Sweet Potato Falafel Veggie Box
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
3
0 we grade moderate or higher
Counted from the label, not by quantity
Fat per 100g
6.70g
Medium
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 (3)
This label lists 1 acidity regulator, 1 antioxidant and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
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
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
Ingredients
Grain Mix 36% (Green lentils, White quinoa, carrot, pink cabbage, cucumber, black _barley_, rapeseed oil, red quinoa, sherry vinegar, basil, salt, black pepper), sweet potato falafel 25% (chickpeas, sweet potato, carrot, onion, rapeseed oil, sultanas (sultanas, sunflower oil), potato flakes, coriander leaf, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, chilli flakes), broccoli, avocado houmous 11% (avocado, stabiliser (Xanthan gum), antioxidant (Ascorbic acid), acidity regulator (citric acid,)), water, rapeseed oil, tahini (_sesame_), spinach, concentrated lemon juice, salt, garlic purée), lettuce
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.