Summary Feedback
Haldiram’s Aloo Bhujia contains potatoes, refined palmolein oil, bengal gram flour besan, potato flakes, potato starch, tapioca starch, tapary beans (moth dal) flour, iodized salt, red chilli powder, black salt, acidity regulator, antioxidant IN 330, black pepper, clove, cardamom, dried ginger powder, dried garlic powder, refined sugar, cumin powder, bay leaf, nutmeg, cinnamon, mint leaves and natural, nature identical and artificial flavouring substances (mint).
Haldiram’s Aloo Bhujia contains a high amount of salt at 615 mg sodium or 1.53 gm per 100 gm pack which is high as the WHO recommended daily allowance for salt intake per day is between 1 to 3 gm.
This is a HFSS (High Fat Salt or Sugar) product and is not recommended for children. It is also not recommended for adults at risk of lifestyle disease. Products such as this must be eaten very sparingly, even by healthy people.
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, last year, the safety authority delivered a scientific report 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.
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 rated a low safety grade because it is a deep fried product and the product is potato based and simple starch heavy with a lot of salt as well. This makes it a quite unsafe HFSS product for people who eat large servings of this product. Not recommended for people who want to stay away from lifestyle disease.
foodnetindia wholesomeness rating: 3- (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
This is a starchy and fatty HFSS product and not a wholesome food.
Ingredients of concern in Haldiram’s Aloo Bhujia
- Iodised Salt
- Black Salt
- Artificial flavouring substances-Mint
Iodised 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.
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 flavouring substances-Mint
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:
- Potato,
- Refined palmolein oil,
- Bengal gram flour besan,
- Potato flakes,
- Potato starch,
- Tapioca starch,
- Tapary beans (moth dal) flour,
- Red chilli powder,
- Acidity regulator,
- Antioxidant IN 330,
- Black pepper,
- Clove,
- Cardamom,
- Dried ginger powder,
- Dried garlic powder,
- Refined sugar,
- Cumin powder,
- Bay leaf,
- Nutmeg,
- Cinnamon,
- Mint leaves
- Natural, nature identical flavouring substances (mint).
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.
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