Dietary supplements
Metamucil 4-in-1 Fiber
36.8 oz
Score
- Dye with an EU warning label
- Contains synthetic dyes
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains artificial flavors
Why it scores 75
Metamucil 4-in-1 Fiber scores 75 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 12 points Aspartame: Labels must warn people with phenylketonuria (PKU) because aspartame contains phenylalanine (US and EU). Regulatory
- minus 12 points Yellow 6: In the EU and UK, foods with this color must state that it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". Regulatory
- minus 1 points Maltodextrin: An additive class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
The Receipt
4-in-1 Fiber
Ingredients
- Aspartame minus 12 points
- Yellow 6 minus 12 points
- Maltodextrin minus 1 points
- Natural and artificial flavors minus 0.5 points
100 − 25.5 = 74.5 → 75
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 259 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 86.2 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 51.7 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Salt | 0.2 g |
Serving: 2 rounded teaspoons (11.6 g)
Ingredients
- Psyllium husk
- maltodextrin
- citric acid
- natural and artificial orange flavor
- aspartame (high concern)
- Yellow 6 (high concern)
Label text, as published
Psyllium husk, maltodextrin, citric acid, natural and artificial orange flavor, aspartame, Yellow 6
Allergens and diets
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Sources
-
Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III point 2.3 (aspartame)
“‘contains a source of phenylalanine’ shall appear on the label in cases where aspartame/aspartame-acesulfame salt is designated in the list of ingredients by its specific name.”
eur-lex.europa.eu
-
Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released (IARC, WHO and FAO joint news release)
“Citing “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans, IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) and JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight.”
who.int
-
Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food
“The FDA disagrees with IARC’s conclusion that these studies support classifying aspartame as a possible carcinogen to humans.”
fda.gov
-
“Aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for human consumption at current levels of exposure”
efsa.europa.eu
-
Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study
“In this large cohort study, artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K), which are used in many food and beverage brands worldwide, were associated with increased cancer risk.”
doi.org
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of 16 December 2008 on food additives
“may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
eur-lex.europa.eu
-
“may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
legislation.gov.uk
-
“Artificial colours or a sodium benzoate preservative (or both) in the diet result in increased hyperactivity in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the general population.”
doi.org
-
Tracking Food Industry Pledges to Remove Petroleum Based Food Dyes
“FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2—by the end of 2027.”
fda.gov
-
California AB 2316 (2024), Pupil nutrition: substances: prohibition
“beginning December 31, 2027, would prohibit a school district, county superintendent of schools, or charter school”
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply (press release)
“Initiating the process to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months.”
fda.gov