Additive guides · Product label guide
Common food preservatives and cancer: what IARC and the FDA actually say.
Updated
A careful, sourced look at the preservatives people ask about: nitrites and processed meat, BHA, potassium bromate, benzoates and TBHQ, what each IARC or regulator classification means, and which catalog products list them.
Quick answer
IARC classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) for colorectal cancer, and ingested nitrate or nitrite “under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation” as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A). BHA and potassium bromate are Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic. An IARC group describes the strength of evidence, not how large the risk is, and sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and TBHQ are not in those groups.
- Processed meat
- IARC Group 1 (2015)
- Nitrite, nitrosation
- Group 2A (2010)
- BHA, potassium bromate
- Group 2B
- Meaning
- Evidence strength, not risk size
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01 · A closer look
What IARC groups mean.
IARC classes agents by how strong the evidence is that they can cause cancer: Group 1 carcinogenic, 2A probably, 2B possibly, 3 not classifiable. The group does not say how much risk a normal diet carries, which is why IARC places processed meat and tobacco both in Group 1 despite very different risks.
IARC Monographs: agents classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1 to 123 (official list)02 · A closer look
Processed meat and nitrite.
In October 2015 IARC (Monographs Volume 114) concluded that eating processed meat, meat transformed by salting, curing, fermentation or smoking, causes colorectal cancer, based on sufficient human evidence, and its press materials say each 50 gram daily portion raised colorectal cancer risk by about 18 percent in the studies reviewed. Nitrite and nitrate are curing agents; IARC’s list classifies “nitrate or nitrite (ingested) under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation” as Group 2A, probably carcinogenic, from Volume 94 (2010). “Uncured” and “no nitrates added” meats usually use celery juice, a natural nitrate source.
IARC: Q&A on the carcinogenicity of red meat and processed meat (Monographs Volume 114, October 2015)03 · A closer look
BHA, potassium bromate and the Group 2B label.
IARC’s official list places butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA, evaluated in Volume 40 and Supplement 7, 1987) and potassium bromate (Supplement 7 and Volume 73, 1999) in Group 2B. The list classes butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in Group 3, not classifiable. For potassium bromate, the Volume 73 working group had no human data and rated the animal evidence sufficient, with kidney and thyroid tumors in rats, kidney tumors in mice and a marginal kidney tumor increase in hamsters. This site tracks potassium bromate under additives restricted abroad. These ratings do not establish that normal food use causes cancer in people.
IARC Monographs Volume 73: potassium bromate (1999)04 · A closer look
Benzoates, sorbates and TBHQ.
Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, calcium propionate and TBHQ are on our preservatives list because many shoppers avoid synthetic preservatives. They do not appear in the IARC classifications above, so we make no cancer claim about them; regulators permit them within set limits.
05 · A closer look
Products in the catalog.
The products below list at least one flagged preservative on their recorded label, picked across shelves. Open a product to see the ingredient statement and its verification date. Products with no listed preservatives, including many without nitrites, are visible in the comparison tables and the nitrate-free deli meat guide.
The short answer
Our picks for common food preservatives
No pick yetEvery scored common food preservatives label lists at least one of the groups we check, so nothing here earns a pick.
Clear noTakis Fuego Hot Chili Pepper & Lime Tortilla Chips (lists seed oils, artificial dyes, MSG and artificial preservatives), Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage (lists MSG, artificial preservatives and corn syrups), Crisco All-vegetable Shortening (lists seed oils, artificial preservatives and hydrogenated oils), plus 21 more with a listed group.
Ranked from 24 of 24 products with current labels. Every product is in the table below; a score reflects labels and claims, not nutrition, allergies or safety.
Compare the recorded labels
Find the ingredients that matter to you.
“No …” columns: None found on the label · Listed on the label · Unknown. Diet fit: Fits · Doesn’t fit · Unknown (rules; not medical advice). Claims: verified · not established. Default: most check marks first; not a health score.
