Coconut Water
Fresh Express
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
7
1 we grade moderate or higher
4 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100ml
14g
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 (7)
This label lists 2 acidity regulators, 2 preservatives, 2 thickeners and gelling agents and 1 antioxidant.
E250
Sodium nitrite
Preservative and colour fixer, cured meats
What it is. A curing salt that keeps cured and processed meats pink and stops the growth of the bacteria behind botulism.
Why it is used. Used in bacon, ham, salami and hot dogs for preservation, safety and colour.
What the evidence says. The concern is not the additive in isolation but processed meat as a whole, which the WHO's cancer agency IARC classes as Group 1, meaning there is sufficient evidence it causes colorectal cancer. Nitrite can form nitrosamines during curing and cooking, and those are the likely culprit. Risk rises with how much processed meat you eat over time.
Permitted with strict maximum levels. The EU cut the allowed limits further from 2023 to reduce nitrosamine formation.
Assessed against IARC, EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E250
E330
Citric acid
Acidity regulator
What it is. A mild acid found naturally in citrus fruit, made commercially by fermentation.
Why it is used. Adds tartness, balances flavour and helps preserve. One of the most used additives in food.
What the evidence says. Safe at food levels. No credible health concern for the additive itself.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E330
E415
Xanthan gum
Thickener and stabiliser
What it is. A fibre made by fermenting sugars with a bacterium, which thickens liquids at very low doses.
Why it is used. Thickens sauces and dressings and gives structure to gluten free baking.
What the evidence says. Passes through largely undigested and is treated as safe by regulators, with no numerical intake limit. Very large amounts act as fibre does, which is a digestive effect rather than a safety one.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E415
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E200 Sorbic acid preservative
- E316 Sodium erythorbate antioxidant
- E334 Tartaric acid acidity regulator
- E460 Cellulose thickener
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
VEGETABLE (ROMAINE LETTUCE), DRESSING (VEGETABLE OIL (CANOLA AND/OR SOYBEAN OIL), WATER, PARMESAN CHEESE (PART SKIM MILK, CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), EGG YOLK, DIJON MUSTARD (DISTILLED VINEGAR, WATER, MUSTARD SEED, SALT, WHITE WINE, CITRIC ACID, TURMERIC, TARTARIC ACID, SPICES), DISTILLED VINEGAR 2%, DRIED GARLIC, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, SUGAR, ANCHOVY PASTE (ANCHOVIES, SALT, WATER), SALT, MOLASSES, SPICE, ANCHOVY POWDER (MALTODEXTRIN, ANCHOVY EXTRACT, SALT), XANTHAN GUM, GROUND MUSTARD), BACON (BACON CURED WITH WATER, SALT, SODIUM PHOSPHATES (PRESERVATIVE), SODIUM ERYTHORBATE (PRESERVATIVE), SODIUM NITRITE (PRESERVATIVE), MAY CONTAIN SUGAR, BROWN SUGAR AND/OR SMOKE FLAVORING), CROUTONS (ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (ENRICHED WITH NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), CANOLA OIL, SALT, WHEY, SUGAR, YEAST, GARLIC POWDER, DEHYDRATED PARSLEY, SPICES, NATURAL FLAVOR, MALTODEXTRIN), CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, CHEESE CULTURE, ENZYMES, POWDERED CELLULOSE (PREVENTS CAKING), SORBIC ACID (PRESERVATIVE)).
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.