Emperador Lime Cookies
by Pepsico
These cookies are a heavily processed snack loaded with multiple sugars, palm oil, artificial additives, and concerning preservatives. The combination of high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and inflammatory oils makes this a poor choice for regular consumption.
- Enriched Flour – controversial · Refined wheat flour stripped of nutrients then artificially fortified. Lacks fiber and causes blood sugar spikes.
- Wheat Flour – safe · Standard wheat flour component of enriched flour blend.
- Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 added for fortification, supports cellular energy metabolism.
- Reduced Iron – safe · Iron fortification to replace minerals lost in flour processing.
- Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 fortification, essential for nerve and muscle function.
- Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 fortification, important for energy metabolism.
- Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate, essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- Brown Sugar – controversial · Refined sugar with minimal molasses, contributes to blood sugar spikes and inflammation.
- Palm Oil – controversial · Highly processed saturated fat linked to inflammation and environmental destruction.
- Sugar – controversial · Refined sucrose that spikes blood glucose and promotes inflammation when consumed regularly.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup – dangerous · Highly processed sweetener linked to metabolic dysfunction, fatty liver disease, and increased obesity risk.
- Sodium Bicarbonate – safe · Baking soda used as a leavening agent, generally recognized as safe.
- Ammonium Bicarbonate – safe · Traditional baking powder component, breaks down to harmless compounds during baking.
- Aluminum Sodium Sulfate – controversial · Aluminum-containing leavening agent with potential concerns about aluminum accumulation in the body.
- Modified Corn Starch – controversial · Chemically altered starch that may contain processing residues and provides empty calories.
- Iodized Salt – safe · Standard table salt fortified with iodine, essential mineral but likely excessive in processed foods.
- Artificial Flavors – controversial · Synthetic compounds that may trigger sensitivities and replace natural flavor complexity.
- Soy Lecithin – safe · Emulsifier derived from soybeans, generally safe though may be from GMO sources.
- Citric Acid – safe · Natural preservative and flavoring agent, generally recognized as safe.
- Propylene Glycol Monostearate – safe · Emulsifier that helps maintain texture, considered safe in food applications.
- Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate – safe · Emulsifier that improves dough handling and texture in baked goods.
- Glycerol Monostearate – safe · Emulsifier that helps maintain moisture and texture in baked products.
- FD&C Yellow 5 – controversial · Artificial food dye linked to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions.
- Calcium Sulfate – safe · Calcium fortification and dough conditioner, generally recognized as safe.
- Zinc Oxide – safe · Zinc fortification, essential mineral though better absorbed from natural sources.
- Sodium Metabisulfite – controversial · Sulfite preservative that can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Fortified with B vitamins
Contains some minerals
Provides quick energy
Multiple sugar sources
High fructose corn syrup
Palm oil
Artificial flavors and colors
Ultra-processed
Inflammatory ingredients
Blood sugar spikes
Gut microbiome disruption