| Buy | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients CHILI, SALT, GARLIC, ACETIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE AND SODIUM BISULFITE AS PRESERVATIVES, XANTHAN GUM Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2595017 · data date 2023-07-13 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients WHEAT FLOUR, DEGERMED YELLOW CORN MEAL, SUGAR, LARD (LARD, HYDROGENATED LARD, BHT PRESERVATIVE, CITRIC ACID PRESERVATIVE), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: BAKING SODA, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, SALT, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLICACID. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2669212 · data date 2023-11-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients MILLED CORN, SUGAR, MALT FLAVOR, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF SALT, CINNAMON, NATURAL FLAVOR, BHT FOR FRESHNESS. VITAMINS AND MINERALS: VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID), IRON (FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE), NIACINAMIDE, VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE), VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN), VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE), VITAMIN A PALMITATE, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN B12, VITAMIN D3. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2671970 · data date 2023-11-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients CARBONATED WATER, CANE SUGAR, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVORS, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM BENZOATE (TO PROTECT TASTE) Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2530197 · data date 2023-04-27 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 3 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Taurine, Sodium Citrate, L-Theanine, Caffeine, Sucralose, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Acesulfame Potassium, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Natural Flavor, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Inositol, Glucuronolactone, D-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Salt, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Guarana Seed Extract, D-Biotin, Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12). Label checked 2026-10-11 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗Reviewed | ||||||||||
| 55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 3 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, VITAMIN B1 [THIAMIN MONONITRATE], VITAMIN B2 [RIBOFLAVIN], FOLIC ACID), VEGETABLE OIL (HIGH OLEIC SOYBEAN, SOYBEAN, PALM, AND/OR CANOLA OIL WITH TBHQ FOR FRESHNESS), CHEESE MADE WITH SKIM MILK (SKIM MILK, WHEY PROTEIN, SALT, CHEESE CULTURES, ENZYMES, ANNATTO EXTRACT COLOR). CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF SALT, PAPRIKA, YEAST, PAPRIKA EXTRACT COLOR, SOY LECITHIN. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2658679 · data date 2023-10-26 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 3 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), WATER, PEPPERONI MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN, BEEF (PORK, MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN, BEEF, SALT, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF SPICES, DEXTROSE, LACTIC ACID STARTER CULTURE, OLEORESIN OF PAPRIKA, SODIUM ASCORBATE, FLAVORING, SODIUM NITRITE, BHA, BHT, CITRIC ACID), COOKED ITALIAN SAUSAGE (PORK, WATER, SPICES, SALT, SUGAR, GARLIC POWDER, SPICE EXTRACTS), TOMATO PASTE, REDUCED FAT MOZZARELLA CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PART SKIM MILK, NONFAT MILK, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH*, CULTURES, SALT, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, ENZYMES, *INGREDIENTS NOT IN REGULAR MOZZARELLA CHEESE), SOYBEAN OIL, 2% OR LESS GREEN BELL PEPPERS, RED BELL PEPPERS, ONIONS, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, SUGAR, SEASONING (BREAD CRUMB [BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, DEXTROSE, YEAST, SALT], DRIED GARLIC, TOMATO POWDER, SPICE, SALT, DEXTROSE, DRIED ONION, MALTODEXTRIN, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR), FRACTIONATED PALM OIL, YEAST, DOUGH CONDITIONER BLEND (CALCIUM SULFATE, SALT, L-CYSTEINE HYDROCHLORIDE, GARLIC POWDER, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, ENZYMES [WHEAT]), SALT, SEASONING (SUGAR SPICES), BASIL, SOY LECITHIN, SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE, METHYLCELLULOSE, FLAVOR (MALTODEXTRIN, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, NATURAL FLAVORS, DATEM, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES), SEASONING (MALTODEXTRIN, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, BUTTER FLAVOR), WHEY, SOY FLOUR, EGG WHITES Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2568904 · data date 2023-06-29 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients Brown sugar, ketchup (tomatoes, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, onion powder, natural flavoring) water, honey, prepared mustard (mustard seed, turmeric, paprika, garlic powder) distilled vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (molasses, malic acid, citric acid, dextrose, cellulose gum, natural smoke flavor) salt, Modified corn starch, spices, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, citric acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and xanthan gum. No msg added Label checked 2026-10-11 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗Reviewed | ||||||||||
