Summary feedback
Pepsico Kurkure was launched in 1999, and it was marketed as the perfect ‘namkeen’ snack and the advertising used leading Indian actors as brand ambassadors.
The foodnetindia Safety rating for this product :-
foodnetindia safety rating: 3 (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unsafe to very safe)
Kurkure is not safe for health because it is a deep fried product and uses an unspecified vegetable oil. Most vegetable oils are rich in PUFAs which are easily oxidized at high temperatures and become toxic. Oxidized PUFA can cause systemic inflammation that causes various lifestyle diseases and may be a cause of cancer.
foodnetindia wholesomeness rating: 3 (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
The product is made of dry starch and deep fried in vegetable oil which is not wholesome. This product must not be used as a meal replacement and we believe that it does not belong in a healthy, balanced meal plan, except in very small quantities.
Ingredients of concern in Pepsico Kurkure
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, especially when dietary intake of omega-3 fats is low. 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.
In addition, this is a deep fried product and therefore has been produced by heating the vegetable oil to high temperatures. Polyunsaturated fats react with oxygen when exposed to heat and oxidised Omega-6 fats can damage body functions and perhaps even vital structures like DNA. Oxidized PUFA is a significant health and food safety risk.
Salt
Kurkure Hyderabadi Hungama contains 1 gm of salt per 100 gm of the product , which is high. It is well known that 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.
Added Flavours
This food 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. 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 are hiding and why would they be so reluctant to mention what they have used in the food product!
Other ingredients that are in the product but not a major source of concern in our opinion are:
- Rice Meal
- Corn Meal
- Gram Meal
- Spices and Condiments: Chilli Powder, Onion Powder, Spices Extract, Black Pepper Powder, Cinnamon Powder, Clove Powder, Garlic Powder, Nutmeg Powder
- Tomato Powder
- Beetroot Powder
- Citric acid
- Tartaric acid
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’