Flamin' Hot Crunchy — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Flamin' Hot Crunchy by Cheetos DUMP — score 20/90.

Highly processed snack with some concerning additives but moderate consumption is generally safe.

Ingredients (20)

• ENRICHED CORN MEAL (CORN MEAL, FERROUS SULFATE, NIACIN, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID) (safe) — Basic carbohydrate source, enriched with vitamins.
• VEGETABLE OIL (CORN, CANOLA, AND/OR SUNFLOWER OIL) (moderate) — Refined seed oil used for frying; adds a lot of calories and makes the chips dense and easy to overeat.
• AND LESS THAN 2% OF SALT (moderate) — Necessary in small amounts, excessive intake is linked to hypertension.
• MALTODEXTRIN (MADE FROM CORN) (concerning) — Highly processed thickener/additive.
• YEAST EXTRACT (moderate) — A hidden source of free glutamate, stacked with MSG for umami.
• MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (moderate) — Flavor enhancer; safe for most but a signal of engineered savoriness.
• POTASSIUM SALT (moderate) — Potassium chloride standing in for part of the sodium.
• citric acid (safe) — Acidity and tartness adjuster.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
• ARTIFICIAL COLOR (RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, YELLOW 6, YELLOW 5) (safe) — Protein source derived from milk.
• CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES) (safe) — Standard cheese ingredient.
• ONION POWDER (safe) — Dried aromatic for flavor.
• Whey (safe) — Milk protein for body.
• Whey Protein Concentrate (safe) — Dairy protein used for body and freeze-thaw stability.
• GARLIC POWDER (safe) — Real seasoning.
• Natural Flavors (safe) — Flavor compounds derived from natural sources.
• BUTTERMILK (safe) — Dried dairy for flavor.
• SODIUM DIACETATE (moderate) — Vinegar-flavor salt that delivers the tang and adds to the sodium total.
• DISODIUM INOSINATE (caution) — Nucleotide enhancer that multiplies MSG's effect several-fold. Its presence confirms a designed flavor system.
• DISODIUM GUANYLATE (caution) — The third leg of the industrial umami trio — used when a product must taste craveable at minimum cost.

Healthier alternatives

• Crunchy Curls
• HIMALAYAN PINK ORGANIC POPCORN, HIMALAYAN PINK
• Vegan Cheese Popped Water Lily Seeds
• SkinnyPop Organic Original Popcorn
• SkinnyPop Original Popcorn