Truelabel

Emperador Variety

by Pepsico

This ultra-processed cookie snack contains multiple concerning ingredients including artificial colors linked to hyperactivity, aluminum-containing leavening agents, and titanium dioxide which has safety concerns. The combination of high fructose corn syrup, palm oil, and numerous artificial additives makes this a poor nutritional choice with significant health risks.

  • Enriched Flour – safe · Wheat flour fortified with B vitamins and iron, though refined and stripped of natural nutrients.
  • Brown Sugar – safe · Natural sugar that contributes to high caloric content and blood sugar spikes.
  • Palm Oil – controversial · High in saturated fat and linked to environmental destruction, though more stable than other processed oils.
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup – controversial · Processed sweetener linked to metabolic dysfunction, fatty liver disease, and increased appetite.
  • Milk – safe · Natural dairy ingredient providing protein and calcium.
  • Cocoa (Processed with Alkali) – safe · Dutch-processed cocoa that has reduced antioxidant content but provides chocolate flavor.
  • Iodized Salt – safe · Essential mineral that provides flavor and iodine for thyroid function.
  • Modified Corn Starch – safe · Chemically altered starch used as thickening agent, generally recognized as safe.
  • Leavening Agents – controversial · Contains aluminum sodium sulfate which may contribute to aluminum accumulation in the body.
  • Egg – beneficial · High-quality protein and nutrients that improve texture and nutritional value.
  • Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate – safe · FDA-approved emulsifier that improves texture and shelf life.
  • Soy Lecithin – safe · Natural emulsifier derived from soybeans, generally well-tolerated.
  • Sugar – safe · Additional refined sugar contributing to high total sugar content.
  • Soybean Oil – controversial · Highly processed omega-6 rich oil that may promote inflammation when consumed regularly.
  • Titanium Dioxide – controversial · White pigment with potential nanoparticle concerns and banned in some countries due to safety questions.
  • Natural and Artificial Flavors – safe · Flavor enhancers that are generally safe but lack transparency in specific compounds used.
  • Citric Acid – safe · Natural preservative and flavor enhancer with no known health concerns.
  • FD&C Yellow 6 – controversial · Artificial color linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic concerns.
  • Zinc Oxide – safe · Essential mineral supplement providing zinc for immune function.
  • FD&C Red 40 – controversial · Most widely used artificial color, linked to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children.
  • FD&C Yellow 5 – controversial · Artificial color that may trigger allergic reactions and hyperactivity in sensitive individuals.
  • FD&C Blue 1 – controversial · Artificial color with potential links to hyperactivity and chromosomal damage in animal studies.
  • Propylene Glycol – safe · FDA-approved humectant that maintains moisture, generally safe in food applications.
  • Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids – safe · Emulsifier derived from glycerol and fatty acids, considered safe for consumption.
  • FD&C Blue 1 Aluminum Lake – controversial · Aluminum-based form of Blue 1 that may contribute to aluminum accumulation in the body.

Contains some B vitamins from enriched flour

Uses real cocoa for chocolate flavor

Includes zinc supplementation

Multiple artificial colors linked to hyperactivity

High fructose corn syrup increases metabolic disease risk

Titanium dioxide has safety concerns and is banned in some countries

Ultra-processed formulation with minimal nutritional value

Contains aluminum compounds from leavening agents

High sugar content promotes tooth decay and blood sugar spikes