Pulled BBQ chicken
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
2
0 we grade moderate or higher
Counted from the label, not by quantity
Sugars per 100g
5.69g
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 (2)
This label lists 1 acidity regulator and 1 preservative.
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
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
Ingredients
20% Pulled Chicken (Chicken, Salt), Water, 15% Cooked Red Quinoa (Red Quinoa, Water), Tomato Passata, 9% Cooked Brown Rice (Brown Rice, Water), 5% Spinach, 5% Sweetcorn, 4% Refried Beans (Bayo Beans, Water, Vegetable Oil [RBD Vegetable Soybean Oil, Garlic Oil], Cornstarch, Iodized Salt, Onion), Sugar, Tomato Ketchup (Water, Tomato Paste, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Spirit Vinegar, Sugar, Modified Maize Starch, Salt, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid; Preservative: Potassium Sorbate; Natural Flavouring), 3% Black Turtle Beans, Garlic Purée, Cider Vinegar, Rapeseed Oil, Cornflour, Smoked Paprika, Lemon Juice from Concentrate, Coriander, Ground Cumin, Dried Chipotle Chilli, Cajun Seasoning (Ground Paprika, Salt, Ground Cumin, Dried Onion, Dried Garlic, Ground Black Pepper.
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.