferior to butter or oils
• 7Annatto extractNatural food coloring from seeds, safe in small amounts
• 5Sodium benzoateCommon preservative; safe at normal levels, synthetic
• 6Natural flavorDerived from natural sources; less concerning than artificial.
• 4Interesterified soybean oilChemically modified fat; created to replace trans fats
• 8Vitamin A palmitateFat-soluble vitamin A; synthetic form; safe at fortification levels.
• 2Corn syrupHighly processed sweetener; linked to metabolic dysfunction.
• 5Modified corn starchChemically altered starch; thickener; reduced digestibility; minimal nutrients.
• 6Sorbic acidSynthetic preservative, safe at low levels, minimal concern
• 8Beta-caroteneNaturally-derived vitamin A precursor; safe food coloring and nutrient
• 9Lemon pulpWhole fruit component; natural fiber, vitamin C, beneficial
• 9Lemon pureeMinimally processed fruit; retains fiber and natural nutrients
• 9Lemon peelWhole fruit component; contains beneficial oils and fiber
• 8Butter creamNatural dairy product, minimally processed, good fat source
• 6Sea saltMineral-rich salt form; trace minerals present.
• 8GlycerineFood additive generally recognized as safe, minimal nutritional value
• 5Sodium aluminum phosphateLeavening acid; aluminum-containing additive of moderate concern.
• 8Lemon oilNatural extract; flavoring agent from whole fruit, minimal processing
• 6Vital wheat glutenProcessed grain protein, useful but highly refined product
• 5Natural and artificial flavorsMixed flavor sources; artificial component reduces score; specifics undisclosed.
• 5Propylene glycol mono- and diesters of fats and fatty acidsUnknown ingredient — insufficient data to score
• 5Sodium stearoyl lactylateDough conditioner; synthetic emulsifier, safe but industrial additive.
• 6Sorbitan monostearateSynthetic emulsifier; approved food additive, generally recognized as safe
• 7Calcium acetateFood additive and calcium supplement; safe at permitted levels
• 8Nonfat milkDairy ingredient; protein/calcium source; minimal fat; whole food.
• 6Sodium propionateSynthetic preservative; safe but not preferred to natural methods
• 6Potassium sorbate preservativeSynthetic preservative; safe in normal amounts, extends shelf life
• 4Polysorbate 60Synthetic emulsifier; FDA approved, generally recognized as safe
• 7Lactic acidNatural preservative from fermentation; supports beneficial bacteria
• 7Citric acidNatural preservative from citrus; safe antioxidant and flavoring
• 7Sodium CitrateSalt form of citric acid; generally safe, minor sodium.
• 8Soy flourWhole food ingredient; good protein and minimal processing
• 9Egg whitesWhole food protein; minimal processing.

Allergens

Contains: eggs, gluten, milk, soy

Declared on the product label. Anything not listed here simply wasn't declared - that is not the same as being free from it. Always check the packaging.