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Nilgiris plum cake contains eggs, crystallized fruits, plums (14.5%), refined wheat flour, sugar, refined edible vegetable oil (sunflower), liquid glucose, cashewnut, butter, mixed fruit jam [thickener IN 440, acidity regulator IN 330, dates, humectant IN 422, orange peel, mixed spices, preservatives (IN 282, 202 and 211), natural food colour (IN 150d), synthetic food colour (IN 122), artificial flavoring substances (pineapple, raspberry and blackcurrant)], permitted natural food colours( IN 150a & 150d), synthetic food colour (In 122), and added flavours (artificial flavouring substances (vanilla, nutmeg, almond butter, lemon, orange, pineapple, raspberry, blackcurrant).
It contains 18.58 gm of sugar in 100 of the product. High added sugar is not recommended for kids as it can cause obesity and diabetes, sugary food products need to be avoided by adults who have diabetes and lifestyle diseases.
It contains edible vegetable oil, certain vegetable oils contain very large amounts of biologically active fats called Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which could be harmful in excess.
It does not clearly mention the exact names of ingredients in the added artificial flavours which could be harmful to certain consumers who are sensitive to them.
The foodnetindia rating for this product :-
foodnetindia safety rating: 3 – (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unsafe to very safe)
As the cake is made of refined wheat flour, it is of a high glycaemic starch base product, in our opinion, the high sugar and high starch content makes this unsuitable for diabetics and also for those who have lifestyle diseases. It is safe only when consumed by healthy kids and adults in small quantities.
Certain vegetable oils contain very large amounts of biologically active fats called Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which could be harmful in excess.
foodnetindia wholesomeness rating: 3 – (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
The cake contains contains a high sugar quantity of 18.58 gm per 100 gm serving of the product which is a worrying factor for the health of kids and adults as they eat such products in large servings, sometimes adding more sugary icing and other confectionary to it.
Certain vegetable oils contain very large amounts of biologically active fats called Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which could be harmful in excess.
Ingredients of concern in Nilgiris Rich Plum Cake
- Sugar
- Edible Vegetable Oil
- Artificial flavouring substance (vanilla)
- Liquid Glucose
- Added food colour (IN 150d) and (IN 150a),
- Synthetic food colour (IN 122)
Sugar
This food product does not specify which sugar has been used. This is also 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.
Edible Vegetable Oil
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.
Artificial flavouring substance (vanilla, nutmeg, almond butter, lemon, orange, pineapple, raspberry, blackcurrant)
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.
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.
Added Colour
IN 150d
Side effects are manifested from the use of IN150d, where intestinal problems may occur after ingestion of large amounts. Due to the complex nature of the mixtures, toxicology tests are still being carried out.
Caramel coloring may be derived from a variety of source products that are themselves common allergens. As such, persons with known sensitivities or allergies to food products are advised to avoid foods including generic caramel coloring or first determine the source for the caramel coloring before consuming the food.
150a
It is a dark brown colour made from sucrose in the presence of ammonia, ammonium sulphate, sulphur dioxide or sodium hydroxide. The types of caramel colour available include plain (spirit) caramel (prepared by controlled heat treatment of carbohydrates with or without an acid or base), caustic sulphite caramel (produced by heat treatment of carbohydrates with sulphur containing compounds), ammonia caramel (heat treatment in the presence of ammonia) and sulphite ammonia caramel.; the HACSG* recommends to avoid it as it can cause hyperactivity. Some caramels may damage genes, slow down growth, cause enlargement of the intestines and kidneys and may destroy vitamin B. It can be manufactured without ammonia. It is used in oyster, soy, fruit and canned sauces, beer, whiskey, biscuits, pickles, cakes, doughnuts, flour products, chocolate products, fizzy drinks, beer, wine, sweets, crisps, bread, pates, ice cream, sauces, pickles, preserves, vegetable protein and similar meat substitutes
Synthetic food colour IN 122
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.
Ingredients present in Nilgiris Rich Plum Cake which are not a concern:
- Eggs
- Crystallized fruits, plums (14.5%)
- Refined wheat flour
- Sunflower oil
- Cashewnut
- Butter
- Mixed fruit jam [thickener IN 440, acidity regulator IN 330, dates, humectant IN 422, orange peel, mixed spices, preservatives (IN 282, 202 and 211)
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The ingredients list of the products may have changed since this page was published. Consumers are encouraged to read warnings, labels, ingredient lists, etc.
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