Ingredients starting with C

Every ingredient carries a PureScore from 0–100 — lower means more concern. Informational, not medical advice. How PureScore works

• Caramel Color IVContains 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a potential carcinogen.20Avoid
• Cottonseed OilIndustrial seed oil; high omega-6; may carry pesticide residue; heavily refined.20Avoid
• Canola OilIndustrial seed oil; very high omega-6; hexane-extracted and heavily refined; promotes inflammatory imbalance.20Avoid
• Corn OilIndustrial seed oil; high omega-6; refined and often GMO; oxidation-prone.20Avoid
• Corn SyrupPure glucose; spikes blood sugar; contributes to metabolic disorders.28Poor
• CyclopentasiloxaneEndocrine disruption potential; persistent in aquatic environment; bioaccumulates in fish.30Poor
• CarrageenanIntestinal inflammation; may exacerbate IBS; degraded form is carcinogenic.35Poor
• CarboxymethylcelluloseSynthetic emulsifier; animal studies link it to microbiome disruption and inflammation.35Poor
• Caramel Color (Class III)Ammonia-process caramel coloring; may contain 4-MEI; ultra-processed marker.35Poor
• Confectioner's GlazeShellac from lac beetle secretions; not vegan; generally safe45Fair
• Cane SyrupLess refined than white sugar; retains trace minerals; still concentrated sugar45Fair
• Corn StarchRefined starch; high glycemic; conventional GMO concern50Fair
• Cellulose GelMicrocrystalline cellulose; ultra-processed plant fiber52Fair
• Calcium Disodium EDTAChelating preservative; generally safe at low food doses but synthetic52Fair
• CelluloseHighly processed plant fiber; microcrystalline form under study at very high doses55Fair
• Calcium PropionateMold inhibitor; animal studies suggest possible behavioral effects and gut irritation at high doses55Fair
• CaffeineStimulant; cognitive benefits documented; anxiety and dependency risk at elevated doses55Fair
• Cultured Wheat FlourFermented flour used as natural preservative; ultra-processed origin58Fair
• Cultured DextroseFermented dextrose producing organic acids; natural label claim but ultra-processed origin58Fair
• Coconut SugarLess refined than white sugar; still concentrated sucrose.58Fair
• Corn Flour60Good
• Cocoa Processed with AlkaliAlkali treatment reduces flavanol content but retains real food status62Good
• Cocamidopropyl BetaineMay cause skin sensitization in some individuals; generally low concern.65Good
• Cocoa PowderMore processed than whole cocoa; heavy metal risk persists68Good
• Chicken Fat68Good
• Calcium Sulfate68Good
• Calcium Phosphate70Good
• CornConventional GMO concern; high starch content70Good
• Calcium Chloride70Good
• Calcium Carbonate70Good
• Cream CheeseOften contains stabilizers such as guar gum; more processed than aged cheese70Good
• CyanocobalaminSynthetic B12; contains trace cyanide group handled safely by normal metabolism72Good
• ChickenConventional antibiotic use; lean protein source72Good
• CocoaFlavanols and magnesium; heavy metal contamination risk in some origins72Good
• Chicken BrothSodium concern; conventional may contain autolyzed yeast extract72Good
• Chocolate LiquorRich in flavanols; heavy metal risk same as cocoa72Good
• Chili Powder72Good
• Calcium Lactate72Good
• Calcium Pantothenate75Good
• Coffee75Good
• Cayenne Pepper78Good
• Coconut78Good
• Cream78Good
• Cheddar Cheese78Good
• Chili Pepper78Good
• Coconut Flour78Good
• Cilantro80Excellent
• Cheese Culture80Excellent
• Cashews80Excellent
• Cultured Milk80Excellent
• Coconut Milk80Excellent
• Cracked Wheat80Excellent
• Cumin80Excellent
• Cherries82Excellent
• Cranberries82Excellent
• Carrots82Excellent
• Cocoa Butter82Excellent
• Citric Acid82Excellent
• Cinnamon82Excellent
• Celery82Excellent
• Cucumbers82Excellent
• Castor Oil85Excellent
• Chia Seeds85Excellent
• Coconut Water88Excellent
• Carnauba Wax88Excellent
• Centella Asiatica Extract92Excellent
• Coconut Oil92Excellent
• Chickpeas92Excellent