Summary Feedback
Britannia 50-50 Maska Chaska contains refined wheat flour, edible vegetable oil (palm), sugar, liquid glucose, raising agents 503(ii), 500(ii), butter (1.2%), black salt, milk solids, edible vegetable product (1%), edible common salt, calcium salt, emulsifier [450(i)], dough conditioner (223), and improver [1101(i)].
The product contains 10 gm sugar in a 100 gm serving size pack which is high and not suitable as a snack for those with high blood sugar and lifestyle diseases.
Britannia has chosen not to mention the exact salt quantity in this product which is a salty snack, and consumed by millions of people in India. Usually products like these are high on 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.
It contains a high amount of fat at 26 gm per 100 gm serving.
It contains palmolein oil which is generally a safe oil as unlike most other vegetable oils, palmolein is primarily saturated fat. It does not have too much PUFA, which can get oxidized under heat and is often rendered toxic.
However, a scientific report suggests that current levels of glycerol-based process contaminants found in palm oil are a “potential health concern.” Animal studies have identified these contaminants, which are formed when vegetable oils are heated to high temperatures and then refined, as both genotoxic (damaging to DNA) and carcinogenic (causing cancer). Of all vegetable oils, palm oil was found to have the highest levels of these contaminants. At high levels of exposure, these contaminants are a health hazard for all age groups, the authority concluded, expressing particular concern for infants, toddlers and children under the age of 10.
There is an ingredient on the food label which is mentioned as ‘edible vegetable product,’ we need clarification from the brand about what it means.
The foodnetindia rating for this product :-
foodnetindia safety rating: 3 – (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unsafe to very safe)
This product is an HFSS product (High Fat Salt or Sugar) and is not recommended as a safe snacking product.
foodnetindia wholesomeness rating : 3 (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
This is an HFSS product and may be sparingly eaten as a part of an otherwise wholesome meal plan, and only by healthy individuals.
Ingredients of concern in Britannia 50-50 Maska Chaska
Sugar
Salt
Liquid Glucose
Black Salt
Artificial flavour-Butter
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.
Sugar is a carbohydrate found naturally in a host of different foods from lactose in milk to the fructose in fruit and honey. In fact, we need some sugar in our diets to supply ready energy to fuel our muscles and keep our brains active. The problem is that many processed foods have added sugar which supplies energy in the form of calories – and very little else. This means our body has to draw on the nutrients from the rest of our diet to process it and this can affect our health, including our immunity – leaving us more prone to bugs and colds. A high intake of sugar causes our blood sugar levels to shoot up, giving us that feel-good ‘high’ followed by a crashing slump which leaves us tired, irritable and craving more sugary foods. It’s a vicious cycle that may be contributing to our weight problems as well as health concerns like diabetes and heart disease.
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.
Liquid Glucose
Glucose syrup, also known as confectioner’s glucose, is a syrup made from the hydrolisis of starch. Glucose is a sugar.
Excessive sugar consumption is linked to a wide variety of metabolic diseases.
Black 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.
Artificial Flavour- Butter
This product does not specify the chemical names of the flavours used and does not mention the quantity used either. While we understand that the legal labelling requirements allow this practice, we find it irresponsible that brands do not self disclose.
Some people are allergic to some of these chemicals and others may want to avoid them. Consumers have a right to know and decide.
Other ingredients that are in the product but not a major source of concern in our opinion are:
- Refined wheat flour,
- Edible vegetable oil (palm),
- Raising agents 503(ii), 500(ii),
- Butter (1.2%),
- Milk solids,
- Edible vegetable product (1%),
- Calcium salt,
- Emulsifier [450(i)],
- Dough conditioner (223),
- Improver [1101(i)]
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 products 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’