Doritos, Nacho Cheese

What’s in it

• ACornA whole grain/vegetable ingredient that is minimally processed in this form. It is generally safe for children and is a common, well-tolerated food.PubMed · NIH
• BVegetable OilA processed fat blend made from corn, canola, soybean, and/or sunflower oil. These oils are generally permitted and safe in normal foods, though they are more refined than whole foods.PubMed · NIH
• CCorn MaltodextrinA highly processed corn-derived carbohydrate used as a filler or thickener. It is generally permitted, but it is quickly absorbed and has limited child-specific safety concerns beyond being a refined ingredient.PubMed · NIH
• BCheddar CheeseA dairy ingredient made by fermenting and aging milk into cheese. It is a common, generally safe food for children, though it can be higher in sodium and saturated fat depending on the product.PubMed · NIH
• AMilkA basic dairy ingredient and a minimally processed food. It is generally safe for children who tolerate dairy and is a common source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients.PubMed · NIH
• ACheese CulturesBeneficial bacterial cultures used to ferment cheese. These are standard food cultures and are generally considered safe.PubMed · NIH
• BSaltA simple mineral ingredient used for flavor and preservation. It is generally safe for children in normal amounts, though too much sodium can be a concern.PubMed · NIH
• AEnzymesFood-processing enzymes are added to help make or break down ingredients during manufacturing. They are generally considered safe and are used in very small amounts.PubMed · NIH
• BSaltA simple mineral ingredient used for flavor and preservation. It is generally safe for children in normal amounts, though too much sodium can be a concern.PubMed · NIH
• AWheyA milk-derived ingredient that is minimally processed and commonly used in foods. It is generally safe for children unless there is a milk allergy or lactose intolerance.PubMed · NIH
• CMonosodium GlutamateA flavor enhancer that is widely permitted and generally recognized as safe, but some families prefer to limit it. Evidence of harm in children is limited; occasional sensitivity reports exist, so it rates in the middle.U.S. FDAPubMed · NIH
• AButtermilkA dairy ingredient made from milk that is generally minimally processed. It is usually safe for children unless there is a milk allergy or lactose intolerance.PubMed · NIH
• ARomano CheeseA cheese made from milk and cultures, typically a minimally processed dairy ingredient. It is generally safe for children, with the main concern being milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and sodium.PubMed · NIH
• BSaltA mineral seasoning commonly used for flavor and preservation. It is not inherently unsafe, but regular high intake can contribute to excess sodium in children.PubMed · NIH
• AEnzymesFood-processing proteins used in small amounts to help with manufacturing or flavor development. They are generally considered safe and are not a child-specific concern.PubMed · NIH
• BTomato PowderDried, ground tomato, which is a minimally processed vegetable ingredient. It is generally safe for children and mainly adds flavor and natural plant compounds.PubMed · NIH
• CLactoseThe natural sugar found in milk, here used as an added ingredient. It is generally safe, but it can cause symptoms in children with lactose intolerance and adds refined carbohydrate.PubMed · NIH
• BSpicesA broad category of plant-derived flavorings such as pepper, paprika, or cumin. Spices are generally safe in typical food amounts, though specific ingredients cannot be assessed here because the blend is unspecified.PubMed · NIH
• BOnion PowderDehydrated onion that has been ground into a seasoning. It is a common, generally safe ingredient for children when used in ordinary food amounts.PubMed · NIH
• CPotassium ChlorideA mineral salt often used as a sodium-reduction substitute. It is generally permitted and safe in food amounts, but too much can be an issue for children with kidney problems or certain medical conditions.PubMed · NIH
• CCorn FlourA refined flour made from corn after removing some of the grain components. Refined flours are less nutrient-dense than whole grains, but corn flour itself is a routine food ingredient and not a major safety concern.PubMed · NIH
• CNatural And Artificial FlavorA broad flavoring term that can include many substances, including some processed or synthetic ones. It is generally permitted by FDA, but the exact composition is often undisclosed, so child-specific safety data are limited.PubMed · NIH
• DArtificial Color (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40)A mixture of FDA-permitted synthetic dyes. Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40 have child-relevant concerns in some studies, including possible effects on behavior or hyperactivity in sensitive children.PubMed · NIH
• ALactic AcidA common food acid made by fermentation or synthesis and widely used to adjust flavor and acidity. It is generally recognized as safe at food-use levels.PubMed · NIH
• ACitric AcidA naturally occurring food acid commonly produced by fermentation for use in processed foods. It is widely permitted and generally considered safe at typical dietary levels.PubMed · NIH
• CSugarRefined added sugar. It is not uniquely hazardous, but it contributes calories without beneficial nutrients and is associated with dental caries and excess added-sugar intake in children.PubMed · NIH
• BGarlic PowderDried, ground garlic. It is a minimally processed seasoning with no major child-specific safety concerns at normal food amounts, though it may irritate the stomach in very large amounts.PubMed · NIH
• ASkim MilkPlain skim milk is a minimally processed dairy ingredient and is generally safe for children if they are not allergic to milk or unable to tolerate lactose. It provides protein and calcium, with no major safety concern at normal food levels.PubMed · NIH
• ARed and Green Bell PeppersBell peppers are whole vegetables and are generally very safe for children. The main concern is only possible intolerance or allergy, which is uncommon.PubMed · NIH
• CDisodium InosinateDisodium inosinate is a flavor enhancer used in small amounts and is a regulated food additive. It is not strongly linked to major child-specific harms, but evidence is limited enough that a middle rating is appropriate.PubMed · NIH
• CDisodium GuanylateDisodium guanylate is a flavor enhancer used to boost savory taste and is a permitted additive. It has limited child-specific safety concerns at typical food-use levels, so it is rated in the middle rather than as clearly safe or unsafe.PubMed · NIH