Summary Feedback
Mala’s Strawberry Crush contains sugar, water, strawberry pulp 25%, pectin IN 440, acidity regulator IN 330, Permitted Synthetic Food Colours: INS 122, added flavours (natural, nature identical and artificial flavours), and permitted class II preservatives IN 224, IN 211.
The product has a very high amount of sugar in it at 37.43 gm per 100 gm pack which is extremely high, even if we account for the dilution with water before drinking it.
The foodnetindia Safety rating for this product:-
foodnetindia safety rating: 2 (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unsafe to very safe)
There is high added sugar content in this product and also added unspecified flavours and synthetic food colours. We do not consider high sugar products as safe, especially those which are hidden behind the common perception that this is a “healthy fruit drink with natural fruit”.
foodnetindia wholesomeness rating: 3 (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
The product does not have much going on for it in the nutrition department and high sugar consumption do not belong in a healthy diet.
Ingredients of concern in Mala’s Strawberry Crush
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.
Permitted Synthetic Food Colours: INS 122
In 122-Azorubine
It is a red food colour synthetic azo dye. Since it is an azo dye, it may elicit intolerance in people intolerant to salicylates. Additionally, it is a histamine liberator, and may intensify symptoms of asthma. In combination with benzoates, it is also implicated in hyperactivity in children.
Added flavours- Artificial
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:
- Strawberry Pulp (25%),
- Water
- Acidity Regulator: INS 330
- Pectin: INS 440
- Added flavours (natural, nature identical flavours),
- Permitted class II preservatives IN 224, IN 211
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’