Black Forest Cake
by The Kroger
This appears to be a protein-enriched dessert with artificial sweeteners instead of traditional cake ingredients. While lower in sugar than regular cake, it contains multiple artificial additives and synthetic colors that detract from its healthfulness.
- Water – safe · Primary liquid base for the product formulation.
- Milk Protein Concentrate – beneficial · Concentrated dairy protein providing high-quality amino acids and muscle-building benefits.
- Milk Protein Isolate – beneficial · Highly purified milk protein with excellent bioavailability and minimal lactose.
- Cream – safe · Natural dairy fat providing richness and mouthfeel to the dessert.
- Skim Milk – safe · Low-fat dairy providing additional protein and calcium.
- Cherries – beneficial · Natural fruit providing antioxidants and authentic Black Forest flavor.
- Gelatin – safe · Animal-derived protein that provides gel structure and joint health benefits.
- Modified Corn Starch – safe · Processed starch used as a thickening agent, generally well-tolerated.
- Natural Flavor – safe · Undefined flavor compounds derived from natural sources, generally safe but lacks transparency.
- Citric Acid – safe · Natural preservative and pH adjuster derived from citrus fruits.
- Tricalcium Phosphate – safe · Calcium supplement that also acts as an anti-caking agent.
- Salt – safe · Sodium chloride used for flavor enhancement in small amounts.
- Pectin – beneficial · Natural fiber from fruit that provides gelling properties and digestive benefits.
- Agar – beneficial · Seaweed-derived gelling agent that's natural and provides some fiber benefits.
- Cultured Dextrose – safe · Fermented sugar derivative used as a natural preservative system.
- Sodium Citrate – safe · Sodium salt of citric acid used for pH control and preservation.
- Red 40 – controversial · Artificial red dye linked to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions.
- Blue 1 – controversial · Synthetic blue dye with potential links to allergic reactions and behavioral issues.
- Sucralose – controversial · Artificial sweetener that may disrupt gut microbiome and glucose metabolism with regular use.
- Acesulfame Potassium – controversial · Synthetic sweetener with potential concerns about long-term metabolic effects and gut health.
- Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin A supplement essential for vision and immune function.
- Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health and immune function, commonly deficient in modern diets.
- Active Cultures with L. Acidophilus and B. Bifidum – beneficial · Probiotic bacteria that support digestive health and immune function.
High protein content
Contains beneficial probiotic cultures
Sugar-free formulation
Added vitamins A and D
Real cherries included
Artificial food dyes Red 40 and Blue 1
Synthetic sweeteners with potential gut effects
Ultra-processed formulation
Misleading cake naming
Multiple artificial additives
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Black Forest Cake was performed by Truelabel, an AI-powered food scanner that grades products from A (excellent) to F (failing) based on ingredient quality. The analysis covers seed oil content, ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives, artificial colors, allergens, and potential health risks including cancer risk, hormonal disruption, and gut irritation scores.
Category: Dessert