Truelabel

Emperador Chocolate Cookies

by Pepsico

Ultra-processed cookies loaded with inflammatory palm oil, high fructose corn syrup, and multiple artificial colors linked to behavioral issues in children. The combination of refined sugars, seed oils, and synthetic additives makes this a poor nutritional choice.

  • Enriched Flour – controversial · Refined wheat flour stripped of nutrients then fortified with synthetic vitamins. Lacks fiber and causes blood sugar spikes.
  • Wheat Flour – controversial · Refined flour that's been processed to remove the bran and germ, eliminating most nutrients and fiber.
  • Niacinamide – safe · Synthetic form of vitamin B3 added to fortify refined flour. Generally safe but indicates over-processing.
  • Reduced Iron – safe · Iron supplement added to fortify flour. Safe but indicates the original nutrients were removed during processing.
  • Thiamin Mononitrate – safe · Synthetic vitamin B1 added to replace nutrients lost in flour processing. Safe but unnecessary in whole foods.
  • Riboflavin – safe · Vitamin B2 added to fortify processed flour. Safe but indicates over-processing of base ingredients.
  • Folic Acid – safe · Synthetic folate added to fortify flour. Required by FDA but indicates highly processed ingredients.
  • Brown Sugar – controversial · Refined sugar with minimal molasses content. Contributes to blood sugar spikes and inflammation when consumed regularly.
  • Palm Oil – dangerous · Highly inflammatory saturated fat linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk and environmental destruction.
  • Cocoa – beneficial · Natural cocoa powder provides antioxidants and flavonoids that support heart health and cognitive function.
  • Cocoa (Processed with Alkali) – safe · Dutch-processed cocoa with reduced acidity. Processing reduces some antioxidants but still provides flavor.
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup – dangerous · Industrial sweetener linked to obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and increased inflammation.
  • Milk – safe · Provides protein and calcium, though quality depends on source and processing methods used.
  • Modified Corn Starch – controversial · Chemically altered starch used as thickener. Generally safe but highly processed ingredient.
  • Iodized Salt – safe · Regular salt with added iodine for thyroid health. Essential mineral but should be consumed in moderation.
  • Sodium Bicarbonate – safe · Baking soda used as leavening agent. Generally safe and commonly used in baking.
  • Ammonium Bicarbonate – safe · Leavening agent that creates light texture in cookies. Safe when used in appropriate amounts.
  • Aluminum Sodium Sulfate – controversial · Aluminum-containing leavening agent. Concerns about aluminum accumulation and potential neurological effects.
  • Egg – beneficial · Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients including choline and vitamin D.
  • Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate – safe · Emulsifier that improves texture and shelf life. Generally recognized as safe by FDA.
  • Soy Lecithin – safe · Natural emulsifier from soybeans. Generally safe though may be from GMO sources.
  • Natural and Artificial Flavors – controversial · Undefined flavor chemicals that may contain hundreds of synthetic compounds. Lack of transparency is concerning.
  • FD&C Yellow 6 – dangerous · Artificial color linked to hyperactivity in children and banned in several European countries due to safety concerns.
  • FD&C Red 40 – dangerous · Most widely used artificial color, linked to behavioral issues in children and potential carcinogenic effects.
  • Zinc Oxide – safe · Zinc supplement added for nutritional fortification. Essential mineral that supports immune function.
  • FD&C Yellow 5 – dangerous · Artificial color (Tartrazine) linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and requires warning labels in Europe.
  • FD&C Blue 1 – dangerous · Artificial color linked to hyperactivity in children and banned in several countries due to safety concerns.

Contains some cocoa with antioxidants

Fortified with B vitamins and minerals

High in inflammatory palm oil

Contains high fructose corn syrup

Multiple artificial colors linked to behavioral issues

Ultra-processed with many synthetic additives

High sugar content causes blood sugar spikes

Aluminum-containing leavening agent

Environmental concerns with palm oil sourcing