Funyuns Onion Flavored Rings

Funyuns Onion Flavored Rings

D

A B C D F
Overall Health Grade: D
UPC: 028400768207

What this grade means

This product is safe to eat in moderation but is highly processed, high in refined starches and sodium, and contains flavor enhancers like MSG and hydrolyzed proteins. It is best considered an occasional snack rather than a regular part of a healthy diet.

Why it earned a D

The score reflects:

  • Ingredient safety and regulatory approval
  • Nutritional quality (fiber, protein, whole foods)
  • Level of processing and additives

Deterministic scoring; no subjective adjustments.

Ingredient Explanations + Scientific Sources

Enriched Corn Meal (Corn Meal, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)

What it does: Provides energy from refined corn. Added vitamins replace some nutrients lost during processing but fiber remains low.

Sources:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7352458/
  • https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food/169736/nutrients
Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil)

What it does: Adds fat for cooking and flavor. Mostly unsaturated fats, but highly processed oils are less optimal than whole-food fat sources.

Sources:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722830/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452226/
Salt (Sodium)

What it does: Enhances flavor. High sodium intake over time is linked to elevated blood pressure.

Sources:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/salt/index.htm
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770596/
  • https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
Corn Starch, Corn Flour, Maltodextrin, Dextrose

What it does: Refined starches and sugars add calories but very little nutritional value. Contribute to texture and flavor.

Sources:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6352191/
  • https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
Sugar

What it does: Adds sweetness. Unnecessary calories, no significant nutrients.

Sources:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/sugars/index.html
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6959843/
Buttermilk

What it does: Provides small amounts of protein and calcium.

Sources:

  • https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566799/
Onion Powder, Garlic Powder

What it does: Provide flavor and small amounts of compounds linked to heart and immune support.

Sources:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707689/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Natural Flavors

What it does: Flavor enhancers. Considered safe by regulatory agencies, but do not contribute nutritional value.

Sources:

  • https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/monosodium-glutamate-msg
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6952072/
  • https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/natural-flavors
Gum Arabic

What it does: Used as a stabilizer. Safe for consumption at typical levels.

Sources:

  • https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/gum-arabic
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566799/

Safety check

Result: No banned or carcinogenic ingredients

All ingredients are considered safe at normal food-level consumption.

Sources:https://monographs.iarc.who.int/
https://www.fda.gov/food/generally-recognized-safe-gras/gras-substances-scogs-database