Cranberry, Pumpkin Seed and Oat Muffin

M&S Bakery

29430635

Processing

4

Ultra-processed

Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale

Additives listed

9

0 we grade moderate or higher

6 of them not yet assessed here

Sugars per 100g

24.30g

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.

This label lists 3 emulsifiers, 2 acidity regulators, 2 raising agents, 1 additive and 1 thickener or gelling agent.

E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
Emulsifier
Low limited evidence

What it is. Fat derived emulsifiers, closely related to ordinary dietary fats.

Why it is used. One of the most used additives in food: bread, margarine, ice cream, cakes and sauces.

What the evidence says. The body handles these much as it handles other fats, and EFSA's re-evaluation raised no safety concern at the levels used. They sit in the same broad emulsifier and gut microbiome research question as the others, which remains unsettled.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted without a numerical limit. The fat source is not always stated, which matters for some diets rather than for safety.

Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E471

E330 Citric acid
Acidity regulator
No real concern strong evidence

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.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted freely.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E330

E415 Xanthan gum
Thickener and stabiliser
No real concern strong evidence

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.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted freely.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E415

Also on the label, not assessed here yet

  • E341 Calcium phosphates raising agent
  • E422 Glycerol other
  • E450 Diphosphates raising agent
  • E470A Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids emulsifier
  • E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids emulsifier
  • E501 Potassium carbonates acidity regulator

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.

Wheatflour · Demerara Sugar · Rapeseed Oil · Pasteurised Egg · Cranberries (8%) · Carrots · Sultanas · Wholewheat Flour · Soybeans · Chicory Fibre · Water · Pumpkin Seeds (1.5%) · Humectant: Glycerol · Oats (1%) · Redcurrants · Desiccated Coconut · Palm Oil · Ground Spices (Sweet Cinnamon (Cassia), Ginger, Nutmeg) · Raising Agent: E501(ii), E450, E341(i) · Milk Protein · Wheat Starch · Salt · Wheat Gluten · Cornflour · Glucose Syrup · Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum · Emulsifier: E471, E475, E470a · Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid · Natural Flavouring

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.

Scan another barcode Search