Meiji Hello Panda Chocolate

Why this score

• Flavor enhancer: Disodium GuanylateMSG-family flavor enhancer — shown for transparency; does not change the score.
• Flavor enhancer: Disodium InosinateMSG-family flavor enhancer — shown for transparency; does not change the score.

Ingredients (28)

• 5Enriched wheat flourProcessed grain with added nutrients; acceptable but less nutritious than whole grain
• 8NiacinEssential B vitamin; supports energy metabolism and cell health.
• 7Reduced ironMineral supplement; supports oxygen transport but less bioavailable than natural.
• 8Thiamine mononitrateSynthetic vitamin B1; essential nutrient, safe and effective
• 8RiboflavinVitamin B2; essential nutrient, supports energy metabolism safely
• 8Folic acidB9 vitamin; essential for cell division and DNA synthesis.
• 3SugarRefined sweetener; high glycemic index, offers empty calories.
• 5Soybean oilHighly processed vegetable oil; high omega-6; inflammatory potential.
• 5ChocolateProcessed chocolate; contains cocoa but also added sugars and fats.
• 8MilkDairy; whole food source of protein and calcium.
• 3Caramel ColorColoring agent; class IV caramel may contain 4-MEI; safety unclear.
• 6Sorbitan tristearateSynthetic emulsifier, generally recognized as safe in food use
• 5sucrose esters of fatty acidsSynthetic emulsifier; highly processed food additive with limited safety data.
• 6Soy LecithinEmulsifier from soy; minimally processed, functional additive.
• 6ammonium bicarbonateAmmonium bicarbonate: leavening agent, generally recognized safe, may irritate lungs.
• 7Baking sodaSodium bicarbonate; natural leavening agent, minimal concerns.
• 7Malt syrupMinimally processed grain-based sweetener, contains some nutrients
• 6Natural FlavorsMinimally processed flavor compounds from natural sources
• 6SaltSodium chloride; excessive intake linked to hypertension.
• 3MaltodextrinHighly processed carbohydrate, rapid blood sugar spike, minimal nutrition
• 5hydrolyzed soy proteinProcessed soy protein; potential glutamate formation during hydrolysis.
• 7greek yogurt powderDehydrated yogurt; protein source; minimal additives; moderate processing.
• 5Disodium GuanylateFlavor enhancer - flagged for transparency, not penalized
• 5Disodium InosinateFlavor enhancer - flagged for transparency, not penalized
• 7Yeast ExtractMinimally processed natural ingredient; good source of B vitamins
• 4Palm oilHighly processed, high in saturated fat, environmental concerns
• 4Palm kernel oilHighly processed, extremely high in saturated fat
• 8Mixed tocopherolsVitamin E form, natural antioxidant, preserves food freshness

Allergens

Contains: 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.