Quaker Popped Barbecue Rice Snacks

by Pepsico

A moderately processed rice-based snack that avoids the worst seed oils but still contains multiple sugars, dairy additives, and industrial processing aids. Better than typical chips but still an ultra-processed snack food with inflammatory potential.

• Whole Grain Brown Rice Flour – beneficial · Whole grain flour retains fiber and nutrients, providing better nutrition than refined grains.
• Degerminated Milled Corn – safe · Processed corn with germ removed, reducing nutritional value but generally safe.
• Sunflower Oil – safe · Better choice than most seed oils, though still omega-6 heavy and processed.
• Salt – safe · Essential mineral for flavor, though processed snacks tend to be high in sodium.
• Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar contributes to blood sugar spikes and inflammation.
• Dry Whey – controversial · Dairy derivative that can cause digestive issues and inflammation in sensitive individuals.
• Brown Sugar – controversial · Slightly less processed than white sugar but still contributes to glycemic load.
• Onion Powder – beneficial · Dehydrated onion provides antioxidants and natural flavor compounds.
• Molasses – safe · Less processed sugar source with trace minerals, but still adds to total sugar content.
• Buttermilk Powder – controversial · Processed dairy that can trigger inflammation and digestive issues in sensitive people.
• Yeast Extract – controversial · Natural source of glutamates that can trigger MSG-like reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Spices – beneficial · Natural spice blend likely provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Tomato (Dried) – beneficial · Concentrated tomato provides lycopene and natural umami flavor.
• Garlic Powder – beneficial · Dehydrated garlic retains beneficial sulfur compounds with antimicrobial properties.
• Citric Acid – safe · Natural acid that prevents oxidation and enhances flavor with minimal health concerns.
• Natural Flavor – controversial · Undefined proprietary blend that could contain hundreds of chemical compounds.
• Paprika Extract – beneficial · Natural colorant from peppers providing carotenoids and antioxidants.
• Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that prevent rancidity and provide antioxidant benefits.
• Gum Arabic – safe · Natural tree gum used as binder, generally well-tolerated though may cause digestive upset in large amounts.

Uses whole grain brown rice flour as primary ingredient

Avoids inflammatory seed oils like soybean and canola

Contains beneficial spices with antioxidant properties

Uses natural vitamin E (tocopherols) for preservation

Ultra-processed snack food with industrial additives

Contains multiple sugar sources increasing glycemic load

Dairy derivatives can cause inflammation and digestive issues

Potential arsenic contamination from rice ingredients

Engineered for overconsumption with addictive flavor profile