Smarties vanilla
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
8
0 we grade moderate or higher
5 of them not yet assessed here
Salt per 100g
4.95g
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 (8)
This label lists 3 colours, 2 acidity regulators, 1 emulsifier, 1 glazing agent and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E100
Curcumin
Yellow colour
What it is. The yellow pigment from turmeric root.
Why it is used. Colours mustards, sauces, dairy, confectionery and savoury snacks.
What the evidence says. A plant pigment people have eaten as a spice for a very long time, and regulators treat it as safe with an acceptable daily intake. EFSA noted that children who eat a lot of the foods it is used in could approach that intake, which is a reason to watch total use rather than a sign of harm.
Permitted with maximum levels in the foods where it is allowed.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E100
E160A
Carotenes
Yellow to orange colour
What it is. The orange pigments found in carrots and other vegetables, either extracted or made synthetically.
Why it is used. Colours margarine, soft drinks, dairy, and sweets.
What the evidence says. The same compound the body turns into vitamin A, and safe at the levels used in food. High dose beta-carotene supplements have been linked to harm in smokers, but those doses are far above anything a colour in food delivers, and conflating the two is a common mistake.
Permitted. The supplement findings apply to concentrated doses, not to food colouring.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E160A
E322
Lecithin
Emulsifier
What it is. A natural emulsifier, usually from soya or sunflower.
Why it is used. Keeps chocolate smooth and stops ingredients separating.
What the evidence says. Safe and widely used. Only relevant if the source, such as soya, is an allergen for you.
Permitted freely. Source allergen must be declared.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E322
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E162 Beetroot red, betanin colour
- E296 Malic acid acidity regulator
- E331 Sodium citrates acidity regulator
- E412 Guar gum thickener
- E903 Carnauba wax glazing agent
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
Vanilla Flavour Yogurt 86.7% [yogurt (MILK 76%), water, sugar, starch, natura flavouring, acidity regulas (malic acid, sodium citrate), thickener: guar gum], mini smarties 13.3% (sugar, skimmed MILwder, cocoa mass cocoa butter, glucose syrup, WHEAT flour (GLUTEN), whey permeate (MILK), butter oil (MILK), vele fats (palm shea), rice starch, emulsifier: lecithins, colours (beetroot red, carotene, curcumin), spirulina concentre glazing agents (bees wax white, carnauba wax), vegetable concentrates (safflower, radish), BARLEY MALT extract (GLUTEN May contain: PEANUTS, NUTS, SOYA, LUPIN, CEREALS containing GLUTEN, MUSTARD.
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.