Bac'N Buds — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Bac'N Buds by Kroeger DUMP — score 20/90.

Fake bacon bits built on partially hydrogenated oils and two artificial dyes. This is a chemistry set engineered to taste like smoke.

Why this verdict

• Contains partially hydrogenated oils - artificial trans fat that damages your arteries
• Two artificial dyes (Red 3 and Red 40) just to fake a bacon color
• TBHQ preservative and hydrolyzed proteins for a synthetic savory hit
• Zero actual bacon - it's dyed, smoke-flavored soy flour

Ingredients (15)

• soy flour (safe) — Cheap protein and binder for the batter.
• Soybean oil (with TBHQ) (moderate) — Refined oil preserved with TBHQ, a synthetic antioxidant; high in omega-6.
• PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL (harmful) — Artificial trans fat — raises bad cholesterol, lowers good, directly tied to heart disease. Should not be in food.
• Partially hydrogenated cottonseed/soybean oil (harmful) — More artificial trans fat from hydrolyzed vegetable protein blend; no safe level.
• Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (concerning) — A glutamate-style flavor enhancer that amplifies savory craving — a hallmark of engineered snacks.
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (soy and corn) (moderate) — Another free-glutamate flavor enhancer engineered for craveability.
• YEAST EXTRACT (moderate) — Natural-source MSG/glutamate flavour enhancer to boost savouriness.
• Natural Smoke Flavor (moderate) — Manufactured flavoring to mimic real smoked bacon.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added sugar sitting ahead of cocoa; the main flavor driver here.
• Dextrose (moderate) — A second added sugar, used on the chicken; spikes blood sugar fast.
• caramel color (moderate) — Cosmetic coloring with no nutritional value, can contain 4-MEI
• red 3 (harmful) — Erythrosine, being phased out by the FDA over cancer concerns in animal studies.
• red 40 (harmful) — The most common artificial red dye, linked to hyperactivity in children.
• Soy Lecithin (moderate) — Common emulsifier in the brownie; mild but adds to the additive pile.
• Sunflower Oil (moderate) — Refined seed oil added to the sauce.