spinach and pine nut pasta
Processing
3
Processed foods
Group 3 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
4
0 we grade moderate or higher
2 of them not yet assessed here
Nutrients
–
Nothing above the low band
Or no figures recorded at all
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (4)
This label lists 3 preservatives and 1 antioxidant.
E202
Potassium sorbate
Preservative
What it is. The potassium salt of sorbic acid, which stops mould and yeast growth.
Why it is used. Used in cheese, baked goods, dried fruit, wine and dressings.
What the evidence says. Widely used and long regarded as one of the gentler preservatives. EFSA's 2015 re-evaluation lowered the acceptable daily intake and noted gaps in the genotoxicity data, asking for more work, while finding no evidence of harm at the levels actually used.
Permitted with maximum levels. EFSA has asked for further data rather than restricted it.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E202
E300
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Antioxidant
What it is. Vitamin C, added to protect colour and flavour and sometimes to fortify.
Why it is used. Stops browning in juices and cut fruit, protects fats, and boosts vitamin content.
What the evidence says. Beneficial and harmless at the levels used. Included here as a reminder that an E number is just a code, and plenty of them are ordinary nutrients.
Permitted freely, no concern.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E300
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E1105 Lysozyme preservative
- E224 Potassium metabisulphite preservative
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
230g e Cooked pasta with basil oil, spinach, pine nuts and Regato, Grana Padano and Parmesan cheeses. Ingredients Cooked pasta (68%) (water, durum wheat semolina), Basil, Rapeseed oil, Water, Spinach (3%), White wine vinegar, Sunflower oil, Sugar, Regato cheese (milk), Grana Padano cheese (cheese (milk), preservative (egg lysozyme)), Pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (milk), Salt, Cornflour, Garlic purée, Dijon mustard (water, mustard seed, spirit vinegar, salt), concentrated lemon juice (concentrated lemon juice, preservative (potassium metabisulphite)), Preservative (potassium sorbate), Black pepper, Antioxidant (ascorbic acid). ALLERGY ADVICE For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May also contain nuts and peanuts.
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.