| 55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT, SUGAR, RICE. CORN SYRUP, ALMONDS, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF MOLASSES, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, PALM OIL, SALT, CINNAMON, NONFAT MILK, MALT FLAVORING, POLYGLYCEROL ESTERS OF FATTY ACIDS, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, GUAR GUM, BHT FOR FRESHNESS. VITAMINS AND MINERALS: NIACINAMIDE, ZINC OXIDE, VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE), VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBATE AND ASCORBIC ACID), VITAMIN A PALMITATE, REDUCED IRON, VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN), FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE), VITAMIN D, VITAMIN B12. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2107046 · data date 2021-10-28 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 3 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, WATER, SUGAR, WHEAT GLUTEN, YEAST, WHEAT BRAN, MOLASSES, SALT, SOYBEAN OIL, DATEM, CALCIUM PROPIONATE (PRESERVATIVE), MONOGLYCERIDES, CALCIUM SULFATE, SOY LECITHIN, CITRIC ACID, GRAIN VINEGAR, POTASSIUM IODATE, SOY FLOUR. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2107271 · data date 2021-10-28 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients Ground Roasted Peanuts, Grape Juice, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Dextrose, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Distilled Monoglycerides, Salt, Pectin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Sodium Citrate. Label checked 2026-10-17 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗Reviewed | ||||||||||
| 53 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients CURED WITH WATER, SALT, SUGAR, DEXTROSE, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE, SODIUM NITRITE. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2368080 · data date 2022-12-07 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 53 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients PARMESAN CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PART-SKIM MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), SPICES, CELLULOSE POWDER TO PREVENT CAKING, DRIED GARLIC, DRIED ONIONS, POTASSIUM SORBATE TO PROTECT FLAVOR, NATURAL FLAVOR. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2675982 · data date 2023-11-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 53 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients Beef, Brown Sugar, Water, Salt, Flavorings, Beef Stock, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Vinegar, Sodium Nitrite. Label checked 2026-10-17 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗Reviewed | ||||||||||
| Bulk foodservice · Canada | 53 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 4 | |||||||
Recorded ingredients Beef Tallow, BHA, BHT, Citric Acid, Dimethylpolysiloxane. Label checked 2026-10-05 · Canada Ingredient evidence source ↗Producer claims Grass-fed claim not established Bulk Canadian foodservice comparison, not a retail jar. The complete producer statement lists BHA and BHT plus an antifoaming agent. Lists BHA, BHT and an antifoaming agent Producer claim source ↗Reviewed 2026-10-05 | ||||||||||
| 47 / 1006 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 3 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients RIBLET PATTIES: PORK, MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN, WATER, TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN PRODUCT (SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, ZINC OXIDE, NIACINAMIDE, FERROUS SULFATE, COPPER GLUCONATE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, RIBOFLAVIN, & CYANOCOBALAMIN), SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE WITH LESS THAN 2% SOY LECITHIN, BROWN SUGAR, DEXTROSE, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR, SALT, PAPRIKA, SODIUM PHOSPHATES, FLAVORING, NATURAL FLAVOR, CARAMEL COLOR, CITRIC ACID. SAUCE: WATER, TOMATOES, APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, BROWN SUGAR, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, MOLASSES POWDER (MOLASSES, WHEAT STARCH, CALCIUM STEARATE, SOY FLOUR AND SOY LECITHIN), MODIFIED CORN STARCH, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR, SALT, FLAVORING, CARAMEL COLOR, CITRIC ACID. MASHED POTATOES: WATER, DEHYDRATED POTATOES, SOYBEAN OIL, SALT, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, MALTODEXTRIN, CITRIC ACID, DISODIUM DIHYDROGEN PYROPHOSPHATE, SUGAR, NATURAL FLAVOR, BHT, SODIUM BISULFITE, CALCIUM CARBONATE, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE. CORN: CORN, WATER, SUGAR. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2618392 · data date 2023-08-31 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 47 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 3 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients PURIFIED WATER, SOYBEAN OIL, PALM KERNEL AND PALM OIL, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SALT, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, LACTIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, LECITHIN (SOY), POTASSIUM SORBATE (USED TO PROTECT QUALITY), NATURAL FLAVOR, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, BETA CAROTENE (COLOR), VITAMIN D3 Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2614784 · data date 2023-08-31 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 47 / 1006 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 3 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients SOYBEAN OIL, FULLY HYDROGENATED PALM OIL, PALM OIL, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, TBHQ, CITRIC ACID (ANTIOXIDANTS) Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2572333 · data date 2023-06-29 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 47 / 1006 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 2 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients WATER, VEGETABLE OIL (SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA), SUGAR, EGG YOLK, SALT, BUTTERMILK, CUCUMBER (CUCUMBER, WATER, SALT, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, XANTHAN GUM), LESS THAN 1% OF: NONFAT YOGURT (CULTURED WHEY, NONFAT MILK)*, CUCUMBER JUICE (CUCUMBER, VINEGAR, SALT), CUCUMBER*, DILL, GARLIC*, ONION*, VINEGAR, NATURAL FLAVORS, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, PHOSPHORIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, DISODIUM INOSINATE & GUANYLATE, SORBIC ACID AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA ADDED TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2680422 · data date 2023-11-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 47 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN, PORK, WATER, CORN SYRUP, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, GROUND MUSTARD SEED, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM PHOSPHATES, SODIUM DIACETATE, SODIUM PROPIONATE, BEEF, SODIUM BENZOATE, FLAVOR, SODIUM ASCORBATE, SODIUM NITRITE, EXTRACTIVES OF PAPRIKA, CELERY SEED EXTRACT. Label checked 2026-10-17 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗Reviewed | ||||||||||
| 47 / 1006 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 2 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients WATER, CITRIC ACID, SALT, POTASSIUM CITRATE, SODIUM CITRATE, SUCRALOSE, NATURAL FLAVOR, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE (VITAMIN B5), NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3), ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, MALTODEXTRIN, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), POTASSIUM SORBATE (PRESERVATIVE), BLUE 1, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), RED 40. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2491122 · data date 2023-02-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 47 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients MELON BERRY INGREDIENTS: CULTURED PASTEURIZED GRADE A LOW FAT MILK, SUGAR, MODIFIED CORN STARCH. CONTAINS 1% OR LESS OF: KOSHER GELATIN, VEGETABLE JUICE (FOR COLOR), TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE ADDED TO MAINTAIN FRESHNESS, NATURAL FLAVOR, CARRAGEENAN, VITAMIN A ACETATE, VITAMIN D3., COOL COTTON CANDY INGREDIENTS: CULTURED PASTEURIZED GRADE A LOW FAT MILK, SUGAR, MODIFIED CORN STARCH. CONTAINS 1% OR LESS OF: KOSHER GELATIN, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, FRUIT JUICE (FOR COLOR), POTASSIUM SORBATE ADDED TO MAINTAIN FRESHNESS, NATURAL FLAVOR, CARRAGEENAN, VITAMIN A ACETATE, VITAMIN D3. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2212778 · data date 2022-01-06 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 40 / 1006 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 3 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients PORK, MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN, WATER, CORN SYRUP, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS: POTASSIUM LACTATE, DEXTROSE, NATURAL FLAVORS, SALT, OAT FIBER, CALCIUM LACTATE, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, SODIUM DIACETATE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE, BEEF STOCK, SODIUM NITRITE Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2615753 · data date 2023-08-31 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
| 39 / 1005 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 1 | ||||||||
Recorded ingredients CORN FLOUR (PROCESSED WITH LIME), VEGETABLE OIL (PALM AND/OR SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL), SEASONING [SALT, MALTODEXTRIN, CITRIC ACID, SUGAR, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, ONION POWDER, YEAST EXTRACT, RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SODIUM BICARBONATE, SOYBEAN OIL, CHILI PEPPER (CHILE), DISODIUM INOSINATE, DISODIUM GUANYLATE, TBHQ (PRESERVATIVE)]. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2554005 · data date 2023-05-25 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||||
How the clean score works
No setup needed, and strict: a full 100 needs every additive group clear and a verified organic claim (animal foods also need a verified grass-fed or pasture-raised claim; wild seafood and salt, which have no USDA organic standard, are scored without the organic points, and plant-based milks, cheeses and proteins without the feeding claim). Points: the nine additive groups (seed oils, artificial dyes, MSG, artificial sweeteners, carrageenan, artificial preservatives, hydrogenated oils, corn syrups, banned-abroad additives) share 60 points equally — not found earns a group’s full share, “may contain” earns half, listed earns 0; a verified organic claim is worth 25; a verified grass-fed or pasture-raised claim is worth 15 and counts only for animal foods. No claim, or an expired or unverified claim, earns nothing, so products without those claims cannot reach 100. Unverified or expired ingredient labels receive no score. Equal scores are equal. Ties are ordered by brand. Unknown and stale evidence never passes “Only show matches.” Producer claims and prices do not affect this score. This is not a nutrition, allergy, or safety rating.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying links do not influence ingredient results. “Buy on Amazon” opens a reviewed product listing; “Find where to buy” opens the maker’s page. Confirm the package, seller, stock, and current price before checkout. Price observations expire after 30 days.
Primary sources
Sources
- IARC: Q&A on the carcinogenicity of red meat and processed meat (Monographs Volume 114, October 2015) iarc.who.int
- IARC Monographs Volume 94: ingested nitrate and nitrite (2010) publications.iarc.who.int
- IARC Monographs Volume 73: potassium bromate (1999) inchem.org
- IARC Monographs: agents classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1 to 123 (official list) monographs.iarc.who.int