Summary feedback
Nexa Magic Masala is a popular snack brand among kids and teens in India.
The salt content in all snack foods sold in India is high and it is a matter of concern as people consume them in large quantities and it is the same with Nexa Magic Masala.
The brand does not specify which edible vegetable oil is used in the preparation of the product and it is not responsible behaviour as the consumers have the right to know what ingredients is present in the product. Oxidized PUFA from heated vegetable oils is a serious food safety concern as it could lead to a range of lifestyle diseases including cancer.
The foodnetindia Safety rating for this product:-
foodnetindia safety rating: 2 – (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unsafe to very safe)
The high salt and unspecified vegetable oil this snack is fried makes it difficult to give this a high safety rating.
foodnetindia wholesomeness rating: 3 – (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
The main component of this product is potato which is of a starchy base, which is then deep fried in vegetable oil. The macro or micro nutrient profile of this food is fairly one dimensional and devoid of nutritive value expected from a wholesome meal. In addition, as the vegetable oil used is not clearly specified, we must believe that it contains an Omega 6 rich oil which creates dietary balance problems of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
This food cannot be endorsed as part of a healthy diet and so we recommend that it is best avoided or eaten in very small quantities as a part of an otherwise wholesome and nutritious diet.
Ingredients of concern in Nexa Magic Masala
Sugar
This food product does not specify which sugar has been used. This is important because different sugars have different metabolic effects. For example, Sucrose (Cane Sugar) is very different from Fructose (Fruit Sugar). Some foods use high fructose corn syrup which may be harmful in much lower quantities than sucrose. We believe that it is not responsible behaviour for a brand to not clearly state what ingredients have been used.
Salt
High sodium diets have been known to be the cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. The recommended daily intake of salt is between 1-3 grams.
Edible Vegetable Oil
This food product does not specify which edible vegetable oil has been used. We believe that it is not responsible behaviour for a brand to avoid clearly stating what ingredients have been used.
Certain vegetable oils contain very large amounts of biologically active fats called Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which could be harmful in excess. Excess polyunsaturated fats may react with oxygen and oxidised Omega-6 fats can damage body functions and perhaps even vital structures like DNA. In addition, consumers need clear information about the type of vegetable oil used, so that they can take action to maintain a healthy balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid consumption.
Added Flavours
The product does not specify which flavours or flavouring substances have been used. The flavours should be specified as some of them have serious side effects and may not be suitable for infants, pregnant women or people who are allergic to them. We believe that it is not responsible behaviour for a brand to avoid clearly stating what ingredients have been used.
By not specifying what these flavours and substances are, we are forced to consider what they fear to disclose!
Other ingredients that are in the product but not a major source of concern in our opinion are:
- Potato,
- Spices & Condiments: Red Chili Powder, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Ginger Powder, Mint Leaves Powder, Onion Powder, Tomato Powder
- Food Acid (INS 330)
Disclaimer – The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. foodnetindia encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
The ingredients list of the product may have changed since this page was published. Consumers are encouraged to read warnings, labels, ingredient lists, etc.
Replies, if any, from the brand, will be published here ‘As is’