Pop-Tarts, Frosted Strawberry

What’s in it

• CEnriched FlourRefined wheat flour with added B vitamins and iron. The flour itself is stripped of bran and germ, so it is a refined grain; the added nutrients are a public-health fortification measure and do not make the base flour whole.PubMed · NIH
• DCorn SyrupA refined sweetener made from corn starch, used to add sweetness and texture. It has a high added-sugar load and is not nutritionally beneficial for children, so it is rated higher for routine overconsumption concerns.PubMed · NIH
• DHigh Fructose Corn SyrupA refined sweetener made from corn starch with fructose-enriched sugar composition. It is an added sugar associated with excess calorie intake and dental/cardiometabolic concerns when consumed frequently, so it scores toward the less safe end among common ingredients.PubMed · NIH
• CDextroseA refined simple sugar made from starch. It is rapidly absorbed and adds free sugar, which is a routine concern for children's dental health and excess calorie intake.PubMed · NIH
• DSoybean And Palm Oil (With Tbhq For Freshness)Refined vegetable oils used for texture and shelf life, with TBHQ added as an antioxidant preservative. TBHQ is an FDA-permitted additive, but it is more concerning than plain oil because of limited child-specific safety concerns at higher exposures.PubMed · NIH
• CSugarAdded sucrose, a refined sweetener. It contributes free sugar without meaningful nutrients, so it is best limited in children's diets because of dental and calorie concerns.PubMed · NIH
• CBleached Wheat FlourRefined wheat flour that has been processed to remove the bran and germ, then bleached. It is a common ingredient, but it is less nutritious than whole grain flour because much of the fiber and naturally occurring nutrients are removed.PubMed · NIH
• CWheat StarchA refined starch made from wheat, with most fiber and protein removed. It is a common thickening or texture ingredient and is nutritionally less beneficial than whole grain ingredients.PubMed · NIH
• BSaltCommon sodium chloride used for flavor. In normal food amounts it is generally safe, but children should avoid very high sodium intake.PubMed · NIH
• BDried StrawberriesDried fruit made from strawberries with most of the water removed. It is a minimally processed fruit ingredient, though dried fruit is more concentrated in natural sugars than fresh fruit.PubMed · NIH
• BDried PearsDried fruit made from pears with most of the water removed. It is generally a minimally processed ingredient, but the natural sugars are concentrated during drying.PubMed · NIH
• BDried ApplesDried fruit made from apples with most of the water removed. It is a relatively minimally processed fruit ingredient, though drying concentrates the natural sugars.PubMed · NIH
• CLeaveningA baking ingredient used to help dough or batter rise. It typically includes permitted acids and alkaline salts; these are generally recognized as safe, but they are processed additives rather than whole foods.PubMed · NIH
• BCitric AcidA common acidulant found naturally in citrus and also made commercially for foods. It is widely permitted and generally considered low risk for children at typical dietary exposures.PubMed · NIH
• AGelatinA protein ingredient made from animal collagen and used to give texture. It is a minimally concerning food ingredient and is generally safe for children.PubMed · NIH
• CModified Wheat StarchA processed starch made from wheat and used as a thickener or texture aid. It is not a whole grain ingredient and is generally considered safe, though it is a refined additive with limited direct child-specific concern.PubMed · NIH
• CYellow Corn FlourThis is corn that has been milled into flour, which is a refined grain ingredient rather than whole corn. Refined grain ingredients are generally safe but are less nutritionally complete than whole-grain versions.PubMed · NIH
• CCaramel ColorA coloring ingredient made by heating sugars. It is FDA-permitted, but some forms have raised concerns about contaminants such as 4-MEI, so it is rated a bit higher than basic flavorings or starches.PubMed · NIH
• CXanthan GumA common thickener made by fermenting sugar with bacteria. It is generally recognized as safe, but it is a refined additive with limited child-specific concern data.PubMed · NIH
• CCornstarchA refined starch made from corn that is used as a thickener. It is generally permitted and low risk, but it is not a whole food.PubMed · NIH
• BTurmeric Extract ColorA plant-derived coloring from turmeric. It is generally considered low risk and used in small amounts, with no major child-specific safety concerns at typical food-use levels.PubMed · NIH
• CSoy LecithinAn emulsifier made from soy, often used to help ingredients mix. It is generally permitted and low risk, but it is a processed additive and contains soy, a common allergen.PubMed · NIH
• DRed 40An FDA-approved synthetic dye. It has credible child-relevant concern because some studies and regulatory reviews have linked artificial colors to behavioral effects in sensitive children.PubMed · NIH
• DYellow 6An FDA-approved synthetic dye used for color. It has credible child-relevant concern because artificial colors have been associated with behavioral effects in some sensitive children.PubMed · NIH
• DBlue 1An FDA-approved synthetic dye. It is permitted for food use, but artificial dyes have some child-relevant concern and are rated toward the higher-risk end.PubMed · NIH
• DColor AddedA general label indicating added coloring, but the specific substance is not identified here. Because the exact additive is unclear, safety can only be judged with limited confidence.PubMed · NIH