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Brand founded in India, 1929 · about the brand
Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila
Decode Label Safety Score
Score limited by
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) — which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture — IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); this label does not state its concentration
No lane-by-lane breakdown: the label doesn't carry what the lanes are scored from.
This biscuit contains several ingredients that warrant caution, particularly the presence of ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen due to its 4-MEI by-product. While the product provides a quick source of energy from sugar and refined flour, the high saturated fat content from refined palm oil is a cardiovascular concern, especially when consumed regularly. The lack of a nutrition panel prevents a full assessment of sugar and fat levels, but their high placement in the ingredient list suggests they are significant. Individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should avoid this product due to refined wheat flour. Overall, it's a product best consumed in strict moderation, if at all, by healthy adults, and is not suitable for regular consumption.
Reviewed 6 times
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Cocoa Solids
Contains IARC 2B carcinogen, high in sugar and saturated fat.
This biscuit contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which is linked to a possible cancer risk by IARC. It is also high in sugar and refined palm oil, contributing to saturated fat intake, which can be a concern for heart health. Due to these factors, it's best consumed sparingly.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Refined Palm Oil is declared.
Declared allergens: Gluten
Relevant if you have this allergy or intolerance.
Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for food. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
6 concerns could not be assessed from this label. That means we don't know — not that there's nothing to find.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitHigh added sugar content from Sugar and Invert Sugar Syrup is not recommended for regular consumption in young children due to dental health and dietary balance concerns.
Why the score is capped
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) — which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture — IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); this label does not state its concentration
Rule F-CAP-10 · Source: IARC / EFSA classification of the additive
What's good
Contains cocoa solids, which offer some antioxidant properties and flavour.
Watch out for
High in added sugars (Sugar, Invert Sugar Syrup) which contribute to caloric intake and can impact blood sugar levels.
High in saturated fat from Refined Palm Oil, a concern for cardiovascular health.
Contains 'Added Flavours' without specific disclosure, which may be a concern for individuals with flavour sensitivities.
Permitted Natural Colour — the known concern is ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen due to its 4-MEI by-product. This is a significant safety concern.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is very high in saturated fatty acids (~50%), which raise LDL cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk with regular high consumption. Refined palm oil can also carry processing contaminants (glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD esters), which EFSA assessed in 2016.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: WHO; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; EFSA CONTAM opinion (2016)
Palm Oil: regulation, sources and other products →Wheat Flour
Wheat and wheat-derived ingredients contain gluten, which triggers an autoimmune response in people with celiac disease, causing intestinal damage. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or wheat allergy must also avoid this ingredient. Labelled as a major allergen by FSSAI.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI Food Labelling Regulations; Celiac Disease Foundation
Wheat Flour: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen due to its 4-MEI by-product. This is a concern for ingestion.
Refined Palm Oil is high in saturated fat, which is a cardiovascular concern. EFSA has also noted concerns regarding glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD esters as refining contaminants.
Refined wheat flour contains gluten, making this product unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The ingredient list includes cocoa solids.
The product is described as a vanilla creme sandwich, and the ingredients list added flavors, which would include vanilla.
The product contains cocoa solids, supporting the 'dark indulgence' aspect.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
SugarSUGAR*
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2.
Refined Wheat FlourREFINED WHEAT FLOUR (MAIDA)
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3.
Refined Palm OilREFINED PALM OIL
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4.
Cocoa Solids 4.5%COCOA SOLIDS
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5.
Invert Sugar SyrupINVERT SUGAR SYRUP
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6.
Iodised SaltIODISED SALT
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7.
Raising AgentsAmmonium carbonates (INS 503), Sodium carbonates (INS 500)RAISING AGENTS [503 (ii), 500 (ii)]
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8.
Emulsifier of Vegetable OriginEMULSIFIER OF VEGETABLE ORIGIN [SOY LECITHIN]
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9.
Permitted Natural Colour synthetic colourSulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150D)PERMITTED NATURAL COLOUR [150d]
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10.
Added Flavours undisclosed flavouringADDED FLAVOURS (ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURING SUBSTANCES - CHOCOLATE, VANILLA )
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
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What are the ingredients in Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila?
The label of Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila lists 10 ingredients, in label order: Sugar, Refined wheat flour, Refined Palm Oil, Cocoa Solids, Invert Sugar Syrup, Iodised Salt, Raising Agents, Emulsifier of Vegetable Origin, Permitted Natural Colour, Added Flavours. Flagged by the analysis: Refined Palm Oil, Permitted Natural Colour.
Is Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila safe to eat?
Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila scores 3.9/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). This biscuit contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which is linked to a possible cancer risk by IARC. It is also high in sugar and refined palm oil, contributing to saturated fat intake, which can be a concern for heart health. Due to these factors, it's best consumed sparingly.
Why does Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila score 3.9/10?
Flagged in the score: High in saturated fat from Refined Palm Oil, a concern for cardiovascular health. Also noted: High in added sugars (Sugar, Invert Sugar Syrup) which contribute to caloric intake and can impact blood sugar levels. Contains 'Added Flavours' without specific disclosure, which may be a concern for individuals with flavour sensitivities.
Who should avoid Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Individuals concerned about carcinogens; Heart conditions; Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity; Diabetes or blood sugar management.
Is Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila suitable for babies or young children?
Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains gluten (Refined wheat flour). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila contain gluten?
Yes — the ingredient list names Refined wheat flour. People with gluten / wheat sensitivity (coeliac disease) should treat it as containing gluten, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Are the claims on the Parle Hide&Seek Black Bourbon Vanila pack accurate?
Yes — all 3 claims on the pack checked out against the ingredient list and nutrition panel.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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