Mini Mamut Cookies

by Pepsico

These ultra-processed cookies are a metabolic disaster loaded with high fructose corn syrup, palm oil, and artificial additives. The ingredient list reads like a chemistry experiment with multiple emulsifiers, artificial flavors, and unnecessary additives that contribute to inflammation and blood sugar spikes.

• Brown Sugar – controversial · Less processed than white sugar but still causes blood sugar spikes and provides empty calories.
• Enriched Flour – controversial · Wheat flour stripped of nutrients then artificially fortified, lacks fiber and causes rapid blood sugar elevation.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup – dangerous · Highly processed sweetener linked to obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction.
• Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil) – controversial · Highly saturated tropical oils that are environmentally destructive and may promote inflammation.
• Cocoa – beneficial · Natural source of antioxidants and flavonoids that support cardiovascular health.
• Palm Oil – controversial · Saturated fat that's environmentally destructive and may contribute to inflammation when highly processed.
• Skim Milk – safe · Provides protein and calcium, though lacks the beneficial fats found in whole milk.
• Glycerin – safe · Generally safe humectant used to maintain moisture, though may cause digestive upset in large amounts.
• Iodized Salt – safe · Essential mineral supplement, though processed foods often contain excess sodium.
• Gelatin – safe · Animal protein that provides structure, generally considered safe for most people.
• Cocoa (Processed with Alkali) – safe · Dutch-processed cocoa has reduced antioxidants but is still relatively healthy.
• Sodium Bicarbonate – safe · Baking soda, a safe leavening agent commonly used in baking.
• Ammonium Bicarbonate – safe · Traditional baking leavening agent that breaks down completely during baking.
• Soy Lecithin – safe · Natural emulsifier derived from soybeans, generally recognized as safe.
• Artificial Flavors – controversial · Synthetic flavor compounds that may contain undisclosed chemicals and lack transparency.
• Modified Corn Starch – safe · Chemically altered starch used for thickening, generally safe but highly processed.
• Propylene Glycol Monostearate – controversial · Synthetic emulsifier that may cause digestive issues and is linked to gut microbiome disruption.
• Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate – controversial · Industrial emulsifier that may disrupt gut bacteria and contribute to intestinal inflammation.
• Calcium Sulfate – safe · Calcium supplement and dough conditioner, generally recognized as safe.
• Soy Protein – safe · Complete protein source, though may be highly processed in this context.
• Zinc Oxide – safe · Essential mineral supplement, safe in food applications at normal levels.
• Sodium Hexametaphosphate – controversial · Phosphate preservative linked to kidney problems and bone health issues when consumed regularly.

Contains some cocoa antioxidants

Includes B vitamins from enriched flour

Provides quick energy

High fructose corn syrup as main sweetener

Multiple inflammatory palm oils

Ultra-processed with numerous additives

Contains gut-disrupting emulsifiers

High in added sugars

Lacks fiber and nutrients

Made by company with poor health track record