Family & Pet Safety
Not Dog Safe 🐶❌
Pregnancy Safe? 🤰✅
Safe for consumption.
Limit for Kids 👶⚠️
Ingredient Decoder
High Risk Additives
Red 40 (Allura Red)
A synthetic petroleum-based dye used to create bright red colors in candy and drinks. It has been linked to hyperactivity and attention issues in sensitive children. Banned in parts of Europe for use in baby food.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
An industrial liquid sweetener made from corn starch. It is chemically different from table sugar and is strongly linked to the obesity epidemic, fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance.
Corn Syrup
A liquid sweetener consisting of essentially pure glucose. It causes rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, contributing to energy crashes and long-term metabolic issues.
Titanium Dioxide
A whitening agent (E171) used in candies and pastries. It has been banned in the EU due to concerns that its nanoparticles could damage DNA (genotoxicity).
Red 3 (Erythrosine)
A cherry-pink dye. The FDA banned it in cosmetics due to thyroid cancer links but still allows it in food (like maraschino cherries and candy).
Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine)
A petroleum-based blue dye. Animal studies have suggested a link to brain tumors in male rats.
Mono- and Diglycerides
Emulsifiers that can contain small amounts of trans fats, but loophole laws allow foods containing them to be labeled '0g Trans Fat'.
Moderate Caution
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
A synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye derived from coal tar. It is known to cause allergic reactions (like hives) in people with aspirin intolerance and has been linked to behavioral changes in children.
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)
A synthetic food dye used in cheese, candy, and soda. Some animal studies have linked it to adrenal tumors, though the FDA currently deems it safe for consumption.
Palm Oil
A vegetable fat high in saturated fatty acids. Its massive production is a primary driver of deforestation, endangering species like orangutans. Refined palm oil may also contain harmful contaminants.
Soybean Oil
A ubiquitous vegetable oil high in Omega-6 fatty acids. Excessive consumption of Omega-6s without balancing Omega-3s can promote systemic inflammation in the body.
Artificial Flavor
A mixture of chemicals synthesized in a lab to mimic natural tastes. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific ingredients used in these proprietary blends.
Sodium Phosphate
Used in processed meats and cheese to maintain moisture. High intake is dangerous for people with kidney issues and can weaken bones by leaching calcium.
CMC (Cellulose Gum)
A thickener and emulsifier. Recent research indicates it might alter healthy gut bacteria and promote intestinal inflammation similar to Polysorbate 80.
Dextrose
A simple sugar chemically identical to glucose. It absorbs instantly into the bloodstream, causing rapid energy spikes and crashes. Often used as a filler.
Cottonseed Oil
Derived from cotton crops which are heavily sprayed with pesticides (since cotton is not a food crop). Often contains higher pesticide residues than other oils.
Inulin (Chicory Root)
A prebiotic fiber added to 'healthy' snacks. While natural, processed inulin can cause severe gas and digestive distress in sensitive individuals.
Soy Protein Isolate
A highly processed protein. The extraction process often uses hexane (a neurotoxin). It also contains high levels of phytoestrogens.
Sunflower Oil
Often perceived as healthy, but high-oleic versions are better. Standard sunflower oil is very high in inflammatory Omega-6s.
Full Ingredients List:
Diet Compatibility
Vegan
Avoid
Gluten-Free
Avoid
Keto
Avoid
What you need to know
Fat in high quantity (18.48g)
A high consumption of fat can raise cholesterol and increase heart disease risk. Limit consumption.
Source: National Health Service UK (NHS) - Fat: the facts
Saturated Fat in high quantity (9.78g)
High consumption of saturated fats increases the risk of heart diseases. Choose products with lower content.
Source: National Health Service UK (NHS)
Sugars in high quantity (51.09g)
A high consumption of sugar causes weight gain, tooth decay, and risks of type 2 diabetes. Limit sugary drinks and snacks.
Source: National Health Service UK (NHS) - Sugar: the facts
Salt in moderate quantity (0.49g)
Salt in moderate quantity.
Source: WHO - Fact sheet - Salt reduction
Health Benefits
- ● Convenient Snack
Cons & Warnings
- ● Contains Red 40 (Allura Red)
- ● High Sugar Content
Processing Level
Based on ingredient analysis (NOVA System)
Analysis Report
Data-Driven
Dr. Mark Chen, PhD
Food Scientist
"Mark analyzes food processing levels and additive safety."
Health Integrity Analysis
Is Hostess Birthday Cupcakes truly good for you, or is it just clever marketing? We analyzed the nutritional density, ingredient safety, and processing levels using the CakeID Algorithm. With a calculated health score of 0/100, here is the deep dive into what you are actually eating.
⚠️ Additive Watch: Critical Flags
The ingredient list reveals the presence of Red 40 (Allura Red). A synthetic petroleum-based dye used to create bright red colors in candy and drinks. It has been linked to hyperactivity and attention issues in sensitive children. Banned in parts of Europe for use in baby food. For health-conscious consumers, this is a significant red flag that lowered the product's overall score.
The Sugar Reality Check
This product contains 51g of sugar per 100g. To put that into perspective, that's equivalent to eating roughly 13 sugar cubes directly. While it might taste great, such a high glycemic load can lead to rapid insulin spikes followed by energy crashes.
Final Verdict
Taking into account the macro-nutrient balance, additive risks, and caloric density, Hostess Birthday Cupcakes achieves a CakeID Score of 0/100.
Health Recommendations
Sugar Spike
High sugar may cause energy crashes.
Similar Alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
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Official GTIN Code
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 package
Calories
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Burn It Off
To burn off the 413 kcal in 100g, you'd need to:
Sugar Visualization
1 cube ≈ 4g sugar (Contains ~13 cubes)
Macros
FDA Check
Passed. No active recalls.
