trail mix mountain
Eatz
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
6
1 we grade moderate or higher
4 of them not yet assessed here
Sugars per 100g
33.33g
High
UK FSA front of pack threshold
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (6)
This label lists 2 emulsifiers, 2 thickeners and gelling agents, 1 acidity regulator and 1 colour.
E171
Titanium dioxide
Whitener and opacifier
What it is. A bright white pigment used to make sweets, icing, sauces and coatings look opaque and white.
Why it is used. Purely cosmetic. It changes appearance, not taste or safety of the food.
What the evidence says. In 2021 the EU food safety body EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, mainly because possible genetic damage from the tiny particles could not be ruled out. That is a precautionary call rather than proof of harm in people.
Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022. Still permitted in the UK and the US, which reached different conclusions on the same evidence. A clear case of the same additive, different rules.
Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA, US FDA. Full entry for E171
E338
Phosphoric acid
Acidity regulator
What it is. A strong food acid that gives cola drinks their sharpness.
Why it is used. Used in colas and some processed foods to control acidity.
What the evidence says. EFSA set a group acceptable daily intake for phosphates in 2019 and noted that high consumers, particularly children, can exceed it once all sources are counted. The concern is total phosphate intake across the diet rather than one drink, and it matters most for people with reduced kidney function.
Permitted with maximum levels, under a group limit shared with the other phosphate additives.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E338
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E1400 Dextrin thickener
- E414 Acacia gum (gum arabic) thickener
- E435 Polysorbate 60 emulsifier
- E491 Sorbitan monostearate emulsifier
Names and jobs come from the register of additives permitted in Great Britain, which we have not finished transcribing: a code shown without a name is a gap in our coverage, not a finding that it is unapproved. Naming one is not grading it either. Full detail appears only where we have an assessment against a named authority, so all of this describes our coverage rather than these additives. Most are common and low concern.
Ingredients
TITANIUM DIOXIDE, PHOSPHORIC ACID. METHYL AND PROPYL PARABENS (PRESERVATIVES), AND CARAMEL NONFAT MILK. SOY LECITHIN EMULSIFIER SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE (STABILIZER), SALT POLYSORBATE 60 (EMULSIFIER), ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, SUGAR CORNSTARCH, CORN SYRUP GUM ACACIA, WAX, DEXTRIN, VANILLIN [ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, CONFECTIONER'S GLAZE), ROASTED ALMONDS (ALMONDS, CANOLA OIL).
As printed on the pack, in the producer's own order: ingredients are listed by weight, so what comes first is most of what is in it. E numbers link to their assessment where we have one.