Gamesa Marias Vanilla Cookies

by Pepsico

These cookies are a heavily processed confection loaded with inflammatory palm oil, high fructose corn syrup, and numerous chemical additives. The extensive list of emulsifiers, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients makes this a clear ultra-processed food to avoid for long-term health.

• Enriched Flour – controversial · Refined wheat flour stripped of nutrients then artificially fortified, causes blood sugar spikes and lacks fiber.
• Brown Sugar – controversial · Refined sugar with minimal molasses, contributes to metabolic dysfunction and inflammation when consumed regularly.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup – dangerous · Industrial sweetener linked to obesity, fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome through unique fructose metabolism.
• Palm Oil – controversial · Highly saturated tropical oil that's inflammatory when processed and linked to cardiovascular issues.
• Iodized Salt – safe · Standard table salt fortified with iodine for thyroid function support.
• Leavening Agents – safe · Standard baking agents that create texture and rise in baked goods.
• Skim Milk – safe · Defatted milk powder that adds protein and calcium but loses fat-soluble vitamins.
• Tricalcium Phosphate – safe · Calcium supplement and anti-caking agent, generally recognized as safe.
• Natural and Artificial Flavors – controversial · Undisclosed chemical compounds that can include hundreds of synthetic additives masquerading as natural.
• Modified Corn Starch – controversial · Chemically altered starch that may cause digestive issues and blood sugar spikes.
• Milk – safe · Conventional dairy ingredient providing protein and calcium.
• Egg – safe · Natural binding agent providing protein and essential amino acids.
• Soy Lecithin – controversial · Emulsifier derived from genetically modified soybeans, may contain pesticide residues.
• Sodium Metabisulfite – controversial · Sulfite preservative that can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Propylene Glycol Monostearate – controversial · Industrial emulsifier derived from petroleum that may accumulate in organs with regular consumption.
• Glycerol Monostearate – safe · Common emulsifier that helps bind water and fat, generally recognized as safe.
• Zinc Oxide – safe · Mineral supplement for immune function, though poorly absorbed in this form.
• Iron – safe · Essential mineral added for fortification, though synthetic forms are less bioavailable.
• Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate – controversial · Industrial emulsifier that may disrupt gut microbiome when consumed regularly.
• Maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed starch that spikes blood sugar faster than table sugar.
• Disodium Phosphate – controversial · Chemical salt that may contribute to kidney problems and bone loss when consumed excessively.
• Calcium Sulfate – safe · Calcium supplement and dough conditioner, generally recognized as safe.
• Guar Gum – safe · Natural fiber that can actually provide some digestive benefits in small amounts.
• Xanthan Gum – safe · Bacterial fermentation product used as thickener, generally well tolerated.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – safe · Synthetic form of vitamin A added for fortification.
• Carrageenan – controversial · Seaweed extract linked to intestinal inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction in animal studies.
• Niacinamide – safe · B vitamin added for fortification, essential for cellular energy production.
• Sodium Propionate – safe · Generally safe preservative that prevents mold growth in baked goods.
• Sodium Benzoate – safe · Common preservative that's generally safe but may form benzene when combined with vitamin C.

Fortified with B vitamins

Contains some protein from milk and egg

High fructose corn syrup

Palm oil

Ultra-processed with 15+ additives

Gut-disrupting emulsifiers

High inflammatory potential

Blood sugar spiking ingredients